The Assistant Vice President, PR, is responsible for developing and executing an integrated public and media relations function and team that helps further elevate the National Council’s (and that of our members) brand, presence and thought leadership. The AVP creates innovative PR strategies, develops strong working relationships with various media outlets, reporters and third-party influencers. The AVP is a superior writer, pitcher, and media strategist with a long track record of placing top stories and op-eds in national and trade publications. Will be held accountable for the planning and management of the organization’s public relations efforts. The AVP, PR will work collaboratively with the AVPs of Marketing and Communications, all team members, executive leadership and key staff throughout the organization. The AVP will have a sustained record of PR excellence and diverse experience. They will be a strategic and innovative thinker, possess a bias toward action as well as excellent leadership and people skills.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive PR plan and media relations program that elevates the brand, presence and thought leadership

• Build and maintain relationships with key reporters, editors, and producers in print, television, online, and radio

• Develop and promote press releases, op-eds, media alerts

• Staff interviews, create interview briefs and key talking points for the organization as needed

• Possess a client service mentality, with a deep ability to internalize goals, and develop and drive plans to reach them

• Provide media training and counsel

• Provide PR thought leadership and counsel to Senior Management on PR trends and issues affecting their operations and key initiatives

• Work seamlessly with the AVPs of Marketing and Communications to integrate and coordinate PR, marketing and communication efforts across various departments to ensure maximum effectiveness and outcomes

• Partner with AVP of Communications and members of the Marketing and Communications to create and maintain an effective editorial strategy and cadence

• Monitor media and disseminate relevant articles and coverage to staff on an ongoing basis

• Lead and mentor a team of PR professionals

• Negotiate and manage contracts with external vendors as needed

• Direct and manage all activities to meet budget

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors in PR, Communication, Marketing, Journalism or related field

• 10 years of proven, results-oriented experience and leadership in managing a marketing program and team

• Ability to work effectively with peers, direct reports and senior-level executives

• At least 5 years of supervisory and project management experience

• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills

• Results-oriented with a high attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and meet deadlines in a demanding, fast-paced environment

Organization Overview:
The National Council for Behavioral Health (National Council) is the unifying voice of America’s community mental health and addictions treatment organizations. A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) association, the National Council for Behavioral Health’s mission is to advance our members’ ability to deliver integrated healthcare. Together with our 2,800 member organizations, we serve our nation’s most vulnerable citizens — more than 10 million adults and children living with mental illnesses and addiction disorders. We are committed to ensuring all Americans have access to comprehensive, high-quality care that affords every opportunity for recovery and full participation in community life. To learn more about the National Council, visit www.TheNationalCouncil.org.

National Council is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.