Director, CEO External Communications
Apply Now Job ID 85993242480 Location Atlanta, Georgia Position Type Full time
At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities.
The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.
Success in this role is defined by the ability to deliver compelling storytelling, foster cross-functional collaboration, and drive measurable results that enhance ACS’s reputation and visibility.
*This is remote position*
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Leads the development and execution of external communication strategies that elevate the CEO’s voice and visibility across national and regional platforms, ensuring alignment with ACS’s mission and enterprise-wide priorities. (30%)
- Crafts and manages proactive and reactive messaging on behalf of the CEO, including press releases, speeches, social media content, and public statements, to build and protect the organization’s reputation. (25%)
- Coordinates and prepares the CEO for media engagements and public appearances, including interviews, press briefings, and speaking opportunities, ensuring message consistency and strategic alignment. (15%)
- Collaborates with internal teams and external partners to integrate CEO communications into broader earned media and public relations strategies, supporting high-impact storytelling and stakeholder engagement. (15%)
- Monitors media coverage and public sentiment related to the CEO and ACS, providing timely analysis and recommendations to inform communication strategies and mitigate reputational risk. (10%)
- Supports the development of executive messaging frameworks and talking points that reflect ACS’s strategic goalsand programmatic impact. (5%)
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's Degree
- Preferred Degree: Bachelor's Degree
- Years of experience: 7-10
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field.
- A minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in executive communications, media relations, or public affairs, with a strong emphasis on supporting C-suite leaders.
- Proven success in developing and executing strategic communication plans, speechwriting, and securing high-impact media placements in major print, broadcast, or digital outlets—ideally within top 25 media markets.
- Experience in healthcare, science, medical, or nonprofit sectors is essential.
- Prior work in journalism, a national health nonprofit, corporate communications, or a PR agency is strongly preferred.
Executive Communication & Messaging
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling, executive-level messaging across multiple platforms.
- Skilled in creating content for press releases, speeches, social media, and public appearances that reflect the CEO’s voice and align with organizational priorities.
- Proven ability to translate complex organizational, scientific, and policy-related topics into clear, engaging content for diverse external audiences.
Strategic Leadership & Advisory
- Strategic thinker with demonstrated experience advising C-suite leaders, particularly in speechwriting and executive visibility.
- Expertise in developing and executing media relations strategies, including proactive pitching and reactive response, with a strong track record of securing high-impact placements.
Digital & Media Engagement
- Deep understanding of digital and social media platforms, with the ability to drive meaningful engagement and amplify executive communications.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Adaptability & Judgment
- Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating initiative, accountability, and sound judgment.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Travel will be required on an as-needed basis (between15-20%) to support CEOat in personengagements.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Work is typically performed in a home office environment.
- Must be available to respond to urgent communication needs outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessary.
The starting rate is $91,500 to $110,000. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory fa including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.
ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
See our commitment to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity to continually ensure equal opportunity to our employees and to our applicants.