Public Affairs Specialist III

This position can work remotely from a home office for day-to-day operations. Candidate must reside in Illinois and will travel throughout the state of Illinois. Position Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, working evenings and weekends as needed based on local events. Frequent (roughly up to 60% of work time) local travel within Illinois required in order to conduct meetings, community programs, and to evaluate safety concerns, with exposure to temperature extremes and road hazards. Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the function of this job.

Responsibilities

Represents The Auto Club Group (ACG) and advocates its public affairs positions in assigned region(s); Assists management in the development, implementation, and administration of high-profile public affairs programs and projects designed to promote ACG's interests and image; Develops and maintains liaison activities with key regional constituents (e.g., law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies, schools, community service and safety organizations) and field management; Coordinates public affairs and product-related promotional programs in assigned region(s); Creates and maintains records and files and prepares reports for use in program tracking, review and planning; May assist in the creation and design of new programs and the development of program materials; Assists with budget preparation and monitors expenses; Participates in the dissemination of information regarding community outreach and safety issues; Promotes media coverage of projects and activities and acts as corporate spokesperson on traffic safety, legislative or other related matters; May act as regional liaison for field media activities; May serve as staff coordinator for AAA regional traffic safety committees and/or assist in specialized studies

Requirements

College level coursework in Public Affairs, Communications, Marketing or a related field; Maintenance of a valid state driver's license; Planning, developing, and delivering educational programs; Developing, implementing, and coordinating community affairs programs and employee volunteer programs; Organizing and planning special events; Public speaking; Effective public affairs strategies and tactics; Relevant public and community affairs programs and issues; Local and statewide community organizations and leadership roles; Legislative and safety issues; Effectively serve as a credible Auto Club Group (ACG) representative to target audiences; Managing multiple projects involving several groups within a geographic region effectively; Analysis, problem-solving and report preparation for program (e.g., safety) development; Prepare and conduct structured presentations to all levels of management and external groups; Communicate effectively with others in a work environment, with the public, and with the media; Motivate and provide direction to employee volunteers; Monitor budgets for various projects; Work under pressure to complete assignments in a timely manner; Represent the company at community functions; Effectively use Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Microsoft Publisher; Must reside in Illinois

Nice to have

Bachelor's Degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, Marketing or a related field; 3-5 years of experience in a similar role; Prior experience speaking in front of small to large groups of people; Experience speaking in front of K-12 public schools; Knowledge of traffic safety, and enforcement techniques; Knowledge of relevant traffic laws and traffic safety education

Benefits

Medical plans with multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility; Prescription drug coverage; Dental and vision benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Company-paid basic life insurance; Optional supplemental life insurance and dependent coverage; Short-term and long-term disability coverage; Critical illness, accident, and pet insurance options; 401(k) plan with company match and additional company contribution of 4% of pay; Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual-based, up to 12 PTO days annually for new full-time employees; 10 company-paid holidays annually, 1 mental health day, 2 floating holidays and 1 volunteer day for full-time employees; Paid leave programs including parental, bereavement, jury duty, and military leave; Tuition assistance; Professional certification support with 100% reimbursement for eligible programs; Opportunities for career development and advancement; Complimentary AAA membership with roadside assistance and travel discounts; Adoption assistance program