Communications Lead Jobs
Communications Lead jobs are open across corporate, nonprofit, government, and agency sectors, from mid-level specialist to senior director, with specializations in media relations, internal communications, and crisis communications. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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THIS IS A HYBRID POSITION REQUIRING 2 DAYS PER WEEK (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY) EACH WEEK IN-PERSON AT OUR OFFICE LOCATED IN THE STREETERVILLE/MAG MILE AREA OF DOWNTOWN CHICAGO, IL.
JOB SUMMARY
The Strategic Communications Lead is a key member of the American Osteopathic Association's Corporate Communications Center of Excellence, responsible for the day-to-day execution of executive communications, thought leadership, stakeholder and affiliate communications, and issues and crisis communications.
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Communications and Reputation, this role translates communications strategy into impactful content and programs that strengthen reputation, build stakeholder trust, and elevate the visibility of osteopathic medicine and AOA leadership.
As the primary resource for executive messaging and writing, thought leadership, stakeholder communications, and issues management support, this position develops compelling content, coordinates communications initiatives, and helps ensure effective communication during emerging issues and crisis situations.
The role requires strong corporate communications expertise, exceptional writing and storytelling skills, and a modern approach to audience engagement, channel integration, and reputation management. Beyond its core focus areas, the position supports broader corporate communications priorities, including media relations, executive visibility, and reputation-building initiatives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Executive Communications and Thought Leadership
- Manage and execute a comprehensive executive communications strategy that advances AOA priorities and strengthens leadership visibility among physicians, healthcare stakeholders, policymakers, affiliates, and industry audiences.
- Serve as the lead writer and editor for executive communications, including speeches, remarks, presentations, op-eds, articles, correspondence, briefing materials, talking points, and strategic messaging.
- Partner closely with senior leadership to translate organizational priorities, complex healthcare issues, and policy positions into compelling narratives and audience-specific communications.
- Develop thought leadership content that elevates the voice, expertise, and influence of AOA leaders within healthcare, medical education, policy, and professional practice discussions.
- Support execution of the executive leadership communications roadmap, ensuring alignment across key initiatives, events, stakeholder engagements, and public-facing opportunities.
Affiliate and Stakeholder Communications
- Lead strategic communications efforts that strengthen relationships with affiliated organizations, physician leaders, healthcare partners, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
- Develop messaging frameworks, communications plans, and content that support engagement with affiliates and advance shared organizational goals.
- Ensure alignment and consistency across stakeholder-facing communications while addressing the unique needs of diverse audiences.
- Support communications that elevate awareness of AOA priorities, policy positions, advocacy efforts, and the value of osteopathic medicine among external stakeholders.
Issues and Crisis Communications
- Maintain issues and crisis communications readiness plans, messaging frameworks, and response materials.
- Monitor emerging issues, reputational risks, healthcare trends, and policy developments; provide recommendations and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Develop holding statements, response messaging, executive guidance, FAQs, and stakeholder communications during active issues.
- Help coordinate rapid, disciplined, and cross-functional communications responses that protect organizational credibility and stakeholder trust.
- Support scenario planning, reputation risk assessment, and post-incident communications evaluation.
Corporate Communications Leadership and Execution
- Own the planning and execution of priority corporate communications initiatives that reinforce the institutional narrative and advance awareness of osteopathic medicine.
- Translate communications strategy into actionable plans, timelines, and deliverables, driving execution with limited oversight.
- Serve as a senior communications strategist, writer, and editor responsible for producing and finalizing high-visibility communications across channels and audiences.
- Ensure quality, consistency, and message alignment across communications programs and deliverables.
- Contribute to organizational reputation management by maintaining a clear and consistent voice across external communications.
Media Relations and Earned Media
- Support proactive and reactive media relations efforts, including media outreach, relationship management, pitching, and media list development.
- Draft and edit press releases, media pitches, statements, backgrounders, talking points, and Q&A documents.
- Coordinate media inquiries, clarifications, and follow-up communications in partnership with communications leadership.
- Monitor media coverage and identify opportunities to elevate AOA priorities, executive thought leadership, and the osteopathic profession.
