Public Affairs Specialist III

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

📋 Description

• Serve as a representative for The Auto Club Group, advocating its public affairs positions in designated regions.

• Support management in the creation, execution, and administration of prominent public affairs programs and initiatives.

• Establish and sustain liaison activities with law enforcement, government agencies, educational institutions, community service and safety organizations, and field management.

• Organize public affairs and product-related promotional initiatives.

• Create and manage records and files, and prepare reports for program tracking, evaluation, and planning.

• Assist in the development and design of new programs and program materials.

• Aid in budget preparation and oversee expenses.

• Distribute information concerning community outreach and safety topics.

• Encourage media coverage of projects and activities.

• Function as the corporate spokesperson on traffic safety, legislative, and related issues.

• Serve as the regional liaison for field media activities as necessary.

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

• Operate remotely from a home office for daily tasks.

• Travel across Illinois for meetings, community initiatives, local events, and safety assessments.

• Be available to work evenings and weekends as required for local events.

• Participate in outdoor activities throughout the year and work under temperature extremes and road hazards.

⛳️ Requirements

• Completion of college-level coursework in Public Affairs, Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline.

• Possession of a valid state driver’s license.

• Experience in planning, developing, and delivering educational initiatives.

• Background in creating, executing, and coordinating community affairs programs and employee volunteer programs.

• Experience in organizing and planning special events.

• Proficiency in public speaking.

• Understanding of effective public affairs strategies and tactics.

• Familiarity with relevant public and community affairs programs and issues.

• Knowledge of local and statewide community organizations and their leadership roles.

• Awareness of legislative and safety matters.

• Capability to function as a credible representative of The Auto Club Group to target audiences.

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

• Skills in analysis, problem-solving, and report preparation.

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

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

• Ability to motivate and guide employee volunteers.

• Competence in monitoring project budgets.

• Ability to thrive under pressure and complete tasks in a timely manner.

• Capability to represent the company at community events.

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

• Frequent local travel within Illinois, approximately up to 60% of work hours.

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

• Preferred: 3–5 years of experience in a similar capacity.

• Preferred: Experience in addressing small to large groups and K-12 public schools.

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

• Ability to successfully pass required background and drug screening.

🏝️ Benefits

• Annual bonus potential based on performance.

• Medical plans offering multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility.

• Coverage for prescription drugs.

• 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.

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

• 401(k) plan with company match and additional company 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.

• Paid parental, bereavement, jury duty, and military leave.

• Tuition assistance.

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

• Opportunities for career development and advancement.

• Complimentary AAA membership with roadside assistance and travel discounts.

• Adoption assistance program.