Director of Communications and Special Events - American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)

Full-Time • Amarillo, TX • Closes September 5

Oversee internal and external communications on behalf of executive leadership, staff, Human Resources, AQHA and the Foundation. Plan and manage the strategic execution of communications in support of AQHA’s brand, along with the Foundation. Proactively and reactively strengthen, enhance, promote and protect the global image, understanding, awareness and reputation of the American Quarter Horse, AQHA and the Foundation. 

 Determine and formulate policies and procedures and provide overall direction of special event planning for AQHA and the Foundation. Plan, direct and coordinate staffing, scripting, logistics and organization related to special events.

Responsibilities:

• Ensures the Association accurately represents AQHA’s brand, values, priorities and goals in all internal and external communications. 

• Position the Executive Committee, Chief Executive Officer and executive leadership to reflect priorities and goals of the Association.

• Provides communications, counsel and execution for AQHA’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Committee.

• Advises leadership on an ongoing basis of the Association’s reputation and perception; makes proactive recommendations.

• Provides consistent and timely information to employees through various communications outlets.

• Provides strategic direction for communications plans, press releases, news releases, scripting and other communication pieces.

• Assesses areas of risk to the Association and mitigates through crisis communications planning.

• Monitors the effectiveness of communication campaigns, compiles results and makes recommendations.

• Builds and implements change management and transition plans and communication.

• Acts as corporate spokesperson and responds to members of the media in a timely manner.

• Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with various members of the media and industry.

• Executes employee assemblies to ensure visibility to the company’s performance, progress and purpose.

• Develops, implements and adheres to communications budget.

• Consult with departments to determine objectives and requirements for special events and liaises with vendors, when needed.

• Oversees and improves AQHA public relations campaigns and relationships within, and outside of, the equine industry.

• Work with HR to communicate news, changes and updates to AQHA employees in a timely manner.

• Oversee the planning, direction, staffing needs, scripting, logistics and organization related to special events production hosted by AQHA and the Foundation.

• Travels to AQHA and industry events, as needed.

• All other duties as assigned.

Specific Knowledge and Essential Functions:

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

• Organized with attention to detail.

• Superior ability to write in a journalistic style that is customary for corporate and external publications.

• Ability to offer sound media relations advice to senior leadership.

• Excellent managerial and organizational abilities.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work with corporate management, employees, media and the larger community.

• Ability to coordinate efforts of various teams in order to present a coherent message.

• Event planning experience.

• Experience with budgeting process for events.

• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods and coordination of people and resources.

Communication

• Requires written internal and external communication

• Requires public speaking

• Requires face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams

• Requires contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise)

 Conflict

• Requires dealing with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people

• Includes conflict situations

 Impact of Decisions

• Requires making decisions that impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company

• Mistakes are not easily correctable and have serious consequences

• Opportunity to make decisions without supervision

• Requires making decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization

 Level of Challenge

• Requires being exact or highly accurate

• Freedom to determine tasks, priorities and goals

 Pace and Scheduling

• Requires meeting strict deadlines

 Personal Interaction

• Requires coordinating or leading others in accomplishing work activities

• Requires work with external customers or the public

• Requires work with others in a group or team

 Responsibility for Others

• Includes responsibility for work outcomes and results

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or related field preferred.

• 7+ years of experience in public relations and/or communications.

• 2+ years of management experience.

• Crisis Communications certification preferred.

• Event planning certification is preferred.

Language:

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar

IT / Technical Knowledge:

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, including Office 365.

Learn more and apply here.