Responsibilities

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Builds a cohesive, coordinated strategy for all proactive and reactive external and foundation communications, public relations/media relations, public affairs activities, and reputation-building initiatives.
• Develops, maintains, and manages relationships with key external partners, stakeholders, and constituents in support of system, regional, and ministry public affairs goals.
• Leads multiple direct reports across a department in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment, working directly with leaders across the organization.
• Advances and protects the CHRISTUS Health reputation, including broadcast and verbal identity, ensuring communications reflect the organization's mission and values with key audiences.
• Partners closely with CHRISTUS Health marketing and corporate affairs to ensure consistent messaging and establish and meet benchmarks for increasing share of voice, brand, and audience expansion.
• Acts as a key strategic resource and advisor for leaders across the health system, translating stakeholder activity, strategic initiatives, and developments to ensure consistent messaging, support direction setting, and protect the overall brand and reputation.
• Provides visible leadership and effectively engages in change management processes by involving teams and building support.
• Develops Associates in their professional growth, leads by example, and actively seeks and responds well to feedback.
• Demonstrates the leadership and courage to communicate difficult messages, give candid feedback, and make hard decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required
• 8 years of experience in driving the creation and execution of complex external communications and public relations plans required
• 5 years of Leadership/management experience required
• Exceptional and persuasive written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills required
• Ability to make decisions in a rapidly changing environment and perform in high-pressure, deadline-driven situations with multiple stakeholders, including senior leaders, is required
• A track record of working with local and national media and crafting communications strategies that have delivered strong, positive media coverage and brand awareness required
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, working collaboratively with others to solve problems and achieve positive outcomes required

Preferred

• Healthcare public relations experience preferred