Responsibilities

• Must be within commutable distance to one of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundations locations - Center City, MN, St. Paul, MN, Newberg, OR, Rancho Mirage, CA This is a hybrid position on-site three days per week.
• The Director, Communications leads strategic communications that advance Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s mission, strengthen its reputation, and deepen engagement with key internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer with matrixed accountability to the Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, this role serves as a centralized communications leader for internal communications and external thought leadership while enabling strong partnership across donor and trustee relations, alumni, outreach, graduate school, BCR, publishing, and marketing communications. The Director shapes and develops messaging that reflects the Foundation’s leadership in addiction treatment, recovery, mental health, education, advocacy, and public service.
• Strategic Communications & Mission-Centered Messaging
• Thought Leadership, Advocacy & Public Influence
• Media, Content & Audience Engagement
• Leadership, Collaboration & Operations

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public affairs, or a related field
• Plus six years of relevant experience; or a non-communications degree plus eight years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic communications and thought leadership plans in a mission-driven, healthcare, nonprofit, or complex organizational setting.
• Experience leading media relations, executive communications, public engagement, and cross-channel content strategy.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and message development skills, with the ability to communicate sensitive and complex issues with clarity and compassion.
• Strong leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, and team development capabilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, accessible communications, and language that respects the dignity of patients, families, colleagues, and communities.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in communications, public affairs, healthcare administration, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, higher education, philanthropy, advocacy, or other mission-driven organizational communications.
• Experience supporting senior executives and shaping executive presence through speeches, public forums, media opportunities, and leadership communications.
• Knowledge of digital analytics, content performance measurement, and communications technology platforms.
• Experience operating in a matrixed environment with centralized strategy and decentralized execution.

Benefits

• Competitive Health, Dental and Vision Plans
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Paid time-off
• Tuition reimbursement