- Assist in positioning AOA leaders and subject matter experts as credible sources for healthcare, policy, and professional practice discussions.
Cross-Channel Content Development and Collaboration
- Partner with integrated marketing, content, brand, digital, and social media teams to adapt executive, corporate, and stakeholder messaging for multiple channels and audiences.
- Ensure cohesive storytelling and audience engagement across earned, owned, shared, and digital communications channels.
- Coordinate with internal teams to align communications strategies with policy, advocacy, and organizational objectives.
- Contribute content development for digital, social, multimedia, web, and marketing channels as needed.
Communications Planning, Measurement, and Reporting
- Establish and monitor communications goals, KPIs, and performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform decision making.
- Track measures including reach, engagement, sentiment, share of voice, media outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and reputation indicators.
- Use media monitoring and analytics tools to identify trends, optimize communications strategies, and demonstrate impact.
- Prepare clear, actionable reporting and recommendations for communications leadership and senior executives.
Team Coordination and Project Management
- Coordinate workflows, priorities, approvals, and timelines across multiple communications initiatives.
- Review and strengthen the work of colleagues and external partners, modeling strong communications judgment and editorial excellence.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects using effective planning processes and project management tools.
- Maintain organized documentation and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery of communications products.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience
- 5 to 8 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or strategic communications
- Demonstrated experience leading communications and producing high-visibility content in complex or mission-driven organizations
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex subject matter into clear, compelling messaging for general audiences on topics such as healthcare, policy, and innovative programs
Special Skills
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives
- Strong command of media relations and reputation-focused messaging across earned, owned, and digital channels
- Sound judgment and the ability to provide counsel to colleagues and support senior stakeholders
- Working knowledge of issues and crisis communications
- Strong project management skills and fluency with Asana or similar platforms
- Ability to analyze communications data and report insights using platforms such as Sprout Social, Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar
- Working knowledge of GenAI tools and content quality controls
- Digital communications fluency across social, multimedia, and web content
- Collaborative, detail-oriented, and able to maintain confidentiality
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Physical
- Work is generally sedentary in nature but requires occasional standing, walking, and lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds
- Requires manual dexterity to use a computer, telephone, and peripherals
- May occasionally work prolonged or irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
Mental
- Work is performed in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Requires the ability to adapt quickly to stressful situations, exercise good judgment, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and interact appropriately with internal and external stakeholders
Environment
- Standard office environment
- This is a hybrid position requiring in-office presence on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week
Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000
The AOA offers the following benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision
Life and AD&D
Long and Short-term Disability
FSA/HSA including Commuter Benefits401(k) with match
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
American Osteopathic Association is unable to sponsor work visas at this time.
THIS IS A HYBRID POSITION REQUIRING 2 DAYS PER WEEK (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY) EACH WEEK IN-PERSON AT OUR OFFICE LOCATED IN THE STREETERVILLE/MAG MILE AREA OF DOWNTOWN CHICAGO, IL.
JOB SUMMARY
The Strategic Communications Lead is a key member of the American Osteopathic Association's Corporate Communications Center of Excellence, responsible for the day-to-day execution of executive communications, thought leadership, stakeholder and affiliate communications, and issues and crisis communications.
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Communications and Reputation, this role translates communications strategy into impactful content and programs that strengthen reputation, build stakeholder trust, and elevate the visibility of osteopathic medicine and AOA leadership.
As the primary resource for executive messaging and writing, thought leadership, stakeholder communications, and issues management support, this position develops compelling content, coordinates communications initiatives, and helps ensure effective communication during emerging issues and crisis situations.
The role requires strong corporate communications expertise, exceptional writing and storytelling skills, and a modern approach to audience engagement, channel integration, and reputation management. Beyond its core focus areas, the position supports broader corporate communications priorities, including media relations, executive visibility, and reputation-building initiatives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Executive Communications and Thought Leadership
- Manage and execute a comprehensive executive communications strategy that advances AOA priorities and strengthens leadership visibility among physicians, healthcare stakeholders, policymakers, affiliates, and industry audiences.
- Serve as the lead writer and editor for executive communications, including speeches, remarks, presentations, op-eds, articles, correspondence, briefing materials, talking points, and strategic messaging.
