About the Health & Fitness Association

The Health & Fitness Association, a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health.

Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.

Position Overview

HFA is seeking a Manager of Public Affairs to strengthen our communications with the public, media, and government. This position will help shape public perception, build relationships with key stakeholders, and amplify the association’s objectives.

The Manager will:

• Support efforts to increase coverage and understanding of HFA’s Advocacy and Research.
  
  
• Place HFA research in key media outlets and drive story development around advocacy and research initiatives.
  
  
• Help elevate public and policymaker awareness of the mental and physical health benefits of physical activity.
  
  
• Position HFA’s President & CEO and Chief of Staff as credible, visible thought leaders in the policy and public domains.
  
  

We are looking for someone with Capitol Hill or trade association experience, who understands complex policy issues and can frame them in a clear, compelling way for diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Relations & Engagement
  
  
• Build and maintain relationships with Washington, D.C. based and national press.
  
  
• Pitch stories, secure coverage, and place HFA research in media outlets.
  
  
• Develop and drive storylines that highlight HFA’s advocacy and research initiatives.
  
  
• Assist in drafting and placing op-eds and other thought leadership content.
  
  
• Communications Development
  
  
• Translate complex policy and research findings into digestible content for the public and members.
  
  
• Draft communications materials in support of HFA advocacy campaigns and research releases.
  
  
• Contribute to the development of talking points, media prep, and remarks for senior leadership.
  
  
• Leadership Support & Thought Leadership
  
  
• Help elevate HFA’s President & CEO and Chief of Staff by preparing materials for press interviews, speaking engagements, and public appearances.
  
  
• Draft speeches, quotes, and external-facing content that showcase HFA’s leadership.
  
  
• Cross-Team Collaboration
  
  
• Work closely with HFA’s advocacy, research, and communications teams to ensure consistent and strategic messaging.
  
  
• Monitor media trends and provide insight to senior leadership.
  
  

Qualifications

• Required Experience
  
  
• 3–6 years of experience in public affairs, communications, or media relations.
  
  
• Experience on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, or with a trade association.
  
  
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to draft speeches, op-eds, and policy communications.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to simplify and communicate complex policy issues.
  
  
• Preferred Skills
  
  
• Established press relationships in Washington, D.C. and/or with national outlets.
  
  
• Familiarity with health, fitness, or public health policy issues.
  
  
• Experience supporting senior executives in public communications.
  
  
• A passion for sports and fitness.
  
  
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join HFA?

This role is a chance to be part of a mission-driven team that is shaping the future of the health and fitness industry. At HFA, every dollar invested in the association goes back into protecting businesses, promoting physical activity, and growing access to fitness as a public health solution.

About Health & Fitness Association 'HFA'

The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is the leading trade association dedicated to enhancing mental and physical health by ensuring access to physical activity. Representing health and fitness clubs, gyms, studios, sports and aquatic facilities, and industry partners, HFA promotes and protects the Health & Fitness Industry so that people have diverse, inclusive options to stay active and healthy.

Connections working at Health & Fitness Association 'HFA'