Location: West Des Moines,IA, USA
The Communications and PR Manager is responsible for developing, aligning and executing UnityPoint Healths executive and internal communications efforts to inform and engage key stakeholder groups. This individual will support the evolution of a comprehensive content strategy that proactively advances organizational priorities, drives engagement through high-impact storytelling and promotes culture using appropriate platforms and channels for various audience groups. He or she will supervise and/or lead by influence across system and market internal communications specialists to champion editorial brand standards, identify best practices and set benchmarks to measure success. He or she will also possess strong editorial process experience. The position collaborates closely with senior leaders, brand and marketing creative services, digital and social teams to leverage data and promote cross-channel publishing to engage target audiences and develop content that supports the UnityPoint Health brand.
Why UnityPoint Health?
Visit us at UnityPoint.org/careers to hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work.
Responsibilities:
Internal Communications Strategy
Lead and mature internal communications strategy for messaging opportunities across system-wide audiences, stakeholder groups and business/department clients
Manage internal content and newsletter publishing forms and tools inclusive of garnering, authoring and editing content to establish efficient workflows and support best practices, as well as assess future-state needs and tools for streamlined editorial processes
Aligned system/market editorial calendars with defined channel or publishing owners to support coordinated, deliberate messaging as well as organizational meeting cadences
Advocate for consistent tone, voice, style, etc. for respective internal communications platforms and channels, including the Hub, FOCUS Facebook group, and system-wide internal newsletters
Partner with marketing communications teams to identify internal content opportunities that give lift to our brand promise, mission, vision and organizational values, as well as highlight stories and initiatives representative of our strategy
Oversee internal video work that supports system, regional and business client needs
Oversee internal content analysis on a regular basis to set engagement targets with internal audiences and review content effectiveness
Lead internal communications meetings with cross-functional groups to promote alignment efforts for efficiency, build positive relationships, identify gaps and leverage talent
Executive Communications Strategy
Support MarCom senior leadership to evolve executive communications priorities for UPH Senior Team and market senior teams (Markets, System Services, UPC and UPaH)
Develop, lead and execute executive communications initiatives for UPH Senior Team, including key messages, newsletters, select organizational meetings and signature events
Support system internal communications needs related to crisis and/or issues management situations, often with market leadership coordination
Media Relations and Thought Leadership Strategy
Manage system-wide thought leadership strategy and message architecture in partnership with market teams to align approach, positioning, and voice, as well as proactively connect dots between narratives, workstreams and key stakeholders
Drive integrated and relevant thought leadership campaigns that support and lift UnityPoint Health as a strong brand, employer of choice and trusted healthcare partner
Identify opportunities to build, develop and advance executive and senior leader personas and platforms through media relations, speaking engagements and awards
Execute content and media relations strategies to address and respond to reputational challenges as they arise
Partner with market teams to align media monitoring best practices in support of stakeholder reports, identification of industry trends and campaign progress and metrics
Maintain strong relationships with business and trade media as well as community and industry influencers across the UnityPoint Health footprint
Manage agency/other partners and vendors as needed
Leadership and Management
Serves as a member of the Marketing and Communication leadership team.
Develop and invest in direct reports as individual contributors to strengthen editorial and public relations skillsets, oversee workflows, promote creative collaboration and drive engagement-focused results.
Establish effective mechanisms of communication with staff and the management team to foster an environment of openness, trust, teamwork and staff development.
Establishes and prepares staff goals, standards in accordance with the department and organizational goals. Ensuring that all members of the team adhere to those goals and standards.
Facilitates the planning and monitoring of quality improvement activities ensuring any necessary corrective action in the department.
Establishes productivity guidelines, monitors and adjusts to achieve maximum productivity. Assures that all job descriptions within the area of responsibility clarify and delineate position expectations. Facilitates orientation, in-service, on-the-job training and continuing education programming to meet identified staff development needs.
Performs performance evaluations for staff. Creates an environment for staff growth, development, career planning, productivity and satisfaction by conducting staff meetings and one-on-one meetings at least monthly with all direct reports.
Actively participates in operational improvement efforts related to standards and processes of the entire department and ensure team is participation in these efforts as well.
Perform other duties as requested by Department leadership to facilitate the smooth and effective operations of the department.
Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Requirements
Identify items that are minimally required to perform the essential functions of this position.
Preferred or Specialized
Not required to perform the essential functions of the position.
Education:
Bachelors degree with an emphasis in communications, public relations, journalism, creative writing, or marketing preferred.
Masters degree in related field
Experience:
5 years experience in communications, marketing, brand or media in private or public sectors or agency environment.
License(s)/Certification(s):
Valid drivers license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Strong leadership with excellent verbal, written, editorial planning and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience in the development and successful execution of content and public relations strategies, both internal and external facing.
Self-motivated, creative thinker, bringing insights, ideas, and fresh energy to the work.
Flexible, resilient, problem solver who can manage day-to-day editorial but adapt quickly based on thought leadership risk or opportunity.
Demonstrated creative ability across visual and written mediums with regard to writing, promotions, advertising along with strong editing skills.
Experience working with external agencies and vendors.
Demonstrated use of current trends and techniques in marketing, public relations, media relations, thought leadership, advertising, online and social media.
Requires highly developed communication skills to effectively work with all levels of management throughout the UnityPoint Health, its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Ability to work as one team - creating and maintaining effective working relationships with a capacity for influence, collaboration and consensus-building.
Ability to understand and apply guidelines, policies and procedures.
Nimble, able to switch gears and balance multiple projects simultaneously.
Proficient in word processing, content management systems, spreadsheet and presentation software, email marketing software, media monitoring and analysis tools and Microsoft 365.
Other:
Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.