Region Director Communications-Central

Region Director Communications - Central Region

The Region Director of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing strategic regional internal & external communication initiatives.   This position is to enhance the company's reputation, manage issues, and drive positive media coverage throughout the region and associated markets, engage and inform employees, foster a positive company culture, and align employees with the company's goals and objectives. This role will lead regional media relations, public relations, reputation management, crisis management, issues management, executive visibility efforts, employee communications, employee engagement programs, and executive communications, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with regional and system priorities. The Director will collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the region and associated markets to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the company's overall business strategies and objectives and adherence to system standards, practices, policies, and ways of working.

1. Develop and Implement Internal & External Communication Strategies:
1. Develop and implement comprehensive internal & external communication strategies to effectively communicate the organization's mission, values, and regional key messages to stakeholders, employees, other internal audiences (e.g., physicians, nurses, volunteers, etc.), and the markets we serve.
2. Identify target audiences and develop tailored communication plans to reach and engage them.
3. Ensure consistency in messaging and branding across all regional internal & external communication channels.
2. Media Relations:
1. Either directly or with a designated member of the team, ensures there is a primary point of contact for media inquiries and that relationships with media representatives and outlets are managed, including proactive media pitches, press releases and media kits to generate positive media coverage.
2. Coordinate media interviews and press conferences, and provide media training to key spokespeople within the region.
3. Crisis Communication:
1. In partnership with the internal communications team members and through input from functional leaders across CommonSpirit, develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage and respond to potential crises or emergencies.
2. Either directly or with a designated member of the team, serve as the primary spokesperson during crisis situations and coordinate messaging and communication efforts.
3. Monitor and analyze media coverage and social media sentiment during crisis situations and adjust communication strategies as needed.
4. Public Relations:
1. Develop and execute public relations strategies to enhance the company's brand and reputation within the communities we serve and across key stakeholders, including community organizations, government agencies, and industry associations.
2. Identify and pursue opportunities for thought leadership, speaking engagements, public relations events and industry awards to enhance the organization's reputation and visibility.
3. Manage relationships with external PR agencies and vendors to support PR initiatives.
5. Reputation Management:
1. Develop strategies to monitor, manage and enhance the organization's reputation in the healthcare industry and the communities we serve, while addressing any negative sentiment or misinformation.
2. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the organization's reputation goals.
6. Executive Communications and Visibility:
1. Support executive visibility initiatives, including media interviews, speaking engagements, and industry conferences.
2. Collaborate with regional executives to vet and develop key messages, talking points and other communication materials, such as speeches, presentations, and articles.
7. Issues Management:
1. Develop and implement strategies to effectively manage and mitigate potential issues or crises that may impact the company's reputation.
2. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop crisis communication plans and protocols.
3. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the company during crisis situations, ensuring consistent and transparent communication.
8. External Communication Materials:
1. Oversee the development and production of external communication materials, including brochures, newsletters, website content, and social media posts.
2. Ensure that all external communication materials are accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with the organization's brand and messaging.
3. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as marketing and clinical teams, to gather information and create compelling content.
9. Stakeholder Engagement:
1. Develop and implement strategies to engage and communicate with external stakeholders, such as patients, families, community members, and referring physicians.
2. Conduct surveys and gather feedback to understand stakeholder needs and preferences.
3. Develop and execute engagement initiatives, such as patient testimonials, community events, and physician communication programs.
10. Team Management:
1. Lead and manage a team of communication professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
2. Set goals and objectives for the team and evaluate performance regularly.
3. Foster a collaborative and innovative culture within the external communication 
11. Employee Engagement:
1. Develop and implement strategies to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction within the region.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve the employee experience and foster a positive organizational culture.
3. Utilize various communication channels to promote employee recognition, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
12. Communication Channels:
1. Oversee the management and maintenance of internal communication channels
2. Ensure that communication channels are user-friendly, accessible, and up-to-date with relevant information.
3. Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication channels and make recommendations for improvements.
13. Leadership Communication:
1. Develop and implement strategies to enhance leadership communication within the region.
2. Collaborate with senior leaders to develop key internal messages and communication plans for leadership initiatives, organizational changes, and strategic priorities.
3. Provide guidance and support to leaders in delivering effective and consistent communication to their teams.
14. Internal Communication Materials:
1. Oversee the development and production of internal communication materials, including newsletters, memos, presentations, and videos.
2. Ensure that all internal communication materials are accurate, clear, and aligned with the organization's brand and messaging.
3. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as HR, IT, and clinical teams, to gather information and create compelling content.
15. Change Management Communication:
1. Develop and implement communication plans to effectively communicate organizational changes, such as mergers, acquisitions, and process improvements.
2. Collaborate with change management teams to ensure that communication efforts support and facilitate successful change initiatives.
3. Provide guidance and support to leaders in communicating change to their teams.
16. Employee Feedback and Surveys:
1. Develop and implement strategies to gather employee feedback and measure employee satisfaction within the region.
2. Conduct surveys, focus groups, and other feedback mechanisms to understand employee needs and preferences.
3. Analyze survey results and provide recommendations for improvement to senior leaders.
17. Internal Events and Campaigns:
1. Plan and execute internal events and campaigns to promote employee engagement, wellness, and organizational initiatives.
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop event themes, content, and logistics.
3. Measure the effectiveness of internal events and campaigns and make data-driven decisions for future initiatives.
18. Training and Development:
1. Provide training and support to leaders and employees on effective communication practices.
2. Develop and deliver communication workshops and resources to enhance communication skills within the region.
3. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in internal communication and share knowledge with the organization.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with internal & external communications, employee engagement, public relations, or related roles.
• Proven track record of successfully managing media relations and securing positive media coverage as well as leading employee engagement and communication programs.
• Experience in reputation management and online/social media monitoring.
• Experience managing external PR agencies and vendors.
• Proven experience in developing and executing successful internal communication strategies.

CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S., from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services, CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources, CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities, advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable, and innovating how and where healing can happen, both inside our hospitals and out in the community.