Director, CEO External Communications

At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities. 

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

The Director, CEO External Communications is responsible for elevating the voice and vision of the CEO to external audiences in support of the American Cancer Society’s mission. Through collaboration with the National External Communications team, this role develops and executes strategic communication plans that include proactive and reactive messaging, serving as a key liaison between the CEO and external stakeholders. Through press releases, speeches, social media, and public appearances, the Director ensures the CEO’s communications are aligned with broader organizational initiatives and resonate across national and regional platforms.

Success in this role is defined by the ability to deliver compelling storytelling, foster cross-functional collaboration, and drive measurable results that enhance ACS’s reputation and visibility.

*This is remote position*

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Leads the development and execution of external communication strategies that elevate the CEO’s voice and visibility across national and regional platforms, ensuring alignment with ACS’s mission and enterprise-wide priorities. (30%) 

• Crafts and manages proactive and reactive messaging on behalf of the CEO, including press releases, speeches, social media content, and public statements, to build and protect the organization’s reputation. (25%) 

• Coordinates and prepares the CEO for media engagements and public appearances, including interviews, press briefings, and speaking opportunities, ensuring message consistency and strategic alignment. (15%) 

• Collaborates with internal teams and external partners to integrate CEO communications into broader earned media and public relations strategies, supporting high-impact storytelling and stakeholder engagement. (15%) 

• Monitors media coverage and public sentiment related to the CEO and ACS, providing timely analysis and recommendations to inform communication strategies and mitigate reputational risk. (10%) 

• Supports the development of executive messaging frameworks and talking points that reflect ACS’s strategic goals and programmatic impact. (5%) 

 

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Minimum Degree Required: ​Bachelor's Degree​  
• Preferred Degree: ​Bachelor's Degree​  
• Years of experience:  7-10 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:  

 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in executive communications, media relations, or public affairs, with a strong emphasis on supporting C-suite leaders.
• Proven success in developing and executing strategic communication plans, speechwriting, and securing high-impact media placements in major print, broadcast, or digital outlets—ideally within top 25 media markets.
• Experience in healthcare, science, medical, or nonprofit sectors is essential.
• Prior work in journalism, a national health nonprofit, corporate communications, or a PR agency is strongly preferred.