Manager, Communications at American Association of Neurosurgeons Inc – Washington DC, District of Columbia

Job title: Manager, Communications

Reports to: Vice President, Health Policy and Advocacy

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary: $105,000-115,000 annually

** Please note that this is a hybrid position requiring 2-3 days in-office every week.

Job Purpose

The Manager, Communications serves as the strategic communications lead for the AANS/CNS Washington Committee. This individual is responsible for designing, executing, and continuously refining a comprehensive communications strategy that advances organized neurosurgery’s federal health policy and advocacy priorities.

This role functions as both a communications strategist and media architect — shaping messaging, building relationships with national and health policy press, overseeing digital engagement, and ensuring disciplined, high-impact positioning across all platforms.

Essential Functions

I. External and Internal Communications (70%)

• Develop and execute communications strategies supporting federal legislative and regulatory priorities.
• Create and oversee content across digital platforms, including websites, social media, and email communications.
• Draft and disseminate press releases, statements, and advocacy materials in response to legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, utilizing media distribution platforms and digital tools to maximize external reach and visibility.
• Develop and manage member communications on a structured timeline, including policy updates, advocacy alerts, and organizational messaging aligned with Washington Office priorities.
• Translate testimony, comment letters, scientific publications, and policy developments into media-ready and member-facing materials.
• Ensure consistency of messaging, branding, and coordination across all neurosurgery communications.

II. Media and External Engagement (15%)

• Build and sustain relationships with national, trade, and science media covering health policy and health care; maintain and update detailed media tracking lists by beat and issue area; monitor coverage patterns; and execute targeted outreach to support press releases, policy announcements, and advocacy campaigns.
• Continuously track federal agency announcements, executive actions, congressional developments, media coverage, and policy trends across traditional and digital platforms; evaluate intersections with neurosurgery advocacy priorities; identify opportunities for timely engagement; and advise leadership on messaging strategy and reputational risk.
• Coordinate communications with coalition partners and allied organizations to amplify advocacy priorities, including aligning messaging, cross-promoting press releases and statements, sharing and tagging partner content across digital platforms, and facilitating quote sharing and joint visibility efforts.

III. Subcommittee and Leadership Support (15%)

• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Communications and Public Relations Subcommittee, leading preparation of agendas, briefing materials, and follow-up action plans, and collaborating with neurosurgeon leaders to define and execute communications strategies that amplify legislative and regulatory priorities and strengthen the organization’s brand presence in Washington and digital media.
• Prepare comprehensive briefing materials, activity reports, and presentation content for senior physician leadership and governance meetings summarizing legislative, regulatory, and communications initiatives and progress.
• Work in close collaboration with the Vice President, Health Policy and Advocacy, to evaluate communications initiatives, present strategic options, and refine execution plans consistent with organizational direction.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in communications, public affairs, or health policy advocacy.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies in a policy-driven environment.
• Superior writing and editing skills, with disciplined attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, quality control, and personal ownership of deliverables.
• Highly self-directed and organized, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, anticipate emerging needs, and proactively advance initiatives in a fast-paced policy environment.
• Understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Experience working with professional associations or health care organizations is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield plan options are available.
• Select plans are fully employer-covered.

Paid Time Off

• 20-28 days of paid time off (PTO) annually based on tenure
• 12 days paid holidays annually
• 2 floating holidays
• Birthdays off
• Summer hours June 1 through August 31 each year
• Half-day Fridays offered during designated summer months
• Remote work the entire week of Thanksgiving and the week between December 24 and January 1

Retirement & Financial Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Plan up to 10% of employee base salary
• 100% employee contribution, subject to federal contribution limits
• Money Purchase Pension Plan
• Employer contributes 10% of base salary after the employee meets the eligibility requirement of one year of service
• Fully employer-funded

Professional Development & Education

• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Professional Development Reimbursement

Well-Being & Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial Education Programs and Advisory
• Gym Membership Reimbursement

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. The ideal candidate will be flexible and willing to assist, as needed, in all types of assignments, given limited size of office staff.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• This is a largely sedentary role.
• Travel required, as needed (typically up to 10 days per year), to AANS and CNS annual meetings, and other meetings and events.
• Occasional evening virtual/remote meetings.

Direct Reports

None.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.