Director of External Communications

Summary

The American Coatings Association (ACA) is seeking a Director of External Communications to elevate the association’s public profile, drive advocacy campaigns, and amplify the unified voice of the industry to policymakers, the media, and the general public. The new Director of External Communications will help shape and broadcast the association’s public narrative, manage media relations, and drive brand reputation. The individual in this role will craft messaging, handle crisis communications, and direct campaigns to ensure clear, consistent, and compelling outreach to build positive industry sentiment with all stakeholders. The person in this role will report to ACA’s Senior Vice President.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy & Messaging

• Craft strategic design and execution of all public-facing messaging, including industry narrative, in alignment with the association’s strategic plan
• Develop comprehensive external communications plans that elevate brand visibility and support overall organizational goals
• Ensure consistent framing of core messages across all public-facing platforms, including websites and social media platforms

Media & Public Relations

• Develop and execute proactive media and PR plans to advance the association’s communication goals
• Act as the primary spokesperson and media liaison; field incoming press inquiries and coordinate interviews for association executives
• Draft press releases, op-eds, talking points, and media briefing materials
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key journalists across trade, business, and mainstream media outlets
• Develop and execute reactive crisis communication plans to mitigate reputational risks and address public relations challenges

Advocacy Outreach

• Collaborate with the association’s Government Affairs team to translate complex legislative bills and regulatory issues into accessible, persuasive content (e.g., fact sheets, policy briefs, and one-pagers)
• Monitor the news cycle and legislative developments to identify rapid-response opportunities and mitigate potential reputational risks
• Manage the production and distribution of industry position and impact statements

Content Strategy & Digital Outreach

• Oversee the association’s external-facing digital presence, including the main website and social media channels
• Ensure all external messaging aligns with the association’s brand guidelines and strategic vision
• Track media coverage, public sentiment, and campaign effectiveness using data-driven KPIs

Stakeholder & Member Engagement

• Collaborate closely with the association’s Events & Engagement teams to ensure external communications reflect member value and address industry challenges
• Regular interaction with association’s Communications Committee and subcommittees comprised of industry members and leaders that oversee the association’s strategic communications messaging
• Support the communication needs of member coalitions and strategic industry partnerships

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a keen ability to demonstrate impact and urgency
• Strong presentation and oral communication skills; must be confident public speaker
• Strong existing network of media contacts and a deep understanding of evolving digital, print, and broadcast media landscapes
• Strong political judgment, crisis management, and rapid-response abilities
• Demonstrated success in managing external PR agencies, consultants, or small internal teams
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field
• Progressive experience of 8+ years must include trade association and/or government work involving public relations, media relations, or public affairs

Location and Travel

This position is located at ACA headquarters in Washington, DC and will operate within a hybrid work environment (working both onsite and remotely). Some travel will be required in this role.

Employment, Salary and Benefits

This is a full time, regular position. Salary is dependent on experience, but can range from $120,000 to $150,000. ACA provides generous benefits including 401(k) match, PTO, medical, dental, and life insurance, commuter benefits & wellness reimbursement, and professional development/training opportunities.

Apply

To apply for this position, please visit https://american-coatings-association.breezy.hr/. Please submit a resume and cover letter stating your motivations for applying and your salary requirement. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

About American Coatings Association (ACA)

ACA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry and the professionals who work in it. Through advocacy of the industry and its positions on legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues at the federal, state and local levels, it acts as an effective ally ensuring that the industry is represented and fairly considered. The association focuses on advancements in science and technology through its technical conferences and journals, and offers essential business information to members through its publications, surveys, and business programs.

ACA provides generous benefits including 401(k) match, PTO, medical, dental, and life insurance, commuter benefits & wellness reimbursement, and professional development/training opportunities.