Communications Associate

The Association of American Railroads (AAR), the world's leading railroad policy, research, standard-setting, and technology organization, is focused on enhancing the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry, seeks a motivated Communications Associate. Positioned in the communications department, this role spans critical areas such as reputation management, issue advocacy, media outreach, public affairs and integrated communications. The ideal candidate is proactive, adept at multitasking, keenly detail-oriented, and thrives in a collaborative team setting. This role is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the public narrative and stakeholder engagement strategies within the rail industry.

This position offers unparalleled exposure to a broad spectrum of communications disciplines, providing an excellent platform for the right candidate to lay the groundwork for substantial career advancement in the field. If you are driven, articulate, and eager to contribute to a dynamic team, we welcome your application.

This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Communications and supports the Communications division.

Principle Accountabilities:

Media Support

• Monitor industry and related news and compile daily media clips and media and issue assessment. Assess media coverage to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for correcting the record or future engagement

• Maintain and update media contact and distribution lists, including researching and identifying journalists, outlets, podcasts and other channels for proactive engagement

• Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the e-newsletter distribution list, social media monitoring lists and others as appropriate

• Assist in the development and dissemination of press releases, op-eds, LTEs, speeches, newsletter articles, and other materials designed to inform and engage public and media interests, including conducting research and analysis to support the preparation of public information and media content, ensuring accuracy and relevance

• Efficiently triage and track media inquiries and coordinate responses in collaboration with senior team members, maintaining consistent and strategic messaging

• Maintain and update AAR's message repository

Public Relations Support

• Conduct analyses of reports, opinions and communications from key industry stakeholders to guide the creation of policy briefs, inform external communications strategies, explore potential collaboration opportunities and understand opposition positions

• Build and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, assisting in AAR's coalition and mobilization efforts

• Work with the State Relations Committee to monitor and track relevant state policy and coordinate committee activities

Content Support

• Create and refine compelling content for a variety of channels, including newsletters, website, and social media, ensuring alignment with AAR's mission and goals

• Assist with the team's editorial calendar, ensuring timely planning, tracking, and coordination of content across various channels

Team Coordination and Support

• Compile and draft regularly scheduled updates, including weekly communications update, quarterly member reports, annual budget submissions and other items as assigned.

• Facilitate team meetings and event logistics, offering comprehensive administrative support to ensure smooth operations

• Assist in managing department budgets, including invoice processing, budget forecasting and contract management tasks

• Display a strong initiative in broadening job-related skills and responsibilities, actively seeking opportunities for professional development

Qualifications:

• Preferably 2-3 years of experience in communications, especially in roles in high-profile media environment and working on advocacy issues

• Previous media, public relations, agency, public affairs or Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner

• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills, with a proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite, Meltwater, WordPress, MailChimp, and other media/social monitoring platforms is highly desirable

• Previous public relations, public affairs or Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred

• An enthusiastic approach to taking on expanded responsibilities and pursuing continuous learning and professional growth

• Exceptional candidates with less experience, including ambitious recent college graduates with relevant skills and a keen interest in communications, will also be considered