Director of Communications

The Organization

The Population Health Learning Center (“Learning Center”) is a new organization that aims to become a catalyst for aligned statewide population health transformation in Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) and adjacent safety net programs. This includes aligning key funders and initiatives around a consistent approach to build capacity for population health management in the Medi-Cal delivery system, to advance health equity at scale in California.

The Position

The Learning Center is seeking an experienced, hands-on, and articulate Director of Communications to develop, manage, and execute a comprehensive strategic communications strategy for the Learning Center during this critical period of growth and organizational transformation. Partnering with the Chief Executive, this role will oversee the crafting of an overarching narrative that illuminates the vision for the Learning Center and will partner with staff across the organization to weave this narrative into the organization’s programs.

The Director of Communications will serve as a key leader within the Learning Center, providing strategic guidance and support to the Leadership Team. They will strengthen the Learning Center’s internal communication, enhance the organizational brand, and heighten the visibility of the work within California. This individual will also play a significant role in fostering a values-driven organizational culture and supporting the Learning Center’s long-term vision.

Responsibilities include:

1. Strategic Leadership and Communications Oversight
   • Lead the development and execution of the Learning Center’s communication strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, goals, growth, and with the changing landscape of Medi-Cal and health equity efforts.
   • Work with the Chief Executive Officer and Leadership Team to articulate key communication outcomes and develop strategies to achieve those outcomes.
   • Ensure that the Learning Center communications are consistently on-message, high quality, professional, engaging, and appropriately targeted for various stakeholders. Manage branding and style guide, working with graphic design consultants, and ensure all written communications and materials reflect the voice, vision and style of the Learning Center.
   • Develop, edit, and refine content across various formats, including reports, newsletters, proposals, presentations etc., ensuring high standards of writing and presentation.
   • Develop and maintain the Learning Center’s communications and editorial content calendars. Collaborate with the Learning Center’s leaders to generate relevant content, including the Learning Center’s monthly newsletter.
   • Manage website content and direct vendor activities to ensure accuracy, engagement, and alignment with the Learning Center’s goals.
   • Integrate communications across the organization, aligning messaging with organizational priorities and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
   • Conduct regular communication audits to assess the effectiveness of strategies, providing recommendations to continuously improve messaging and impact.
   • Monitor emerging communication trends and technologies, incorporating them into the Learning Center’s strategy.
2. Organizational Development and Leadership
   • Serve as a strategic advisor to the Leadership Team, ensuring communications considerations are integrated into organizational planning and decision-making.
   • Partner with the Leadership Team to align communication strategies, driving the achievement of the Learning Center’s overarching objectives.
   • Support cross-departmental collaboration by ensuring communication processes are efficient and effective across the organization.
3. Team and Culture Building
   • Support transparent, consistent internal communications with staff at all levels of the organization to cultivate a healthy workplace culture.
   • Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports professional growth and development.
   • Provide communications training and guidance to non-communications staff and program teams to build organizational capacity and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
   • Act as a cultural steward, ensuring the Learning Center’s values of equity, inclusion, and collaboration are reflected in the communication team’s work and interactions.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications Including:

1. At least 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in communications, public relations, and/or media relations preferably within mission-driven organizations including health systems, health plans or associations, including prior experience serving in a director level role.
2. A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
3. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders internally and externally.
4. Experience developing and executing highly effective strategic communications plans.
5. Ability to collect, review, synthesize, and present information clearly and concisely.
6. Ability to multitask and meet deadlines within designated timeframes and demonstrate resourcefulness in setting priorities, strong organizational skills, and exceptional attention to detail with the ability to work independently, take initiative and contribute to ideas for enhancing organizational performance.
7. Thrives in a start-up environment where the work is constantly evolving and changing.
8. Commitment to advancing health equity and supporting underserved communities through effective communication strategies.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Must reside in California (San Francisco/Oakland/ East Bay preferred).

Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $220,000. As a fiscally sponsored project of Tides, the Learning Center offers a generous benefits package that reflects Tides’ and the Learning Center’s shared commitment to team member health and wellness. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, life and disability insurances, a retirement plan, annual wellness days, and other resources designed to support the passion, commitment, and energy that is vital to our team members.

The Population Health Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color, and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.