Communications Director

DescriptionJOB DETAILSDepartment: Public RelationsFTE: 1.00 (80 hours per pay period)Workdays: Monday - FridayShift(s): DaysShift Length: 8 hoursLocation: In-PersonPurpose of this position: Leads the integrated communications team responsible for enterprise-wide strategic communications across all platforms—internal, external, digital, media, storytelling, executive communications, and organizational change. Ensures consistent, accurate, timely, and high‑quality communications that strengthen organizational reputation, support patient and community trust, and advance system priorities.Primary leader for crisis communications, media relations escalation, and high‑stakes public messaging within a major public health system, consistent with crisis and emergency readiness expectations identified across peer public hospital systems.  This position will report to the Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs.RESPONSIBILITIESCrisis & Public Relations LeadershipServe as the senior lead for crisis communications, coordinating rapid response, media inquiries, high‑profile issues, and patient‑privacy‑sensitive situationsAct as escalation point for urgent communications needs, ensuring clear decision pathways, timely approvals, and controlled distribution of informationOversee systemwide media relations operations, including request triage, spokesperson preparedness, message development, and coordinated responses with Legal, Privacy, Security, clinical leadership, and county partnersMaintain emergency communication readiness, participate in emergency management planning, and support PIO functions during incidents or drills—aligned with public hospital PIO models included in major system profilesMonitor emerging issues and media trends to assess risk, recommend mitigation strategies, and guide leadership through sensitive communications.Strategic Communications LeadershipLead the communications team responsible for integrated communications across all platforms, ensuring coordination, work sequencing, and consistency of organizational voiceOversee internal communications channels including Scanner, Scanner for Leaders, CEO messages, intranet/SharePoint updates, newsletters, and enterprise-wide announcementsDirect storytelling, content strategy, digital communication, and message alignment across all audiences—internal, external, community, and mediaEnsure a “single source of truth” approach for major organizational messaging, providing leaders with aligned talking points, FAQs, scripts, and toolkits before broader communicationServe as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on communication opportunities, risks, messaging strategy, public perception, and organizational changeExecutive & Leadership CommunicationsDraft executive and CEO messages, scripts, video content, talking points, and systemwide updates; manage review cycles with relevant executives and subject‑matter partnersSupport CEO and senior leaders for presentations, board materials, leadership forums, and major organizational announcements.Provide communication guidance and decision support during high‑visibility initiatives or sensitive public issuesTeam Leadership & Operational ManagementManage communications staff through structured cadences including weekly 1:1s, staff meetings, workload reviews, coaching, and performance evaluationsOversee project intake, resource prioritization, work sequencing, and cross‑department coordinationMaintain department policies, communication governance standards, moderation guidelines, approval pathways, and channel ownership documentation.Review communication metrics, feedback, and performance to refine channels, cadence, content strategy, and leader support materialsEnterprise Communications ResponsibilitiesLead internal and employee communication strategies, including integrated messaging across departments and business linesSupport recurring leadership communications such as Lead Together and Talk Together, including agendas, scripts, messaging, and follow‑up materialsSupport Board‑related communication needs, including memos, updates, packets, and meeting preparationEnsure communication plans, cascade sequences, and internal/external messaging are executed accurately for major organizational initiativesQualificationsQUALIFICATIONSMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or related field8 plus years of experience in marketing and communications with preferred healthcare experience, or equivalent experienceAt least 5 years in a leadership roleExperience managing direct reports and coaching and supporting team members-OR-An approved equivalent combination of education and experienceKnowledge/ Skills/ AbilitiesExceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skillsProficient in use of all Microsoft Office productsHighly organized and detailed with ability to manage multiple projects at onceStrong interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships at all levels within organizationStrong presentation skillsStrong project management skillsSuperb ability to motivate employees and inspire positive change within departmentInnovative thinker: Ability to contribute new ideas that support organizational goalsSkilled in modeling company values through daily interactions within the department, particularly with regards to health and safetyHigh standards of ethics, discipline, and professionalismSkilled in fostering a positive workplace culture and building inclusive workplace teamsJob Level: DirectorEmployee Status: Regular