Director, Media Engagement – Consumer Media & Programs

Alzheimer's Association®

. Lead the Alzheimer’s Association’s national earned media strategy .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesLead💰 $155,000 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading national earned media strategies, providing strategic communications counsel, and managing media relations efforts. Proven ability to cultivate relationships with diverse media outlets and utilize analytics to inform communication strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Media Relations ExpertiseStrategic Communications CounselLeadership ExperienceProject Management SkillsPerformance Measurement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Media RelationsPublic RelationsMessage DevelopmentStrategic PlanningProject ManagementPerformance AnalyticsReputation ManagementIssues ResponseStakeholder EngagementCommunications Strategy

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsStrong Executive PresenceAnalytical Problem-SolvingDecision-Making CapabilitiesPublic Speaking

Tools & Technologies

Media Monitoring PlatformsCommunications TechnologiesAI Tools

Industry Keywords

Earned Media StrategyReputation ManagementStakeholder EngagementCross-Functional CollaborationAgency Partnerships

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Alzheimer’s Association’s national earned media strategy
Provide strategic communications counsel to executive leadership on media opportunities, messaging, reputation management, and issues response
Oversee earned media planning and execution for major national initiatives, including the annual Facts and Figures Report, campaigns, and announcements
Lead proactive and reactive media relations efforts
Cultivate relationships with key national, consumer, trade, health, and multicultural media
Direct spokesperson preparation, message development, and media training for executives and subject matter experts
Strengthen media engagement across the Association through team leadership, chapter support, communications best practices, and innovative technologies
Monitor media trends, emerging issues, and reputational risks, leading response strategies as appropriate
Manage agency partnerships, budgets, performance measurement, and media analytics
Collaborate with communications, marketing, medical-scientific, care and support, development, and other teams
Support measurable organizational goals, awareness campaigns, enterprise priorities, programs, and initiatives
Report to the VP, Global Communications

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or related field
Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public relations, communications, journalism, or related fields
Exceptional communications, writing, and message development skills
Proven success leading integrated media relations strategies and high-profile communications initiatives
Strong executive presence and ability to provide strategic counsel to senior leaders
Expertise in media relations, reputation management, issues response, and stakeholder engagement
Demonstrated leadership experience, including team development, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration
Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills
Experience using metrics, analytics, and insights to evaluate performance and inform communications strategy
Experience managing agency partnerships, budgets, and external vendors
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
Proficiency with communications technologies, media monitoring platforms, and AI tools
Strong public speaking and presentation skills
Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, or non-traditional hours
Ability to travel up to 10–15%

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus based on individual and organizational performance, up to 6%
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Long-term care insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Generous Paid Time Off
12 annual holidays
Paid Family Leave
Annual Cultural & Heritage Day
Volunteer Day
Gold standard 401(k) retirement plan
Annual School Visitation Day for full-time employees
Elder Care Facility Day for full-time employees
Flexible hybrid/remote work environment
Periodic travel for key events, planning sessions, media opportunities, and organizational meetings