Senior Director, External Communications
About the Role:
Seeking a Senior Director of External Communications to lead and execute strategic communications with a health system consultancy. This role will be responsible for shaping the organization's public image, strengthening media relationships, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in corporate communications, including media relations, crisis management, and executive visibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy to enhance the organization's reputation across media, industry stakeholders, and the public.
- Serve as the primary media contact, fostering strong relationships with healthcare, business, and national press.
- Lead crisis communications efforts, ensuring rapid, strategic, and effective responses to emerging issues.
- Oversee executive visibility and thought leadership programs, including speechwriting, op-eds, and media training.
- Managed owned digital channels, including social media and the website. Create a strategic content calendar, ensuring alignment with the overall marketing strategy.
- Collaborate with marketing and internal communications teams to align messaging and public positioning.
- Manage media monitoring and analytics to track coverage, sentiment, and effectiveness of communications strategies.
- Supervise and mentor a high-performing communications team, providing guidance on messaging, storytelling, and media outreach.
- Ensure all external communications adhere to compliance and regulatory guidelines.
Qualifications:
- 12+ years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, or public affairs.
- Proven ability to develop and execute high-impact media strategies, including proactive and reactive outreach.
- Expertise in crisis and issues management, with a track record of effectively handling reputational risks.
- Strong relationships with trade media outlets at local and national levels.
- Experience advising C-suite executives on public positioning, messaging, and media opportunities.
- Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into compelling narratives.
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (Master's preferred).
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