- Partner closely with senior leadership to translate organizational priorities, complex healthcare issues, and policy positions into compelling narratives and audience-specific communications.
- Develop thought leadership content that elevates the voice, expertise, and influence of AOA leaders within healthcare, medical education, policy, and professional practice discussions.
- Support execution of the executive leadership communications roadmap, ensuring alignment across key initiatives, events, stakeholder engagements, and public-facing opportunities.
Affiliate and Stakeholder Communications
- Lead strategic communications efforts that strengthen relationships with affiliated organizations, physician leaders, healthcare partners, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
- Develop messaging frameworks, communications plans, and content that support engagement with affiliates and advance shared organizational goals.
- Ensure alignment and consistency across stakeholder-facing communications while addressing the unique needs of diverse audiences.
- Support communications that elevate awareness of AOA priorities, policy positions, advocacy efforts, and the value of osteopathic medicine among external stakeholders.
Issues and Crisis Communications
- Maintain issues and crisis communications readiness plans, messaging frameworks, and response materials.
- Monitor emerging issues, reputational risks, healthcare trends, and policy developments; provide recommendations and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Develop holding statements, response messaging, executive guidance, FAQs, and stakeholder communications during active issues.
- Help coordinate rapid, disciplined, and cross-functional communications responses that protect organizational credibility and stakeholder trust.
- Support scenario planning, reputation risk assessment, and post-incident communications evaluation.
Corporate Communications Leadership and Execution
- Own the planning and execution of priority corporate communications initiatives that reinforce the institutional narrative and advance awareness of osteopathic medicine.
- Translate communications strategy into actionable plans, timelines, and deliverables, driving execution with limited oversight.
- Serve as a senior communications strategist, writer, and editor responsible for producing and finalizing high-visibility communications across channels and audiences.
- Ensure quality, consistency, and message alignment across communications programs and deliverables.
- Contribute to organizational reputation management by maintaining a clear and consistent voice across external communications.
Media Relations and Earned Media
- Support proactive and reactive media relations efforts, including media outreach, relationship management, pitching, and media list development.
- Draft and edit press releases, media pitches, statements, backgrounders, talking points, and Q&A documents.
- Coordinate media inquiries, clarifications, and follow-up communications in partnership with communications leadership.
- Monitor media coverage and identify opportunities to elevate AOA priorities, executive thought leadership, and the osteopathic profession.
- Assist in positioning AOA leaders and subject matter experts as credible sources for healthcare, policy, and professional practice discussions.
Cross-Channel Content Development and Collaboration
- Partner with integrated marketing, content, brand, digital, and social media teams to adapt executive, corporate, and stakeholder messaging for multiple channels and audiences.
- Ensure cohesive storytelling and audience engagement across earned, owned, shared, and digital communications channels.
- Coordinate with internal teams to align communications strategies with policy, advocacy, and organizational objectives.
- Contribute content development for digital, social, multimedia, web, and marketing channels as needed.
Communications Planning, Measurement, and Reporting
- Establish and monitor communications goals, KPIs, and performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform decision making.
- Track measures including reach, engagement, sentiment, share of voice, media outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and reputation indicators.
- Use media monitoring and analytics tools to identify trends, optimize communications strategies, and demonstrate impact.
- Prepare clear, actionable reporting and recommendations for communications leadership and senior executives.
Team Coordination and Project Management
- Coordinate workflows, priorities, approvals, and timelines across multiple communications initiatives.
- Review and strengthen the work of colleagues and external partners, modeling strong communications judgment and editorial excellence.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects using effective planning processes and project management tools.
