Public Affairs Specialist III

Job Type:

This position can work remotely from a home office for day-to-day operations. Candidate must reside in Illinois and will travel throughout the state of Illinois.  

Monday- Friday 8am-5pm. Working evenings and weekends as needed based on local events.  

Represents The Auto Club Group (ACG) and advocates its public affairs positions in assigned region(s).  Assists management in the development, implementation, and administration of high-profile public affairs programs and projects designed to promote ACG’s interests and image. Develops and maintains liaison activities with key regional constituents (e.g., law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies, schools, community service and safety organizations) and field management. Coordinates public affairs and product-related promotional programs in assigned region(s). Creates and maintains records and files and prepares reports for use in program tracking, review and planning. May assist in the creation and design of new programs and the development of program materials. Assists with budget preparation and monitors expenses. Participates in the dissemination of information regarding community outreach and safety issues. Promotes media coverage of projects and activities and acts as corporate spokesperson on traffic safety, legislative or other related matters. May act as regional liaison for field media activities. May serve as staff coordinator for AAA regional traffic safety committees and/or assist in specialized studies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Required

Education (include minimum education and any licensing/certifications):

·       College level coursework in Public Affairs, Communications, Marketing or a related field.

·       Maintenance of a valid state driver’s license.

Experience:

·       Planning, developing, and delivering educational programs

·       Developing, implementing, and coordinating community affairs programs and employee volunteer programs

·       Organizing and planning special events

·       Public speaking

Knowledge and Skills:

·       Effective public affairs strategies and tactics

·       Relevant public and community affairs programs and issues

·       Local and statewide community organizations and leadership roles

·       Legislative and safety issues

·       Effectively serve as a credible Auto Club Group (ACG) representative to target audiences

·       Managing multiple projects involving several groups within a geographic region effectively

·       Analysis, problem-solving and report preparation for program (e.g., safety) development

·       Prepare and conduct structured presentations to all levels of management and external groups

·       Communicate effectively with others in a work environment, with the public, and with the media

·       Motivate and provide direction to employee volunteers

·       Monitor budgets for various projects

·       Work under pressure to complete assignments in a timely manner

·       Represent the company at community functions

·       Effectively use Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Microsoft Publisher

Preferred

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

·       3-5 years of experience in a similar role

·       Prior experience speaking in front of small to large groups of people

·       Experience speaking in front of K-12 public schools

·       Knowledge of:

• traffic safety, and enforcement techniques
• relevant traffic laws and traffic safety education

Works from an at home office when not traveling for local events. May attend outdoor activities throughout the year.  Evening and weekend work expected in support of events.  Frequent (roughly up to 60% of work time) local travel within Illinois required in order to conduct meetings, community programs, and to evaluate safety concerns, with exposure to temperature extremes and road hazards.

Health & Wellness

• Medical plans with multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility.
• Prescription drug coverage.
• Dental and vision benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential support services).
  

Financial Protection & Insurance

• Company-paid basic life insurance.
• Optional supplemental life insurance and dependent coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Critical illness, accident, and pet insurance options.
  

Retirement & Savings

• 401(k) plan to support long-term financial goals. 3% automatic deferral upon eligibility; may contribute 1% to 50% of eligible earnings, either pre or post tax. Company match of 50% paid on employee contributions up to 6% of pay, payable to employees following the end of the year; immediate vesting. Additional company contribution of 4% of pay each pay day into your account; 100% vested after three (3) years of service.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options.

Time Off & Leave

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual-based, increases with tenure, eligible at 90 days of employment. Full-time new employees will receive up to 12 PTO days annually; accrual based on start date and may include additional PTO based on role and/or state & local requirements. Part-time employee PTO hours are calculated based upon the standard weekly hours the employee is scheduled to work and will accrue at a minimum of 3 hours per month.

• Paid Holidays: Full-time employees are eligible for 10 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day, 2 floating holidays and 1 volunteer day. Holidays vary by business unit schedules. Part-time employees are eligible for 8 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day and 2 floating holidays. Holidays vary by business unit schedules.

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

Career Growth & Education

• Tuition assistance
• Professional certification support with 100% reimbursement for eligible programs.
• Opportunities for career development and advancement.
  

Additional Perks

• Complimentary AAA membership with roadside assistance and travel discounts.
• Adoption assistance program.

This position is expected to remain posted through 11/20/2026; however, it may close at any time once a qualified candidate pool is identified.

Who We Are

Become a part of something bigger.

The Auto Club Group (ACG) provides membership, travel, insurance, and financial service offerings to approximately 14+ million members and customers across 14 states and 2 U.S. territories through AAA, Meemic, and Fremont brands. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation and is the second largest AAA club in North America.

By continuing to invest in more advanced technology, pursuing innovative products, and hiring a highly skilled workforce, AAA continues to build upon its heritage of providing quality service and helping our members enjoy life’s journey through insurance, travel, financial services, and roadside assistance.

And when you join our team, one of the first things you’ll notice is that same, whole-hearted, enthusiastic advocacy for each other.

We have positions available for every walk of life! AAA prides itself on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, realizing our differences make us stronger.

To learn more about AAA The Auto Club Group visit www.aaa.com

Important Note:

ACG’s Compensation philosophy is to provide a market-competitive structure of fair, equitable and performance-based pay to attract and retain excellent talent that will enable ACG to meet its short and long-term goals. ACG utilizes a geographic pay differential as part of the base salary compensation program. Pay ranges outlined in this posting are based on the various ranges within the geographic areas which ACG operates. Salary at time of offer is determined based on these and other factors as associated with the job and job level.  

The above statements describe the principal and essential functions, but not all functions that may be inherent in the job.  This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements.  Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants, as needed, to enable them to fulfill these requirements.

The Auto Club Group, and all its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the function of this job.

AAA The Auto Club Group is committed to providing a safe workplace. Every applicant offered employment within The Auto Club Group will be required to consent to a background and drug screen based on the requirements of the position.