The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) is a 501(c)(3) membership organization located in Washington, DC that serves as the voice of accredited academic public health. ASPPH’s staff serves more than 150 academic schools and programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). ASPPH’s mission is to strengthen the capacity of our members by advancing leadership, excellence, and collaboration. Our vision is improved health for everyone, everywhere.
ASPPH is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a work environment free from discrimination and harassment and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Position Purpose
The Director of Communications is a member of the External Relations & Advocacy (ERA) team and leads the development and execution of ASPPH’s integrated communications strategy to enhance external visibility, thought leadership, and organizational impact. This role works closely with leadership to align messaging, advance strategic priorities, and strengthen engagement across internal and external audiences.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of ASPPH’s integrated communications strategy across digital, media, and organizational channels.
- Oversee content strategy and development across newsletters, publications, Op-Eds, website, and weekly content calendar.
- Lead media relations and external engagement strategies to elevate ASPPH’s thought leadership and executive visibility.
- Work cross-functionally with ERA, Branding, Advocacy, and Leadership to align communications and organizational priorities.
- Collaborate with Advocacy to develop and refine policy-related communications and materials.
- Manage and mentor communications staff and support engagement with ASPPH Marketing and Communications Sections and Assembly.
- Oversee webinars, events, and communications initiatives that support ASPPH programming and member engagement.
- Use analytics and industry best practices to continuously improve communications performance, reach, and engagement.
- Identify and mitigate communications risks and ensure consistency across all platforms.
- Support organizational development efforts, including philanthropic engagement and revenue initiatives.
- Stay current on communications trends and apply insights to strengthen ASPPH’s voice and impact.
Minimum Qualifications
- Exceptional writing, editing, and communications skills.
- 8 to 10 years of experience in journalism, media relations, and/or strategic communications
- Experience in journalism, media relations, or strategic communications.
- Demonstrated strategic, proactive, and creative approach with measurable results.
- Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to interpret data and inform strategy.
- Knowledge of academic public health and higher education.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
Additional Information
- Work Locale: Washington, DC (hybrid work environment).
- Reports to: Chief External Relations and Advocacy Officer.
- Manages/Supervises: ERA Coordinator.
- Authority to Work in the US: The individual must be legally eligible to work in the US. ASPPH participates in E-Verify to confirm eligibility.
- Travel Requirements: The position may involve occasional travel to member institutions and participation in meetings related to the position’s professional responsibilities.
- Compensation: The position’s compensation level is based on industry salary surveys and the individual’s experience. ASPPH also takes into consideration the internal pay equity of our existing team members. The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $130,000. We typically do not hire at the maximum level to allow for salary growth. ASPPH offers a generous benefits package, detailed below.
Working at ASPPH
As an organization dedicated to the advancement of academic public health, ASPPH promotes a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We maintain a 35-hour work week, flexible schedules, a hybrid work environment in which staff typically work in the office one day per week—on Wednesdays—and work remotely for the remainder of the week, competitive and generous health and wellness benefits, a generous PTO program including 3 to 4 weeks of paid leave, 12 paid holidays, paid winter break, paternity/maternity leave, DC Family and Medical Leave, a casual attire policy, and a 403b retirement plan with ASPPH contributing after 2 years of service. ASPPH is in a beautiful high-rise office, with ample co-working spaces. The class-A building has multiple amenities, including a spa-like fitness room with access to showers and lockers, designated bike space, and in-building parking.
To Apply
To apply, submit cover letter and resume here. Applications will be accepted through April 23, 2026. No phone calls please.