Ascension

Senior Director External Communications

Austin, TX (On-site)

Your future role at a glance Location: Austin, Texas Department: External Communications Schedule: Day l Full-time Salary: $126,962.96 - $215,837.03 Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter. Benefits that help you thrive Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more Benefit options and eligibility vary by position, scheduled hours and location. Benefits are subject to change at any time. Your recruiter will provide the most up-to-date details during the hiring process. How you’ll make an impact in this role Lead the narrative strategy for the Austin market, acting as the chief storyteller to elevate our mission and connect our clinical impact with the community. Create high-stakes thought leadership and advocacy campaigns that protect our reputation and position our executives as trusted voices in Texas healthcare. Navigate complex crisis communications and media relations, serving as the primary spokesperson to ensure clear, transparent, and mission-aligned messaging during critical moments. Drive measurable market growth by managing external agency partnerships and budgets, ensuring every communication aligns with our strategic and operational KPIs. Education What minimum requirements you’ll need High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management. What Additional Preferences We're Seeking Minimum of 10 years in strategic communications, specifically including high-stakes decision-making and a proven track record of managing complex market dynamics preferred. Direct, professional experience acting as an on-the-record spokesperson with a deep comfort level engaging local and regional press. Demonstrated expertise in managing crisis communications and public affairs within high-pressure or highly regulated environments. Equal employment opportunity employer Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster. Fraud prevention notice Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system. E-Verify statement Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.