Director, Strategic Communications
The Director of Strategic Communications provides leadership for messaging and communication strategies in support of University of Iowa Health Care’s business goals and its research, education, and patient care mission. Serving as a communication advisor and a key member of the Marketing and Communications team, this role oversees the strategic communications division and acts as a public information officer for the organization. Reporting to the associate vice president, the position collaborates closely with others to ensure alignment and consistency across communication platforms for internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic Planning
Champions the development and oversees the rollout of integrated communication strategies, with a focus on public relations, social media, internal communications, and executive communications.
Elevates the UI Health Care brand by aligning communications to support the reputation of the enterprise as measured by U.S. News, NIH funding, and other metrics identified as top priorities.
Collaborates with other Marketing and Communications divisions — Marketing, Content Strategy, Digital, and the Carver College of Medicine — to guide planning and allocation of resources.
Message Development and Implementation
Provides strategic-level consultation and guides the creation of communication plans, proactive media relations strategies, content editorial calendars, and change management plans.
Manages relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to produce timely and effective communications.
Develops and implements comprehensive issues management and crisis communications plans, processes, and training.
Guides brand voice and editorial style, in alignment with UI Health Care and university brand standards.
Hires and oversees external agency support, as needed, as an extension of the internal team.
Financial Responsibility and Information Management
Manages and monitors the division’s budget.
Identifies and tracks meaningful metrics associated with specific communication objectives, using data and trends to make informed decisions and recommendations.
Guides and implements research in support of communications objectives, as necessary.
Prepares reports to share strategy, plans, results, and opportunities.
Leadership and Supervision
Leads a team of communications professionals in the strategic communication division: public relations and social media along with executive and internal communications.
Coaches, mentors, and guides team members and collaborators to achieve shared goals and defined outcomes.
Serves as the primary liaison for all internal and external communications during an incident, ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinated messaging in alignment with emergency protocols.
Serves on committees, boards, and other groups representing UI Health Care and the Marketing and Communications department, as requested.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in communication, public relations, marketing, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
7 years of demonstrated leadership in communications, developing and executing multi-channel initiatives in support of public relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement
Experience in leading a communications team in an academic medical center, multi-hospital system, or other large, complex business environment
Ability to develop teams and individuals
Proven results of hiring and managing external agencies and integrating their work with internal teams
Experience in creating crisis communications response plans and facilitating communications training
Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills
Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships
Strong management, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines
Proficiency in MS Office
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment
Desired Qualifications
Experience in supporting business growth, brand integration, and crisis communications
Experience as a public information officer for a multi-hospital system or other large, health care environment
Experience with JIRA project management system
High degree of self-motivation and initiative
Knowledge of UI and UI Health Care policies and procedures
Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume (under the submission of relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
