Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, WVU Cancer Institute

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Responsible for developing strategies and overseeing implementation of a comprehensive corporate communication plan for WVU Hospitals and the West Virginia University Health System (System). Also responsible for communication to the public via a public website that promotes services for the entire System, as well as publications targeted to the public and referring physicians. Oversees event planning, as well as public relations and advertising for community efforts. Also responsible for community relations, including charitable giving and sponsorships for both WVU Hospitals and the System.



Supervisory responsibilities: Lead a team of four communication and marketing professionals operating in a wide range of areas: corporate (internal) communications/photography; public and referring physician communications; event planning; public relations and marketing; and community relations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Bachelor’s degree required

EXPERIENCE:

1. 10 years’ experience in communications, public relations, marketing required

2. 5 years responsible position in healthcare organization of similar size required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Master’s degree preferred.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Serves as chief internal communications officer and strategist for both WVU Hospitals and the System.

2. Provides routine strategic internal communications counsel and support to senior institutional leaders (both WVU Hospitals and the System); helps identify communication priorities, strategies and tactics, and crafts messages. Also provides support to other leaders, internal groups, committees and employees.

3. Develops strategies and oversees implementation of comprehensive plans for regular and emergency internal communication to both employees of WVU Hospitals and the System, as well as to WVU physicians and residents.

4. Conducts periodic examinations of communication tactics to determine if they are achieving desired results.

5. Guides development and management of the organization’s intranet site using a content management system. Also oversees development of new internal websites that meet organizational needs. Understands best practices, and ensures consistency and effectiveness of presentation for all website elements.

6. Oversees the publication of a weekly employee e-newsletter and public website for employees of WVU Hospitals and a quarterly employee e-newsletter and public website for employees of the System.

7. Oversees 30-plus TVs used for employee messaging (for WVU Hospitals), and screensavers used on thousands of TVs throughout the System.

8. Guides development and management of the public website that promotes the services of the entire System.

9. Oversees publication of Medicine Cabinet, a community newsletter and e-newsletter sent to residents in a four-county area in north-central West Virginia.

10. Oversees development of physician blogs that promote services being marketed.

11. Oversees publication of The Dose, a referring physician newsletter and e-newsletter sent to hundreds of referring physicians in West Virginia and the surrounding region.

12. Oversees planning and execution of public institutional events, including health fairs, groundbreakings, topping out ceremonies, grand openings and celebrations.

13. Develops and oversees integrated marketing communication campaigns that involve community events/screenings (e.g., Women Love Your Heart, Kids Fair, Health Expo, Stride 5K, community drives).

14. Publishes a bi-monthly “Healthy Living” column in the local newspaper promoting health and wellness, and WVU Medicine.

15. Directs a comprehensive, targeted and sustainable community relations program that enhances the organization’s image and increases its visibility, helps improve the health and quality of life of West Virginians, and contributes to the organization’s obligation to provide community benefits in the public interest.

16. Oversees charitable giving and corporate sponsorships for both WVU Hospitals and the System.

17. Works closely with community and WVU leaders, and serves as the WVU Medicine representative on committees and task forces.

18. Develops innovative community partnerships, such as the “Partners in Healthy Living” relationship with Morgantown’s Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, the affiliation with Main Street Morgantown to enhance the Morgantown Marketplace, and an ongoing relationship with the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties.

19. Supports community needs assessment development and action plans (for WVU Hospitals), as well as the creation of an annual community benefit report for the System.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Skilled and respected communicator with exceptional writing, storytelling and presentation skills, along with sophisticated knowledge of visual media.

2. Excellent understanding of complex and changing healthcare issues, especially related to academic healthcare institutions.

3. Ability to formulate coherent communication strategies, to translate complex issues and topics into understandable language, and to tailor clear and persuasive messages to different audiences across a variety of communication platforms.

4. The professional presence and expertise to engage, build relationships and provide communications counsel to senior leaders, as well as other leaders, internal groups, committees and employees.

5. Understanding of changing trends and technology in communications and in society, especially relating to an academic healthcare facility.

6. Extensive experience with the development and implementation of tactics related to corporate communications; public and referring physician communications, including website development; event planning; public relations and marketing; and community relations.

7. Excellent time management and deadline management skills.

8. Ability to manage a budget in excess of $500,000.

Additional Job Description:

This position will lead all marketing and communications activities at the WVU Cancer Institute. They will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies that focus on brand awareness; clinical care and program growth; scientific advancements; and outreach, while supporting the Institute's mission. This position will have the responsibility for implementing multi-channel campaigns, including digital, print, and social media, as well as stakeholder communications and public relations. They will collaborate with various departments and regional locations to ensure a cohesive brand identity and messaging. 

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

United States of America (Exempt)

Company:

WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

Cost Center:

501 WVUH Community and Public Relations

Address:

1 Medical Center Drive

Morgantown

West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

 

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.