Director, Communications

Basic Functions

Primary responsibility is to ensure effective communications with both external policy makers and internal industry stakeholders. Develops programs to communicate the benefits of propane to external audiences. Provides leadership in communicating association’s programs and value to industry members, and assists association’s leadership in message development. Serves as editor-in-chief for the association, ensuring consistency of message and appearance. Oversees manager-level position and all content created by such manager.

Duties & Responsibilities

• External Communications

• Develop relationships and strategies to promote the benefits of propane to legislators, policy makers, and other influential audiences.
• Develop partnerships with affiliated organizations and coalitions to leverage communication strategies.
• Work with federal legislative and regulatory team to effectively position the industry on key issues, including providing assistance with Propane Days, the Congressional Propane Caucus and PropanePAC and developing media toolkits on major issues in support.
• Work with state affairs team to provide crisis communications support to state/regional associations.
• Manage association’s branding efforts.
• Industry Communications

• Serve as editor-in-chief for association’s publications, including weekly NPGA Reports e-newsletter, 90 Day Critical postcards, NPGA Director’s Reports, NPGA’s annual report, and other industry communications.
• Manage contracts for printing and communications consultants.
• Serve as content curator and develop strategy for association’s website and social media.
• Assist in membership recruitment and retention efforts including the development of collateral materials.
• Working with the meetings department, assist with designing, editing, and dissemination of promotional and educational materials for the NPGA Expo and other meetings.
• Serve as liaison with Propane Education & Research Council’s communications team, including participating in advisory committee activities.
• Assist in development of content and educational programs for state/regional associations to promote NPGA initiatives and legislative/policy activities.
• Draft press releases.
• Work with membership department to draft an annual value statement to members.
• Coordinate production of annual membership directory and committee directory.
• Develop non-dues revenue opportunities, including new advertising and sponsorships.
• Develop new communications tools for the industry.
• Provide guidance to state affairs team on strategic communication efforts to support State Engagement Initiative programs.
• Assist NPGA leadership in developing speeches and other communication as needed for visits to state/regional associations or other industry events.
• Staffing NPGA booth at occasional trade association conventions for related industries.
• Perform other duties as directed by the President and CEO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, English, Political Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of six years’ experience in communications.
• Experience as a congressional press secretary or trade association communications director highly desirable.
• Must have extensive media contacts, with a focus on energy sector media especially desired.
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Experience managing staff is desired.
• Excellent written, editing and verbal communication skills, including the ability to master complex issues and convey information clearly to varied audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Must be highly motivated and team-oriented.
• Must be able to stay on message related to propane’s key characteristics.
• Must be able to work with association members and others who may not always be aligned with each other.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Solid computer experience, including a thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office; technical proficiency in database management and website software, including WordPress.
• Design experience with desktop publishing software, specifically Adobe Creative Suite.

This position is currently based in NPGA’s Washington, DC office. Travel is required 6-8 times per year. Annual salary is $110,000 – $120,000, depending on experience.

Please submit a well-crafted cover letter and tailored resume for consideration. Written writing samples and references may be requested later in the application process.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.

* This position will initially report to NPGA’s Vice President, State Affairs who is currently overseeing communications during the period of vacancy of a Director of Communications. After a natural transition period, this position will likely report directly to NPGA’s President and CEO.

About NPGA

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is the national trade association representing the U.S. propane industry. NPGA’s membership includes small businesses and large corporations engaged in the retail marketing of propane gas and appliances, producers and wholesalers of propane equipment, manufacturers and distributors of propane gas appliances and equipment, fabricators of propane gas cylinders and tanks, and propane transporters.

With a membership of approximately 2,800 companies in all 50 states, 38 affiliated state or regional associations, and members in 19 foreign countries, the association represents every segment of the propane industry. NPGA’s mission is to advance safety and to increase the use of propane through sound public policy.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $110,000.00 to $120,000.00 /year

Experience:

• relevant: 6 years (Required)
• crisis communications: 2 years (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Work Location:

• One location

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

This Job Is Ideal for Someone Who Is:

• Dependable — more reliable than spontaneous
• People-oriented — enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects
• Adaptable/flexible — enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction
• Detail-oriented — would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture
• Autonomous/Independent — enjoys working with little direction
• Achievement-oriented — enjoys taking on challenges, even if they might fail
• Innovative — prefers working in unconventional ways or on tasks that require creativity
• High stress tolerance — thrives in a high-pressure environment

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends required