Public Affairs Sr Specialist

Public Affairs Sr Specialist

Are you an experienced communications professional with an extensive background in broadcast journalism? Do you have a knack for representing organizations through live and taped interviews, and a passion for developing impactful public and media relations strategies? If so, the Automobile Club of Southern California has an exciting opportunity for you to become our Public Affairs Lead and a Primary Media Spokesperson.

Key Responsibilities:

• Media Spokesperson: Represent the Automobile Club of Southern California as a primary media spokesperson. Engage in live and taped interviews, participate in public functions, and collaborate with elected officials, government agencies, and traffic safety advocates.

• Image Management: Ensure a positive image of AAA is projected to the public, AAA members, employees, and the media.

• External Communications: Develop and implement external communication strategies, including crafting press releases, coordinating media interviews, preparing speeches, creating fact sheets, and developing talking points.

• Events and Programs: Organize and oversee press conferences, special events, and relevant programs to generate interest and engagement.

• Collaboration: Work closely with Public Affairs staff, business line managers, and media relations teams across various states to secure media coverage for AAA's traffic safety advocacy efforts, products, and services.

• Media Monitoring: Regularly monitor news media platforms for stories impacting the organization and for opportunities to promote AAA's traffic safety messages.

• Social Media Expertise: Demonstrate a proven track record of creating engaging social media content that fosters a strong and active online following. Leverage social media platforms creatively to support efforts across multiple states.

• Crisis Communications: Receive training in AAA's crisis communications protocols and best practices. Lead and support crisis communication response efforts under executive management guidance.

Key Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, or a related field.

• Media Relations Expertise: A highly qualified professional with a strong track record in broadcasting or media relations as well as in social media. Proven ability to secure positive earned media news coverage and build an engaged online/social media following.

• Ability to communicate with executives showing gravitas, confidence and ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely

• Proven ability to follow through on tasks and projects from initiation to successful completion

• Videography Skills: Highly experienced in videography and video editing. Capable of creating visual "toolkits" comprising soundbites, b-roll, and other visual and narrative elements for news releases, media outreach, and social media posts.

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Communication Skills: Excellent presentation, emcee, public speaking, and written communication skills.

• Availability: Willingness to be available 24/7 for news media inquiries and opportunities, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays in Southern California media markets as well as occasionally for national media outlets.

• Travel: Must be open to traveling within Southern California and occasionally to other states.

• Writing Excellence: Strong writing and copyediting skills are essential.

• Bilingual Skills: Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is a plus.

Join us at the Automobile Club of Southern California and be at the forefront of promoting traffic safety, engaging with the media, and shaping public perception. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your skills and expertise in a dynamic and impactful role.

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The starting pay range for this position is:

$106,900.00 - $142,200.00

Additionally, for full time positions, you will be eligible to participate in our incentive program based upon the achievement of organization, team and personal performance.

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Remarkable benefits:
•    Health coverage for medical, dental, vision
•    401(K) saving plan with company match AND Pension
•    Tuition assistance
•    PTO for community volunteer programs
•    Wellness program
•    Employee discounts

Auto Club Enterprises is the largest federation of AAA clubs in the nation. We have 14,000 employees in 21 states helping 17 million members. The strength of our organization is our employees. Bringing together and supporting different cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and strengths creates a team capable of delivering legendary, lifetime service to our members. When we embrace our diversity – we win. All of Us! With our national brand recognition, long-standing reputation since 1902, and constantly growing membership, we are seeking career-minded, service-driven professionals to join our team.

“Through dedicated employees we proudly deliver legendary service and beneficial products that provide members peace of mind and value.”

AAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Automobile Club of Southern California will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), the Unincorporated Los Angeles County (ULAC) regulation, and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).