Region Manager External Communications - South

CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S. & from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community.

The South Region External Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing external communication initiatives to enhance the company's reputation, manage issues, and drive positive media coverage throughout the region and associated markets. This role will lead regional media relations, public relations, reputation management, crisis management, issues management and executive visibility efforts. The Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the region and associated markets to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the company's overall business strategies and objectives.

1. Develop and Implement External Communication Strategies:
1. Develop and implement comprehensive external communication strategies to effectively communicate the organization's mission, values, and regional key messages to external stakeholders and the markets we serve.
2. Identify target audiences and develop tailored communication plans to reach and engage them.
3. Ensure consistency in messaging and branding across all regional external communication channels.
2. Media Relations:
1. Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and manage relationships with media outlets, including proactive media pitches, press releases and media kits to generate positive media coverage.
2. Coordinate media interviews and press conferences, and provide media training to key spokespeople within the region.
3. Crisis Communication:
1. With input from functional leaders throughout CommonSpirit, and with the support of the Internal Communications teams, develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage and respond to potential crises or emergencies.
2. Serve as the primary spokesperson during crisis situations and coordinate messaging and communication efforts.
3. Monitor and analyze media coverage and social media sentiment during crisis situations and adjust communication strategies as needed.
4. Public Relations:
1. Develop and execute public relations strategies to enhance the company's brand and reputation within the communities we serve and across key stakeholders, including community organizations, government agencies, and industry associations.
2. Identify and pursue opportunities for thought leadership, speaking engagements, public relations events and industry awards to enhance the organization's reputation and visibility.
3. Manage relationships with external PR agencies and vendors to support PR initiatives.
5. Reputation Management:
1. Develop strategies to monitor, manage and enhance the organization's reputation in the healthcare industry and the communities we serve, while addressing any negative sentiment or misinformation..
2. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the organization's reputation goals.
6. Executive Communications and Visibility:
1. Support executive visibility initiatives, including media interviews, speaking engagements, and industry conferences.
2. Collaborate with regional executives to vet and develop key messages, talking points and other communication materials, such as speeches, presentations, and articles.
7. Issues Management:
1. Develop and implement strategies to effectively manage and mitigate potential issues or crises that may impact the company's reputation.
2. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop crisis communication plans and protocols.
3. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the company during crisis situations, ensuring consistent and transparent communication.
8. External Communication Materials:
1. Oversee the development and production of external communication materials, including brochures, newsletters, website content, and social media posts.
2. Ensure that all external communication materials are accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with the organization's brand and messaging.
3. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as marketing and clinical teams, to gather information and create compelling content.
9. Stakeholder Engagement:
1. Develop and implement strategies to engage and communicate with external stakeholders, such as patients, families, community members, and referring physicians.
2. Conduct surveys and gather feedback to understand stakeholder needs and preferences.
3. Develop and execute engagement initiatives, such as patient testimonials, community events, and physician communication programs.
10. Team Management:
1. Lead and manage a team of communication professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
2. Set goals and objectives for the team and evaluate performance regularly.
3. Foster a collaborative and innovative culture within the external communication

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in external communications, public relations, or related roles.
• Proven track record of successfully managing media relations and securing positive media coverage.
• Strong crisis communication and issues management skills.
• Experience in reputation management and online/social media monitoring.
• Experience managing external PR agencies and vendors.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and PR software/tools.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Training:

• Strong understanding of healthcare trends, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to various audiences.
• Excellent presentation skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and senior executives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Collaborative work style.
• Ability to work in a large geographically diverse system.

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