Specialist, Communications

Title:  Specialist, Communications

Department/Unit: Brand Strategy and Communications/Public Affairs

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: This position is located onsite at the APTA headquarters in Alexandria, VA

About APTA

Do you want to contribute to an organization dedicated to improving societal health? Would you like to collaborate with colleagues who are passionate about making a difference? Are you excited to work in a new state-of-the-art building designed to encourage movement, participation, and employee health?

Then you want to work for APTA!

APTA is the trusted leader for the physical therapy profession, representing 100,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students. Our approximately 150 employees support the association’s mission to build a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society. Learn more in our Association Profile.

Located in Alexandria, Virginia, APTA has outstanding employee benefits, including flexible work schedules, generous retirement contributions, and travel subsidies for employees who choose public and active transportation.

Summary

The Specialist, Communications will be responsible for writing, creating, and editing content that aligns with APTA’s voice and brand for association reports and publications, including rollout planning and execution.

Essential Functions

• Planning, writing, producing, editing, and/or managing content for websites, publications, videos, podcasts, social media, and other digital or print platforms.
• Interviewing members and researching topics to shape storytelling across content types and channels.
• Reviewing and revising content for clarity, accuracy, and grammar.
• Ensuring all content reflects the brand's established voice, style guidelines, and overall messaging.
• Working closely with writers, graphic designers, and subject matter experts to develop and deliver high-quality content.
• Developing and executing communications plans, in collaboration with subject matter experts and marketing and communications staff.
• Tracking and analyzing content performance using analytics tools to identify trends, engagement opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Verifying that content meets necessary industry standards and compliance guidelines.

Staff Expectations

• Upholds and fosters staff values
• Complies with all APTA policies and procedures
• Performs other duties as needed to foster achievement of the unit, department, team, and association priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in English, journalism, or marketing
• 3-5 years of experience in writing and content creation, editing, digital communications, and branding
• English language proficiency - deep knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and AP style is fundamental to the editing process.
• Excellent communication - strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial for clear messaging and effective collaboration.
• A keen eye for detail is necessary for thorough proofreading, fact-checking, and ensuring accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency with communications and marketing platforms, including content management systems (i.e., Optimizely), marketing automation platforms, (i.e., Informz), and digital analytics (i.e., Google Analytics)
• Strong management skills; experience with project management platforms, such as Asana, a plus
• Effective professional communication (written and verbal)
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects or tasks
• Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

Travel Requirements

Up to 10% - Local

How To Apply

Please send resume and cover letter, including salary requirements, when applying.

Principals only; no agencies; no phone calls, please. Candidates selected to participate in an interview will be contacted by Human Resources.

The American Physical Therapy Association is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

APTA participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information, please visit e-verify.uscis.gov.

APTA is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and invites and welcomes applicants with diversity of experience, mindset, and skills to add value to APTA and our staff community.