Director External Affairs - Communications

Summary:

The Director of External Affairs will lead the development and execution of CHRISTUS Health's external communications strategy, including public relations, media relations, crisis communications, social media, foundation communications, and community engagement across the Catholic, faith-based, not-for-profit health system. This role is responsible for providing strategic guidance and direction to regional and ministry operations and serving as one of the lead advocates for CHRISTUS Health. Partners with the Internal Communications Leader and team to ensure collaboration in consistent messaging to all stakeholders. This role will play a vital role in advancing a system-wide brand communications strategy and supporting the One CHRISTUS initiative, in alignment with our mission and strategic priorities. The Director will maintain positive partnerships and relationships with all publics, including media, community leaders, patients, and other influencers and stakeholders, oversee the reputation of CHRISTUS among these audiences, and monitor the effectiveness and appropriateness of all external communications efforts.

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.
• Maintains consistency with Administrative and Departmental policies with appropriate behavior, dress, attitude, attendance, confidentiality, professionalism, and reliability.
• Represents enterprise in strategic community activities as a means of promoting CHRISTUS Health and its mission, as evidenced by: Membership in civic organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, etc.
• Collaborates with the Risk Management team in implementing an organized Crisis Communications program across all systems and regional ministries and serves as the designated Public Information Officer, when appropriate.
• Active participation in local professional chapters or other industry involvement to demonstrate commitment to professional development.
• Exercises discretion, sensitivity, tact, and respect for confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/Skills

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required

Experience

• 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
• Healthcare public relations experience preferred
• 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

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• None required

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.

Work Schedule:

8AM - 5PM Monday-Friday

Work Type:

Full Time