Director Of Communications
Company: American Society of Travel Advisors
Location: Washington
Posted on: March 1, 2025
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Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Director of Communications is an integral role within ASTA,
overseeing and executing the organization's communications
strategy, specifically as it relates to public relations and
consumer advocacy and outreach.
This position serves as one of ASTA's chief spokespersons,
developing and managing media relationships, handling public
affairs, branding efforts, and strategic messaging.
The Director of Communications will play a pivotal role in
amplifying ASTA's mission, enhancing its public image, and ensuring
consistent messaging across all communications channels to
effectively reach trade professionals, policymakers, and the
consumer traveling public.
This position will report directly to the Vice President -
Membership, Marketing, and Communications and is likely to have 1-2
direct reports with several other adjacent supporting staff.
Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
Media Relations & Public Affairs:
--- Serve as a primary spokesperson for ASTA, responding to media
inquiries and proactively positioning the organization in key
industry discussions.
--- Develop and execute media outreach strategies to enhance ASTA's
presence in both consumer and trade media.
--- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists,
editors, and influencers in travel, business, and policy
sectors.
--- Monitor industry trends and media coverage, providing rapid
response and proactive commentary on relevant issues impacting ASTA
and its members.
--- Draft and distribute press releases, media statements, op-eds,
and thought leadership pieces on behalf of ASTA as a whole as well
as on behalf of ASTA leadership.
Strategic Communications & Brand Management:
--- Develop and oversee the implementation of ASTA's communications
strategy to reinforce its position as the voice of the travel
advisor industry.
--- Ensure consistency in messaging across all platforms, aligning
with ASTA's mission, advocacy efforts, and membership value
propositions.
--- Oversee content development for ASTA.org, newsletters, social
media, and any other avenues, ensuring alignment with broader
marketing and communications goals.
--- Manage crisis communications, including developing response
strategies and guiding executive leadership on media engagement
during critical issues.
--- Work closely with the other ASTA departments to craft
compelling messaging for campaigns, events, and any other
initiatives.
Executive & Member Communications:
--- Provide communications support to ASTA's executive team,
including speechwriting, media training, and presentation
development.
--- Develop messaging frameworks and talking points for ASTA
leadership, ensuring a unified voice on key issues.
--- Support ASTA members by providing resources and guidance on
effective communications and public relations strategies within
their businesses.
Digital & Social Media Strategy:
--- Along with the Director of Marketing, oversee ASTA's digital
communications strategy, ensuring effective engagement across
website content, email campaigns, and social media platforms.
--- Collaborate with internal teams to optimize content marketing
efforts that drive awareness, advocacy, and member engagement.
--- Assist with analyzing digital performance metrics and adjust
strategies to maximize outreach and impact.
Stakeholder Engagement & Events:
--- Represent ASTA at industry conferences, media events, and
speaking engagements to advocate for travel advisors and the
industry.
--- Collaborate with external partners, industry organizations, and
government agencies to strengthen ASTA's visibility and
influence.
--- Support ASTA's event communications, including the promotion of
major conferences, webinars, and member meetings.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and
salary requirements. Applications will be accepted until the
position is filled; interested applicants are encouraged to apply
immediately. Flexible work arrangements (hybrid or remote
considered). Recruiters: Please do not call or email regarding this
position. Unsolicited outreach from recruiting agencies will not be
considered.
Qualifications:
Qualifications & Experience:
--- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations,
Journalism, or a related field and/or commensurate experience and
definitive skills.
--- 8+ years of experience in strategic communications, public
relations, or media relations, preferably within the travel,
nonprofit, or trade association sectors.
--- Demonstrated experience serving as an organizational
spokesperson and engaging with media.
--- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the
ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
--- Expertise in crisis communications, brand management, and
digital marketing strategies.
--- Proven ability to develop and execute communications strategies
that drive awareness and engagement.
--- Experience managing social media and digital communications,
including content creation and analytics tracking.
--- Established media relationships within travel, business, and
policy sectors preferred.
--- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
while maintaining attention to detail.
--- Familiarity with policy advocacy and legislative communications
is a plus.
About Company:
ASTA (The American Society of Travel Advisors) and its members
represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States
through the travel agency distribution channel. It is a leading
global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry, and the
traveling public. ASTA's history of travel industry advocacy traces
back to its founding in 1931 with its mission to facilitate the
business of selling travel through effective representation, shared
knowledge, and the enhancement of professionalism.
Keywords: American Society of Travel Advisors, Washington DC , Director Of Communications, Executive , Washington, DC
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