Director, Communications

Chicago, IL (On-site)

$153K/yr – $195K/yrDirector/Executive10+ years expFull time

Posted 3 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own and elevate STS narrative leadership with a senior-stakes communications mandate, owning the strategy, editorial calendar, and marquee assets across governance and science content.

  • Executive Communications: Lead messaging and scripts for senior leaders and flagship content like Presidential updates and podcasts.
  • Proactive Strategy: Modernize storytelling, broaden member voices, and set measurable, refreshable tools and formats.
  • Content Execution: Oversee articles, newsletters, talking points, videos, and social content with brand alignment for key member communications.

Job Description

Responsibilities - Executive Communications and Thought Leadership: Serves as senior communications strategist, advisor, and lead writer for STS Officers and senior leadership. Develop and deliver high-impact content across Presidential Updates (video, email, social), as well as interviews, articles, blogs, podcasts, and multimedia featuring governance leaders and scientific experts. Lead planning, strategy, integration, and execution of a communications editorial calendar. Partner closely with the VP, Marketing and Communications and STS Officers to develop messaging, talking points, scripts, presentations, and video content. Own the end-to-end development of a comprehensive thought leadership strategy, personally drafting Presidential communications, newsletters, scripts, blogs, podcasts, social media content that reflect a clear, authentic STS voice. Drive creation of marquee storytelling assets, including the annual highlights video and flagship podcast series (e.g. Best in Lung Cancer Science, Thinking Thoracic, Resilient Surgeon, Same Surgeon, Different Light), from concept through script and production direction. - Proactive Communications Strategy: Develop and lead a forward-looking communications strategy and content calendar that brings the STS story to life. Modernize communications and storytelling by engaging members and volunteers and expanding their voices across STS channels. Identify innovative formats and channels to increase reach and engagement. Establish performance metrics and regularly evaluate and refresh all communications tools and platforms, recommending enhancements, optimization, or sunset decisions. Recommend platforms for monitoring and measurement - Content Creation and Communications Execution: Lead and contribute to the creation of high-impact communications, including articles, newsletters, statements, talking points, FAQs, presentations, video and podcast scripts, emails, and social content. Oversee and support production of key member communications such as National Database News, The Hub, Early Career Newsletter, Advocacy Monthly, and International Connection. Partner with the Annals to communicate new science, research, and content to members. - Narrative, Brand, and Messaging: Partner with VP on the STS Branding Initiative to elevate and modernize the organization's voice, messaging, visual brand identity, brand positioning, and brand architecture. Lead development and ongoing refinement of the STS narrative and message map. Ensure alignment and consistency across all communications, including new products, strategic initiatives, campaigns, and the Annual Meeting (talking points, press releases, scripts, and statements). - Media Relations and Reputation Management: Lead STS media relations strategy, including development and distribution of press releases for STS and The Annals, proactive media outreach, and response to press inquiries. Oversee Annual Meeting media strategy, press briefings, and coverage. Monitor media landscape and deliver insights through media listening and reporting to strengthen STS reputation and visibility. Identify issues and media trends on the horizon.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons logo

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

2.9 Glassdoor

Founded in 1964, STS is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,800 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best surgical care for patients with diseases of the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest. STS is the premier professional society for these individuals. The Society’s mission is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy. STS is known especially for its national outcomes database (STS National Database), its peer-reviewed journal, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, and an annual educational meeting that draws more than 2,100 health care professionals from around the world.

Founded in 1964
Chicago, Illinois, USA
142 employees (13 in marketing)
58% recommend to a friend

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124.9K
Traffic Source Mix
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56%
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Current headcount: ~142

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