Public Affairs Specialist III

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Act as a representative for The Auto Club Group, promoting its public affairs initiatives within designated regions.

• Collaborate with management to design, implement, and oversee prominent public affairs programs and projects.

• Establish and maintain connections with law enforcement, governmental bodies, educational institutions, community service organizations, and field management.

• Organize public affairs and product-related promotional initiatives.

• Create and maintain documentation and records while generating reports for program monitoring, assessment, and planning.

• Aid in the development and design of new programs and associated materials.

• Support budget creation and track expenditures.

• Share information regarding community outreach and safety concerns.

• Encourage media coverage for projects and activities.

• Serve as the corporate spokesperson on traffic safety, legislative, and related topics.

• Function as a regional liaison for field media activities as necessary.

• Act as staff coordinator for AAA regional traffic safety committees and/or assist with specialized studies.

• Operate remotely from a home office for daily tasks.

• Travel approximately 60% of the time throughout Illinois for meetings, community programs, local events, and safety evaluations.

• Work Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, with additional evenings and weekends required for events.

• Participate in outdoor activities year-round.

⛳️ Requirements

• Applicants must be residents of Illinois.

• Must have completed college-level coursework in Public Affairs, Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline.

• Must hold a valid state driver’s license.

• Demonstrated experience in planning, developing, and delivering educational programs.

• Proven background in developing, implementing, and managing community affairs programs and employee volunteer initiatives.

• Experience in organizing and planning special events.

• Proficient in public speaking.

• Familiarity with effective public affairs strategies and tactics.

• Knowledge of pertinent public and community affairs programs and issues.

• Acquainted with local and state community organizations and leadership roles.

• Understanding of legislative and safety matters.

• Capable of serving as a credible representative for the Auto Club Group to target audiences.

• Ability to handle multiple projects involving various groups within a geographic area.

• Strong analysis, problem-solving, and report preparation skills.

• Competence in preparing and delivering structured presentations to management and external audiences.

• Effective communication skills with others, the public, and the media.

• Ability to inspire and guide employee volunteers.

• Skills in budget monitoring.

• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Ability to represent the company at community events.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.

• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, Marketing, or a similar field.

• Preferred: 3-5 years of experience in a comparable role.

• Preferred: Prior experience addressing both small and large audiences.

• Preferred: Experience speaking in K-12 public school settings.

• Preferred knowledge of traffic safety, enforcement techniques, relevant traffic laws, and traffic safety education.

• Must be able to pass a background and drug screening.

• Regular and dependable attendance is crucial.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical plans with various coverage options, including HSA eligibility.

• Coverage for prescription medications.

• Dental and vision care benefits.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Basic life insurance paid by the company.

• Optional supplemental life insurance and dependent coverage.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Options for critical illness, accident, and pet insurance.

• 401(k) plan with company matching and additional contributions.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

• Paid Time Off (PTO).

• 10 company-paid holidays each year for full-time employees.

• 1 mental health day, 2 floating holidays, and 1 volunteer day for full-time employees.

• Paid leave programs, including those for parental leave, bereavement, jury duty, and military service.

• Tuition assistance.

• Support for professional certification with 100% reimbursement for eligible programs.

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.

• Complimentary AAA membership that includes roadside assistance and travel discounts.

• Adoption assistance program.

• Potential for annual bonuses based on performance.