Director of External Communications

The American Coatings Association (ACA) is seeking a Director of External Communications to elevate the association’s public profile, drive advocacy campaigns, and amplify the unified voice of the industry to policymakers, the media, and the general public. The new Director of External Communications will help shape and broadcast the association’s public narrative, manage media relations, and drive brand reputation. The individual in this role will craft messaging, handle crisis communications, and direct campaigns to ensure clear, consistent, and compelling outreach to build positive industry sentiment with all stakeholders. The person in this role will report to ACA’s Senior Vice President.

• Develop and execute proactive media and PR plans to advance the association’s communication goals
• Act as the primary spokesperson and media liaison; field incoming press inquiries and coordinate interviews for association executives
• Draft press releases, op-eds, talking points, and media briefing materials
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key journalists across trade, business, and mainstream media outlets
• Develop and execute reactive crisis communication plans to mitigate reputational risks and address public relations challenges

• Oversee the association’s external-facing digital presence, including the main website and social media channels
• Ensure all external messaging aligns with the association’s brand guidelines and strategic vision
• Track media coverage, public sentiment, and campaign effectiveness using data-driven KPIs

Stakeholder & Member Engagement

• Collaborate closely with the association’s Events & Engagement teams to ensure external communications reflect member value and address industry challenges
• Regular interaction with association’s Communications Committee and subcommittees comprised of industry members and leaders that oversee the association’s strategic communications messaging
• Support the communication needs of member coalitions and strategic industry partnerships

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a keen ability to demonstrate impact and urgency
• Strong presentation and oral communication skills; must be confident public speaker
• Strong existing network of media contacts and a deep understanding of evolving digital, print, and broadcast media landscapes
• Strong political judgment, crisis management, and rapid-response abilities
• Demonstrated success in managing external PR agencies, consultants, or small internal teams
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field
• Progressive experience of 8+ years must include trade association and/or government work involving public relations, media relations, or public affairs

This position is located at ACA headquarters in Washington, DC and will operate within a hybrid work environment (working both onsite and remotely). Some travel will be required in this role.

ACA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry and the professionals who work in it. Through advocacy of the industry and its positions on legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues at the federal, state and local levels, it acts as an effective ally ensuring that the industry is represented and fairly considered. The association focuses on advancements in science and technology through its technical conferences and journals, and offers essential business information to members through its publications, surveys, and business programs.