American Associated Pharmacies (AAP)
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
American Associated Pharmacies (AAP), Scottsboro, Alabama, United States, 35769
American Associated Pharmacies (AAP) is seeking a Vice President of Marketing & Communications (VPMC) to join its senior executive team. AAP is one of the largest independent pharmacy cooperatives in the United States. Along with its distribution subsidiary, API Warehouse, AAP supports thousands of independent pharmacy owners, helping them thrive in a competitive health care market.
The VPMC oversees all aspects of AAP/API's marketing and communications programs-driving visibility, engagement, and alignment across internal and external audiences. The role will shape and execute the organization's integrated marketing and communication strategy, strengthening AAP/API's brand identity and advancing awareness of its programs and priorities. This role requires both strategic vision and hands-on leadership in areas such as media relations, digital marketing, advertising, and internal communications.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy that strengthens AAP/API's national brand identity and supports organizational growth. Advise the executive team on communications strategy, public positioning, and brand management within the competitive pharmacy landscape. Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry to inform messaging, outreach, and positioning efforts. Build strong cross-functional partnerships to align marketing and communication priorities with company objectives, programs, and initiatives. Serve as communications advisor and thought partner to executive leaders, ensuring they are effectively prepared for media and public engagements. Marketing, Branding, and Media Relations
Lead the creation of marketing materials, advertising campaigns, digital content, and collateral that promote AAP/API's programs, products, and strategic initiatives. Serve as spokesperson and oversee AAP/API's media relations strategy, cultivating relationships with national trade and business media, and securing positive coverage. Manage brand standards and ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels and platforms. Direct the development of content for newsletters, publications, press releases, speeches, presentations, and reports. Support the planning and promotion of key organizational events, including industry trade shows and conferences. Digital Marketing and Member Engagement
Lead digital marketing strategy, including SEO/SEM, paid media, marketing automation, and social media to drive member engagement, lead generation, and brand awareness. Oversee CRM-based communications, ensuring targeted, personalized, and measurable campaigns. Analyze campaign performance and member feedback to refine strategies and maximize ROI. Team Leadership and Operations
Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing team (1-3 direct reports), fostering creativity, accountability, and professional growth. Oversee departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and performance metrics. Manage relationships with external agencies and vendors to ensure high-quality execution of marketing and communications initiatives. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field required. 10+ years of progressive experience in marketing, corporate communications, or public relations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications and marketing plans that drive measurable results. Proven experience in media relations, brand development, crisis communications, and executive-level advisory support. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across print and digital platforms. Demonstrated success in managing digital marketing strategies, including SEO, social media, and marketing automation tools. Track record of building and mentoring high-performing teams. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and project management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. Experience in healthcare, pharmacy, or membership-based organizations preferred. Overnight travel up to 15% for meetings, industry events, and customer visits. Travel will be planned in advance.
The VPMC oversees all aspects of AAP/API's marketing and communications programs-driving visibility, engagement, and alignment across internal and external audiences. The role will shape and execute the organization's integrated marketing and communication strategy, strengthening AAP/API's brand identity and advancing awareness of its programs and priorities. This role requires both strategic vision and hands-on leadership in areas such as media relations, digital marketing, advertising, and internal communications.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy that strengthens AAP/API's national brand identity and supports organizational growth. Advise the executive team on communications strategy, public positioning, and brand management within the competitive pharmacy landscape. Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry to inform messaging, outreach, and positioning efforts. Build strong cross-functional partnerships to align marketing and communication priorities with company objectives, programs, and initiatives. Serve as communications advisor and thought partner to executive leaders, ensuring they are effectively prepared for media and public engagements. Marketing, Branding, and Media Relations
Lead the creation of marketing materials, advertising campaigns, digital content, and collateral that promote AAP/API's programs, products, and strategic initiatives. Serve as spokesperson and oversee AAP/API's media relations strategy, cultivating relationships with national trade and business media, and securing positive coverage. Manage brand standards and ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels and platforms. Direct the development of content for newsletters, publications, press releases, speeches, presentations, and reports. Support the planning and promotion of key organizational events, including industry trade shows and conferences. Digital Marketing and Member Engagement
Lead digital marketing strategy, including SEO/SEM, paid media, marketing automation, and social media to drive member engagement, lead generation, and brand awareness. Oversee CRM-based communications, ensuring targeted, personalized, and measurable campaigns. Analyze campaign performance and member feedback to refine strategies and maximize ROI. Team Leadership and Operations
Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing team (1-3 direct reports), fostering creativity, accountability, and professional growth. Oversee departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and performance metrics. Manage relationships with external agencies and vendors to ensure high-quality execution of marketing and communications initiatives. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field required. 10+ years of progressive experience in marketing, corporate communications, or public relations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications and marketing plans that drive measurable results. Proven experience in media relations, brand development, crisis communications, and executive-level advisory support. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across print and digital platforms. Demonstrated success in managing digital marketing strategies, including SEO, social media, and marketing automation tools. Track record of building and mentoring high-performing teams. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and project management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. Experience in healthcare, pharmacy, or membership-based organizations preferred. Overnight travel up to 15% for meetings, industry events, and customer visits. Travel will be planned in advance.