Director of Public Relations at The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas

Job Description:

Director of Public Relations

Department

Corporate Communications

Shift

Days - Full-Time

Requisition ID

2020-25658

Position Location

Hospital Main Campus, KS

City

KANSAS CITY

Category

Management

State

Kansas

Position Summary/Career Interest

The Director of Public Relations reports to the Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communication and develops, manages and oversees comprehensive public relations programs and messages, to support strategic goals and public relations plans for The University of Kansas Health System, both in Kansas City and across the state. Being successful in the role will require a strategic thinker who creates plans, and directs the creation of content and communications that support The University of Kansas Health System's brand position; a brand ambassador who prides himself/herself on being 100% reliable and exact while working with a determined sense of urgency; and a collaborator, who can work seamlessly with members of other teams to maximize our sponsorships, events, content and opportunities. This person will work directly with executives, coaching/prepping them on speaking points/opportunities. This key role will supervise public relations activities, and work collaboratively with a team of professionals to ensure messages, image, and use of materials is strategic, consistent and appropriate He/she will understand how team's work will impact The University of Kansas Health System and the patients we serve.

Responsibilities

Create and oversee public relations for the health system, working collaboratively with the media relations team, government relations team, events team, and marketing team.
- Carry out/direct our 'thought leadership' initiatives meant to drive reputation.
- Develop system for tracking results/metrics to measure preference of key audiences, and the effectiveness of PR tactics.
- Direct use of outside counsel/supervises agencies.
- Collaborate with internal communications, media relations, government relations, legal and marketing to ensure messages are consistent, and we are maximizing opportunities.
- Advises Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communication and other system leaders on public issues that may affect The University of Kansas Health System. Anticipate and assess risk, make recommendations, and take needed action to ensure we are aloe to pre-empt or appropriately react.
- Direct the management of neighborhood involvement across the community in KC and across the state, in partnership with the local support.
- Commands respect as a public relations and media relations expert with internal stakeholders across the health system as well as with government relations personnel, media relations, corporate communications, marketing and community personnel/leaders.
- Develops, manages and oversees comprehensive public relations programs to support strategic goals.
- Able to serve as back up spokesperson for The University of Kansas Health System, as requested, in response to all public relations and media critical issues. Advises, makes recommendations, and gains consensus with all those involved in the crisis or event (Vice President, Legal Counsel, media relations, internal communications, CEO and COO), both in time of internal involvement and as a subject matter expert on external matters
- Serves as a subject matter expert by analyzing and developing strategy that positions the Health System in relation to brand in respect to current situation
- Manages the budget and supervises the activities of outside firms used in public relations' efforts.
- Manages staff's daily work process to ensure messages, images, and use of materials is strategic, consistent and appropriate

Qualifications

Required:
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, English or related field.
- A minimum of seven years of public relations, media relations or communications experience.
- Extensive news media or media relations experience, crisis communication skills and strong knowledge of communication and public relations practices, methods and strategies.
- Possess a strong business acumen, as well as experience in developing and maintaining budget.
- Must have proven communication skills and abilities in writing, public speaking, and interpreting concepts/ideas into written and/or verbal form to selected audiences. Audiences include news media, general public, staff, volunteers, executive and government officials, other healthcare workers, etc.
- Must have a valid state driver's license and personal transportation (automobile) in good working condition
- Must be able to work well under pressure and deadlines and be flexible and adaptable to unexpected
- Demonstrated ability to present effectively to internal and external audiences.
Preferred:
- Master degree preferred
- Health Care experience preferred
- Supervisory experience preferred

Need help finding the right job?

We can recommend jobs specifically for you!
Click here to get started.

.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.