Public Relations Manager

Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), the leading international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental, and support of equipment used in construction, agriculture, and related industries, is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented, and collaborative Senior Manager of Public Relations to elevate AED's visibility, influence, and industry presence. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Schaumburg, Illinois. Reporting directly to senior leadership, this role will lead integrated public relations and communications efforts designed to strengthen AED's brand, expand industry awareness, and position the association as a leading voice across the equipment distribution sector. This role also plays a key part in shaping and delivering multimedia storytelling—including video and podcast content—to further amplify AED's voice and engagement across platforms. As a member-driven organization, responsibilities may evolve based on organizational priorities. ________________________________________ Key Responsibilities Public Relations, Media & Content Strategy (Primary Focus) Develop and execute a comprehensive public relations strategy to increase awareness of AED and The AED Foundation across industry, media, and stakeholder audiences Secure media opportunities for AED leadership, including interviews, speaking engagements, podcast appearances, and thought leadership placements Build and manage relationships with key industry journalists, trade publications, and media outlets Draft press releases, media pitches, op-eds, and executive communications Monitor media coverage and industry trends to proactively position AED in relevant conversations Multimedia Content & Storytelling Lead the development and production of video and podcast content to support brand visibility and engagement Plan, script, record, and edit multimedia content for digital platforms, events, and promotional use Manage podcast production, including content planning, guest coordination, recording, editing, and distribution Repurpose content across channels to maximize reach and impact Brand Development & Industry Positioning Strengthen the AED brand as a forward-looking, influential association within the equipment distribution industry Help shape and execute a narrative that elevates awareness of the industry's economic impact, workforce needs, and policy priorities Ensure consistency of messaging and brand voice across all communications Communications & Campaign Support Support integrated campaigns to promote AED and AED Foundation programs, events, advocacy efforts, partnerships, and workforce initiatives Develop content for media, digital platforms, multimedia, and executive communications Collaborate cross-functionally to align messaging and maximize reach Track and analyze media and campaign performance Events, Stakeholder Engagement & Initiatives Support communications that engage members, partners, and stakeholders Enhance media visibility and messaging for events and key initiatives Capture and produce on-site content to extend event reach Support communications tied to advocacy, workforce development, and industry initiatives Additional Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned ________________________________________ Qualifications Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong public relations and media relations experience, with a track record of securing earned media Experience building relationships with media and managing outreach across traditional and digital platforms Experience with video production/editing and podcast production Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Premiere Pro, InDesign, Photoshop, or similar tools) Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across formats Strong understanding of media and content strategy Ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives Familiarity with digital platforms as amplification tools Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills Organizational awareness and sound professional judgment Education & Experience Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required 3-5 years of experience in public relations, communications, or related field Experience in a trade association, nonprofit, government, or industry organization preferred Additional Preferred Experience Experience supporting executive visibility and thought leadership Familiarity with advocacy, workforce development, or association environments Basic design or content production skills Salary Range $65,000

• 75,000 ________________________________________ Work Environment This is a full-time, on-site position based in Schaumburg, Illinois, in a collaborative and fast-paced team environment.

Some travel is required, up to approximately 20%, primarily for events and industry engagement.

Pay:

$65,000.00

• $75,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid parental leave Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person Public Relations Manager 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars Schaumburg, IL 60173 $65,000

• $75,000 a year
• Full-time Associated Equipment Distributors 2 reviews $65,000
• $75,000 a year
• Full-time Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), the leading international trade association representing companies involved in the distribution, rental, and support of equipment used in construction, agriculture, and related industries, is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented, and collaborative Senior Manager of Public Relations to elevate AED's visibility, influence, and industry presence.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Schaumburg, Illinois. Reporting directly to senior leadership, this role will lead integrated public relations and communications efforts designed to strengthen AED's brand, expand industry awareness, and position the association as a leading voice across the equipment distribution sector. This role also plays a key part in shaping and delivering multimedia storytelling—including video and podcast content—to further amplify AED's voice and engagement across platforms. As a member-driven organization, responsibilities may evolve based on organizational priorities. ________________________________________ Key Responsibilities Public Relations, Media & Content Strategy (Primary Focus) Develop and execute a comprehensive public relations strategy to increase awareness of AED and The AED Foundation across industry, media, and stakeholder audiences Secure media opportunities for AED leadership, including interviews, speaking engagements, podcast appearances, and thought leadership placements Build and manage relationships with key industry journalists, trade publications, and media outlets Draft press releases, media pitches, op-eds, and executive communications Monitor media coverage and industry trends to proactively position AED in relevant conversations Multimedia Content & Storytelling Lead the development and production of video and podcast content to support brand visibility and engagement Plan, script, record, and edit multimedia content for digital platforms, events, and promotional use Manage podcast production, including content planning, guest coordination, recording, editing, and distribution Repurpose content across channels to maximize reach and impact Brand Development & Industry Positioning Strengthen the AED brand as a forward-looking, influential association within the equipment distribution industry Help shape and execute a narrative that elevates awareness of the industry's economic impact, workforce needs, and policy priorities Ensure consistency of messaging and brand voice across all communications Communications & Campaign Support Support integrated campaigns to promote AED and AED Foundation programs, events, advocacy efforts, partnerships, and workforce initiatives Develop content for media, digital platforms, multimedia, and executive communications Collaborate cross-functionally to align messaging and maximize reach Track and analyze media and campaign performance Events, Stakeholder Engagement & Initiatives Support communications that engage members, partners, and stakeholders Enhance media visibility and messaging for events and key initiatives Capture and produce on-site content to extend event reach Support communications tied to advocacy, workforce development, and industry initiatives Additional Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned ________________________________________ Qualifications Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong public relations and media relations experience, with a track record of securing earned media Experience building relationships with media and managing outreach across traditional and digital platforms Experience with video production/editing and podcast production Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Premiere Pro, InDesign, Photoshop, or similar tools) Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across formats Strong understanding of media and content strategy Ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives Familiarity with digital platforms as amplification tools Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills Organizational awareness and sound professional judgment Education & Experience Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required 3-5 years of experience in public relations, communications, or related field Experience in a trade association, nonprofit, government, or industry organization preferred Additional Preferred Experience Experience supporting executive visibility and thought leadership Familiarity with advocacy, workforce development, or association environments Basic design or content production skills Salary Range $65,000

• 75,000 ________________________________________ Work Environment This is a full-time, on-site position based in Schaumburg, Illinois, in a collaborative and fast-paced team environment.

Some travel is required, up to approximately 20%, primarily for events and industry engagement.

Pay:

$65,000.00

• $75,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid parental leave Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person