Organizational Context:  The American Sociological Association (ASA) is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to serving sociologists in their work, advancing sociology as a science and profession, and promoting the contributions and use of sociology to society.  Sociology is the empirical study of the social world, including the ways in which humans interact across contexts.  We analyze topics that range from income inequality and crime to religion and sexuality. Sociology allows us to better understand our world and make informed decisions in our personal, professional, and civic lives.  It similarly supports informed policy making at the local, state, federal and international levels.  ASA’s national office is located in Washington D.C.

Reporting Structure:  The Director of Communications reports to the Executive Director and has supervisory responsibility.

Job Classification:  Exempt

Essential Functions: 

This is a new position leading a new department that reflects an increasing organizational focus on public engagement with sociology.  The new Director of Communications will be responsible for planning and implementing an integrated communications strategy that advances the association and its mission. 

• Lead media relations, digital and social media activity, and marketing efforts
• Identify, translate, and disseminate sociological scholarship that is relevant to a variety of public audiences through an integrated content development strategy
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic communications including, but not limited to, newsletters, website, blog, and reports
• Identify new and creative opportunities for the association to engage the media, the public, and policymakers with sociology
• Liaise with the Consortium of Social Science Associations and other advocacy organizations in which ASA holds membership
• Help to foster a culture of public engagement among sociologists
• Collaborate with relevant organizational committees and other volunteer leadership groups in the interest of supporting ASA’s related activities
• Develop a new department and manage staff
• Serve as a member of the association’s senior leadership team and manage additional related responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director

Preferred Qualifications:

Several profiles could be well-suited to this position.  If you think you have the necessary experience and expertise to successfully manage the essential functions of this job, please do not hesitate to apply.

• M.A. or Ph.D. in sociology or a related discipline
• At least ten years of relevant professional experience
• Experience in institutions of higher education, foundations, or other nonprofit organizations focused on research
• Media relations expertise; relevant journalistic experience
• Extensive experience working with new media
• Experience with content integration across channels
• Exemplary writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively translate scholarly material into content that is accessible to non-academics
• Strong work ethic; willingness to respond quickly to media and other time-sensitive requests
• Maturity and organizational savvy; ability to work independently and in collaboration with teams; excellent interpersonal skills
• Managerial experience

Compensation:  Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.  A full and rich benefits package is provided to all ASA staff members.

To apply:  Please submit a substantive cover letter and a resume to Nancy Kidd, Executive Director, at nkidd@asanet.org.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until someone has been hired.

ASA is an equal opportunity employer.