DIRECTOR, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

LOCATION: Columbia, Missouri

ABOUT THE JOB

The Director of Public Relations and Internal Communications develops and executes MU Health Care's public relations and internal communications strategy in support of the organization's mission, vision and goals. Responsible for overseeing and executing plans that inform and engage team members related to the organization's strategic priorities, organizational changes and direction, important events and operational issues and updates. The Director works collaboratively with the Marketing Department to position the system's brand and reputation nationally and locally.

Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Department: Strategic Planning

Salary Range: $126,796 - $206,960

ABOUT US

MU Health Care is a growing academic health system in mid-Missouri comprised of multiple hospitals - including the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center and region's only Children's Hospital - and over 50 specialty clinics located throughout the region.

As an MU Health Care employee, you will be part of an exceptional team committed to our mission of saving and improving lives and supporting our team members to achieve their personal and professional goals. Our core values of inclusion, respect, service, discovery, responsibility, and excellence foster a collaborative work environment where you can grow your career.

Learn more about MU Health Care. Learn more about living in Columbia, MO.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Health, vision, and dental insurance coverage starting day one

Generous paid leave and paid time off, including 9 paid holidays

Multiple retirement options, including 100% match up to 8% and full vesting in three years

Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)

Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels, and more.

See a comprehensive list of benefits here.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Media Relations

Develop and implement corporate public relations strategies that elevate the MU Health Care and School of Medicine brands and position as the premier and transformational academic health system for Missouri.

Build and maintain relationships with relevant media outlets, members of the press, and industry influencers to increase local, regional and national media coverage for MU Health.

Direct regional crisis communication efforts in coordination with the University of Missouri (UM) System and MU Joint Office of Strategic Communications. Develop and implement comprehensive issues management and crisis communications policies and plans.

Lead development of group and individual media training sessions for executive leadership in preparation for interviews with local and national news media.

Oversee the development of public relations plans around major media events to include groundbreakings, grand openings and announcements of gifts, grants, partnerships, etc.

Corporate/Internal Communications

Directs the development and implementation of a comprehensive and integrated internal communications plan in alignment with the health system's strategic, operational and workforce priorities.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders in Marketing and Human Resources to build and maintain a strong employer brand strategy, position MU Health as the employer of choice and develop initiatives and communications that inspire a highly engaged workforce.

Ensure all internal communications convey proper content and image of the organization across all mediums and maintain consistent messaging, tone of voice and visual identity.

Direct the development of new communication initiatives and tools; oversee the ongoing renewal and update of the MU Health Care and School of Medicine corporate websites (intranets), newsletters, and other internal communications vehicles for the health system; and recommend development and maintenance of appropriate channels to deliver organizational messaging.

Lead communications for employee forums, appreciation events and change management initiatives.

Executive Communications

Direct executive leadership communications to include speeches, presentations, panel discussions, interviews, op-eds, talking points, correspondence, written internal communications, videos, podcasts, and other tactics, elevating our leadership and the MU Health Care and School of Medicine brands, enhancing relations with internal and external stakeholders and elevating the brand.

Collaborate with executives to develop compelling thought leadership content, including articles, white papers, and blog posts. Ensure the content is insightful and impactful and aligns with our organization's key pillars/messages and strategic objectives.

Consult with executives to refine their messaging and storytelling capabilities. Provide training and guidance to enhance their presentation and interview skills and ensure consistent and effective messaging aligned with MU Health's brand and values.

Performance Measurement

Establish metrics associated with PR and internal communications objectives, using data and trends to make informed decisions and recommendations.

Monitor media coverage, internal communications, and thought leadership initiatives to ensure success and continuously refine and optimize strategies.

Present performance results, including routine and special reports, to a broad base of selected stakeholders.

Oversee the development, coordination, and maintenance of daily staffing schedules to ensure the appropriate level of coverage and continuity of care across units.

Direct the implementation and oversight of MU Health Care time and attendance policies and practices.

May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to work effectively within a complex organizational structure that includes faculty, administration, and staff across many organizations, departments and programs.

Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with reporters, advocacy organizations, editors, etc., and in successfully positioning subject matter experts to achieve high-impact results.

Excellent communicator with the ability to influence and persuade across all levels of the organization, influencing, engaging, and supervising the work of direct reports, indirect reports, and peers.

Ability to identify, research, write and edit communications, in a variety of forms including print, online, video, etc.

Knowledge and experience in new media technologies and how to utilize them in executing communications strategy.

Innovative thinker with a track record for translating priorities into action plans.

Demonstrated creative and critical thinking skills and success in culture-building.

Strong business analytics, strategy development, project management, problem-solving and change management skills.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field.

Eight (8) years of experience in public relations and corporate communications.

Three (3) years of leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or related field.