- Maintain organized documentation and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery of communications products.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience
- 5 to 8 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or strategic communications
- Demonstrated experience leading communications and producing high-visibility content in complex or mission-driven organizations
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex subject matter into clear, compelling messaging for general audiences on topics such as healthcare, policy, and innovative programs
Special Skills
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives
- Strong command of media relations and reputation-focused messaging across earned, owned, and digital channels
- Sound judgment and the ability to provide counsel to colleagues and support senior stakeholders
- Working knowledge of issues and crisis communications
- Strong project management skills and fluency with Asana or similar platforms
- Ability to analyze communications data and report insights using platforms such as Sprout Social, Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar
- Working knowledge of GenAI tools and content quality controls
- Digital communications fluency across social, multimedia, and web content
- Collaborative, detail-oriented, and able to maintain confidentiality
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Physical
- Work is generally sedentary in nature but requires occasional standing, walking, and lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds
- Requires manual dexterity to use a computer, telephone, and peripherals
- May occasionally work prolonged or irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
Mental
- Work is performed in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Requires the ability to adapt quickly to stressful situations, exercise good judgment, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and interact appropriately with internal and external stakeholders
Environment
- Standard office environment
- This is a hybrid position requiring in-office presence on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week
Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000
The AOA offers the following benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision
Life and AD&D
Long and Short-term Disability
FSA/HSA including Commuter Benefits401(k) with match
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
American Osteopathic Association is unable to sponsor work visas at this time.
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Science & Research
- Investment & Asset Management
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in communications lead jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field
- Proven experience developing and executing organizational communications strategies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills across multiple formats and audiences
- Experience managing media relations, press releases, and earned media coverage
- Familiarity with content management systems, email platforms, and social media tools
- Ability to manage cross-functional projects and coordinate with senior leadership
Tips for Your Communications Lead Job Search
Quantify your communications impact clearly
Hiring managers for communications leads want measurable outcomes, not activity. Replace vague bullets like 'managed media relations' with specifics: coverage placements, audience reach, or campaign results that demonstrate what your work actually produced for the organization.
Tailor your portfolio to the sector
A corporate internal comms portfolio and a nonprofit advocacy portfolio signal very different strengths. Before applying, swap in samples that match the employer's context, whether that's executive communications, earned media, or employee engagement campaigns.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists communications lead openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target roles matching your specialty first
Communications lead is a broad title. Filter your search by specialization, such as media relations, crisis, or internal communications, so you spend time on postings where your specific experience is directly relevant rather than reviewing roles outside your core strength.
Prepare a writing test strategy in advance
Many communications lead interviews include a timed writing sample or messaging exercise. Practice drafting press statements, executive talking points, or employee memos under a 30-minute limit so the format doesn't slow you down during the actual interview.
Negotiate your scope before your title
In communications, the team you'll manage and the channels you'll own often matter more than the exact title. Before accepting an offer, clarify whether you'll lead external, internal, or both, and confirm budget authority and headcount so expectations align from day one.
Communications Lead Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most communications leads?
The companies hiring the most communications leads right now include MITRE, Meta, and L3Harris, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Demand is broadly distributed across corporate, government, and nonprofit employers.
How many communications lead jobs are remote?
About 54% of communications lead openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of the work can be done off-site. Roles focused on content strategy, internal communications, and digital channels tend to have the highest remote availability, while positions requiring frequent executive presence or in-person media events are more likely to be on-site.
How do you become a communications lead?
Start by building a foundation in a specialist role, such as communications coordinator, PR associate, or content writer, where you develop core skills in writing, media relations, and messaging strategy. Over time, take on projects that require cross-functional coordination or managing a communications channel end to end. Build a portfolio of work samples that show strategic thinking, not just execution, and actively seek out opportunities to present recommendations to leadership, since that visibility is often what accelerates the move into a lead-level role.
Can you get hired as a communications lead with limited experience?
It's possible if your existing experience demonstrates strategic ownership rather than just task completion. Employers hiring at the lead level want evidence you've driven a communications initiative, not just supported one. Freelance campaigns, nonprofit board communications roles, or managing a department newsletter end to end can all substitute for years of formal experience if you frame them around outcomes and decision-making rather than activities.
What does the communications lead interview process look like?
Most communications lead interviews include an initial screening call focused on your background and career trajectory, followed by one or two rounds with the hiring manager and cross-functional stakeholders. Expect a writing or messaging exercise, often a press statement, executive memo, or crisis response scenario completed under time constraints. Final rounds frequently include a presentation where you walk through a past communications strategy or respond to a hypothetical scenario, demonstrating how you think through audience, channel, and message.
Where can I find and apply to communications lead jobs?
You can find and apply to communications lead jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 125+ Communications Lead Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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