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The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the national nonprofit association established in 1863 representing 108,000+ veterinarians working in private & corporate practice, government, industry, academia, & uniformed services, is seeking an Assistant Director of Media Relations to join our Marketing & Communications team, located at our Headquarters office in Schaumburg, Illinois – a northwest suburb of Chicago. The AVMA’s mission is to lead the profession by advocating for its members & advancing the science & practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal & human health.

Reporting to the Division Director of Public Relations with 2 direct reports, the Assistant Director of Media Relations is responsible for developing & implementing media relations strategies designed to promote, protect & advance the AVMA brand, & to enhance awareness & positive perceptions of the veterinary profession within the veterinary community & the general public. This position is also responsible for raising awareness of AVMA’s work on behalf of the veterinary profession through compelling media & amplifying AVMA’s key initiatives in coordination with AVMA’s social media team. They will work collaboratively with internal & external stakeholders, including national, state, local & trade media outlets, to develop & drive proactive media relations strategy to educate the general public on the public good that veterinarians deliver every day & to position AVMA as the leading trusted source for veterinarians, showcasing the value delivered to AVMA members & the profession through research, resources, & other benefits. Less than 10% travel.

Deadline for application is 6/30/25.  Submit cover letter, resume, writing samples & salary requirements to: apply@avma.org .

The AVMA offers a supportive & flexible hybrid work environment & excellent benefits including heath, dental, vision, life, AD&D, short-term disability, & long-term disability insurance; FSA & HSA plans; 401(k) Plan; generous vacation & sick time; 11 Paid Holidays; Floating Holiday, Paid Parental Leave, an Employee Assistance Program, tuition & professional certification reimbursement, Compensatory Time Off, casual dress, 37.5 hour workweek, Association Forum/ASAE membership, & veterinary pet insurance. 

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $95,000 - $140,000. Compensation decisions take into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, business needs, & organizational policies. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity & consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.

About the AVMA:

Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an office in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members, & acts as a collective voice for its membership & for the profession. The AVMA provides many benefits to its members, including information resources, state & federal advocacy, opportunities to address issues affecting policies that govern the profession & practice of veterinary medicine, continuing education opportunities, quality publications, & discounts on personal & professional products, programs & services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 170. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors & has a $50M+ annual operating budget. Visit www.avma.org/AVMAcareers!

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To be successful in this role you must be highly collaborative & passionate about AVMA’s mission. Additional qualifications include:

• BS/BA or MS in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of related work experience in media relations/public information, preferably in an association or large non-profit.
• Strong writing & editing skills are required.
• Must be an enthusiastic, innovative & collaborative leader.
• Strong supervisory & project management skills are required.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal & communication skills (written & verbal).
• Must be able to interact & effectively communicate both with members of the scientific & non-scientific community.
• Able to organize, plan & manage group meetings.
• Must be able to handle multiple priorities & deadlines, functioning well autonomously & as a team member.
• Basic computer skills are required including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, & Excel

About AVMA

Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, with a Government Relations Division in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members and acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the veterinary profession. The AVMA provides many benefits to its members, including information resources; state and federal advocacy; opportunities to address issues affecting policies that govern the profession and practice of veterinary medicine; continuing education opportunities; quality publications; and discounts on personal and professional products, programs and services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 170. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors and has a $47M+ annual operating budget. Throughout the organization, we take pride in knowing that we make a difference. The AVMA provides excellent employee benefits, including generous health insurance, retirement and paid time-off plans. We enjoy a supportive, friendly and comfortable work environment where work/life balance is evident at every level. We work hard, grow and have fun! For more information, please visit www.avma.org.

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