Director, Public Affairs

Job Description

Job Description

Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 4, 2024.

With a 110-year heritage, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's premier not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to fighting insurance fraud and crime.

NICB membership includes more than 1,200 property-casualty insurance companies, vehicle rental companies, auto auctions, vehicle finance companies, self-insured organizations and strategic partners.

Beyond our membership, our nearly 400 employees work with law enforcement agencies, technology experts, government officials, prosecutors, international crime-fighting organizations and the public to lead a united effort to prevent and combat insurance fraud and crime.

A career with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is rewarding and fulfilling to people who have the passion to play an important role in combating insurance fraud and vehicle crime.

At the NICB, we know our people are our competitive advantage, and so, we offer a work atmosphere that is second to none.

Position Purpose :

The Public Affairs Director is responsible for developing and managing a comprehensive, multi-faceted public affairs strategy - integrating earned, owned, paid, and shared media campaigns and tactics - to increase awareness and engagement with NICB’s key external stakeholders, the media and general public.

The Public Affairs Director will also serve as an executive speechwriter and strategic communicator, supporting the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership team.

Work Arrangement and Description :

This is a hybrid position and the Reporting Location is NICB Headquarters (Oak Brook, IL). The individual will be provided with the privilege and flexibility to work away from NICB Headquarters, but will be required to report periodically in-person based upon business needs, subject to the discretion of their supervisor, and in compliance with NICB's rules and procedures.

Competencies / Duties :

• Strategic Leadership : Develop and lead a comprehensive public affairs strategy, which includes developing robust, integrated public affairs campaigns, that align with and advances NICB’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Executive Communications : Research and develop expert-written executive communications, including speeches, presentations, Board communications, briefings, op-eds, talking points, and internal employee communications.
• Stakeholder Engagement : Develop and maintain professional relationships with national and major market media outlets, member insurance companies, law enforcement partners, industry associations, and partner organizations, and coordinate public affairs initiatives with stakeholder groups.
• Media Relations : Build and maintain strong relationships with national and major media outlets, pitch proactive story ideas with NICB leadership and subject matter experts, respond to daily media inquiries, coordinate live and recorded media interviews and media tours, and serve as the back-up spokesperson as needed.
• Digital Campaign Development : Develop robust digital and social media campaigns and annual calendars to ensure consistent branding and relevant, timely messaging across all NICB’s digital sites and social media channels.
• Measurement and Reporting : Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of public affairs and executive communications and provide regular reports to leadership, identifying areas of improvement and making data-driven decisions.
• Team Leadership : Lead and mentor the Public Affairs team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements / Abilities :

• Solid strategic thinking and analytical abilities.
• Excellent speechwriting and communications skills.
• Strong background in creating proactive public affairs and integrated media campaigns.
• Solid understanding of digital and social media platforms and uses.
• Experience working with senior executives and providing strategic counsel.
• Ability to analyze data, trends, and internal and external reports.
• Ability to travel for conferences, media opportunities, and department meetings.
• Ability to work remotely and independently under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Willingness to work as a team member in a team environment.
• Knowledge of the insurance industry is a plus.

Education, Work Experience, Licensure :

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field required.
• Minimum 8-10 years’ experience leading public affairs or media relations strategies and campaigns for a public relations or government agency, industry association, or large company with responsibility for multiple concurrent projects.
• Executive speechwriting and management experience required.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

This position supervises a Public Affairs Specialist and a Digital Media Specialist.

Contacts :

• All levels of employees within NICB.
• National, major market, and local media sources : Reporters, assignment managers, editors, etc.
• Member companies, law enforcement partners, industry trade associations, government agencies.
• Vendors.

Environment / Physical Demands :

• At home and standard office environment.
• Must reside within 3 hours of corporate headquarters in Oak Brook, IL.
• Some travel required, less than 20 percent.

Salary Range and Statement :

The salary range for this position is $107,000 to $146,000. Please keep in mind that this range represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls.

The actual salary offer will take into account a wide range of factors including the specific requirements for this position, the candidate's geographic location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

NICB HR can share more about the specific salary range for your geographic location during the hiring process.

Benefits :

Our benefits are unparalleled! NICB offers employees a comprehensive benefits package, an attractive 401(k) plan and generous paid time off.

For more information, visit www.nicb.org / careers.

The NICB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind : NICB is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

All employment decisions at the NICB are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.