Director, Strategic Communications Job

Summary

Directs, leads and oversees the activities, programs and daily operations of external and internal communications. This role is responsible for a collaborative, proactive function that aligns with the strategic objectives and vision of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Accountable for leading internal and external communications, including employee engagement, message development, executive communications, HR communications, crisis communication and media relations. This role is deeply embedded in the commuity, with excellent working relationships with local media. The Communications Director works in partnership with the directors of Digital & Web Strategy and Marketing to develop integrated communications strategies, while encouraging stakeholder commitment to the organizational vision, and facilitating the achievement of the Balanced Scorecard objectives. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Education/Experience/Licensure

 

Education/Formal Training

Work Experience

Credential/Licensure

 

REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, Journalism, or related field.

Must have at least eight (8) years of progressive experience in a corporate communications environment.

N/A

 

PREFERRED:

Master’s degree.

 

Healthcare experience.

N/A

 

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED:

N/A

N/A

N/A

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in strategic communications planning and implementation.
• Possession of superior communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Possession of strong and proven community and media relationships.
• Ability to lead and motivate individuals and groups of people toward the accomplishment work and organizational goals with experience in selection, evaluation, and direction of subordinates.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and results oriented environment.
• Ability to work and relate well to Associates at every level of the organization, internal and external customers, physicians, operations managers, media, community leaders and the general public.
• Ability to work without close supervision or professional guidance and to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to organize multiple priorities and tasks and maintain workflow.
• Proven track record developing and implementing innovative communications programs, leveraging both traditional and modern tools. Knowledge leveraging emerging communications technologies.
• Must be committed to excellent customer service.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Drives internal and external communications strategies that support the needs and strategic direction of the health system to drive employee engagement, manage our reputation and image and positions leaders and physicians as experts and thought leaders.
• Provides strategic communications counsel to leaders and physicians across the System. Works with the VP of Marketing and Communications, directors of Marketing and Digital/Web Strategy and hospital leadership to develop a comprehensive and integrated communications program that supports our MLH brand of quality and value.
• Develops top notch communications, including executive level speechwriting, narrative and key messaging that ensures clear, concise, consistent and compelling communication across the organization.
• Handles crisis communications management and anticipates issues before they become crises to protect the reputation and image of the health system.
• Develops and tracks metrics to measure individual and team performance against targets and communications programs.
• Builds collaborative relationships across organization and health system at every level.
• Helps shape and develop a high performance, value-driven culture that is built on Power of One principles.
• Prepares and controls Internal Communications and Media/ department budgets.

Physical Requirements

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs.