Director of Communications - Issues and Reputation Management

Department:

12823 Advocate Aurora Health Corporate - Public Affairs: External

Status:

Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

• Predominantly remote position, with some local, regional and market travel.

The Director of Issues Management (Reputation and Issues Management Communications), reporting to the Associate Vice President of Reputation and Issues Management Communications, will be responsible for strategically creating and executing our Advocate Health enterprise-wide communications efforts as we manage issues and crises that may arise. This position will partner with executives and leaders across the organization, and will develop communication strategies, narratives, processes and plans that support the management of our brand and reputation for any issues we may face. They will work in close collaboration with clinical and non-clinical business partners and departmental leaders to achieve and drive desired outcomes.

This is a remote first position with some travel to our operating markets: Milwaukee, Chicago, Charlotte, Green Bay.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop and drive the execution of Advocate Health's strategic communications plans and processes that support our organization in times of crises.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior and executive leadership, providing informed points of view to prevent or address crises and/or protect or enhance reputation.
• Play a central role in preventing issues before they happen and manage them when they do by gathering facts, identifying vulnerabilities, solving for problems, creating solutions and executing effectively.
• In partnership with key stakeholders across legal, advocacy, operations and impacted markets or departments, assess and investigate situations for potential reputation impacts, draft communications materials (e.g., media statements, talking points, Q&A's, etc.), and prepare stakeholders and spokespeople for escalated issues and matters that may become public.
• Prepare playbooks, processes and plans that prepare the organization for potential scenarios that may impact our reputation and business objectives.
• Escalate issues internally, knowing how to effectively brief up and summarize an issue to senior leadership in simple concise language with clear recommendations.
• In partnership with other communications leaders, work with PR agencies, as needed, to support communications efforts, including media and social media monitoring during crisis situations.
• Ensure that all related communications reflect the mission, vision and values of our organization.
• Maintain flexible availability and responsiveness both during and outside of normal work hours.
• Direct and develop teammates to optimize their contributions to the organization and individual career growth.

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising or other business-related field, or bachelor's degree combined with relevant experience.

Experience Required:

• 10+ years of experience in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or other business-related field, including experience with people leadership, overseeing budgets and formulating and executing comprehensive communications strategies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• A strategic thinker and creative problem-solver with a track record in corporate reputation management and communications, with a particular focus on crisis and issues prevention and management.
• Ability to think big picture to foresee reputational risks and opportunities and zoom into critical details, nuances and variables to inform issues management strategy and response.
• Comfortable working across departments and businesses to bring a calm demeanor and coordinated approach to company issues, balancing competing perspectives and the needs of stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive, independent and takes initiative with consistent follow through.
• Superb communication skills, verbal and written, conducted in a timely manner.
• Superior time management skills with capability of working with and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to think critically, understand complex concepts, synthesize information, create clarity to support sound decision-making.
• Specific experience and strong record of success in understanding the environment, identifying opportunities, designing solutions and aligning action to drive performance.
• Highly strategic with a demonstrated track record in assessing complex, competitive issues and situations and in developing related initiatives in partnership with other stakeholders to drive business results.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, having a change mindset and comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, including presentation creation and delivery, with the ability to inspire and influence others.
• Excellent oral and written communications, executive presence and relationship development skills.
• Strong media relations instincts and skills, including AP style writing proficiency.
• Ability to develop and lead strong teams and build effective operating models to drive results.
• Proven ability to assess, retain, grow and attract strong, diverse talent to meet business objectives.
• Proven track record of empowering team members and holding team accountable.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Position requires some work on weekends and outside of normal business hours.
• Position requires some local, regional and market travel.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Pay Range
$66.85 - $100.30

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
• Incentive pay for select positions
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.