Communications Manager

Primary City/State:

Phoenix, Arizona

Department Name:

Admin-Ref Lab

Work Shift:

Day

Job Category:

Marketing and Communications

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is responsible for leading a team of communications professionals to develop a variety of internal and external communications strategies and tactics for Sonora Quest Laboratories/ Laboratory Sciences of Arizona’s (SQL/LSA) diverse employee and customer populations. Oversight includes internal communications, community outreach, social media, and public relations as well as providing leadership direction and coaching to team members.

Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards.

CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Develops and manages execution of internal communications, community outreach and public relations strategic plans, including the development of internal and external channels, tactics, and collateral (press releases, social media, slide decks for presentations, video, intranet/internet content, and talking points) that are consistent with editorial and brand identity standards.

2. Monitors and reports updates and outcomes, including costs, engagement, and timing of deliverables and ensures qualitative/quantitative goals and objectives are met by collaborating with leadership, internal stakeholders, PR agency, and vendors to complete projects on time and within budget. Develops, updates, and implements annual strategic corporate communications plans and oversight of community outreach plan and budget.

3. Fosters a culture of creativity by continuously exploring new communication methods and technologies. Implements innovative solutions that reflect current best practices and improve information dissemination and engagement within the organization. Works cross-functionally with key stakeholders and vendors to gather information and translate organizational needs into effective communications that ensure cohesive, consistent messages.

4. Oversees company Intranet strategy, content management and transformation. Works with vendors and cross-functionally to conduct research, evaluate content architecture, secure and train content managers, establish editorial standards and drive adoption. Collaborates with PR agency to develop earned media strategies that drive business objectives. Aligns internal and external key messages, reviewing award submissions and media materials (About Us information, leadership bios, talking points, etc.). Acts as company spokesperson with media outlets and conducts media training for leaders.

5. Works with vendor & HR to lead administration of employee engagement survey and action planning. Leads employee engagement committee to develop and implement strategies that address employee survey feedback, engagement and retention. In partnership with Marketing, upholds brand standards and editorial style, and monitors deliverables from promotional vendors, agencies and contractors. Gathers feedback from target audiences to guide content creation for multiple media channels (print, email, social, web, presentations, outreach events, etc.) that drives company goals.

6. Works closely with CEO and senior leadership team to enable executive visibility via focus groups, leadership meetings, town halls and videos. Tracks, evaluates, and reports communication outcomes to make appropriate recommendations to senior leadership. Oversees and makes recommendations to senior leadership regarding the company’s charitable giving, and community outreach program by tracking events, employee engagement (walks, runs, volunteerism, conferences), budgets, social media impressions, and overall reporting.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

DIRECTLY REPORTING
Support staff

TYPE OF SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Full authority for all employment-related decisions including coaching, discipline, hiring, termination, writing performance reviews, etc.

SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY
Must balance multiple priorities, including stakeholder management, content creation, and strategic planning, while ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Navigates the nuances of cross-functional collaboration, leveraging analytics to measure impact and adapt strategies in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORS

Availability to occasionally work non-regular hours, including evenings and weekend events. Works within a standard office environment, including some travel (less than 10%). Accessible 24/7 via mobile device for crisis or urgent media situations. Extensive computer work with prolonged sitting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong Communicator: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Relationship Builder – Effectively manages internal customer relationships and negotiates mutually beneficial service level agreements.
• Strategic Thinker – Aligns communications strategies and programs to company goals.
• Effective People Leader – track record of developing people and building effective teams.
• Cultivates Productivity & Efficiency – uses tools & technology to maximize outputs
• Consultant & Planner – asks the right questions and obtains the inputs needed to formulate plans.
• Analytical Ability: Proficiency in analyzing communication metrics and adapting strategies based on data-driven insights.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in internal corporate communications, public relations, including management of an agency relationship.
• Two (2) years of leadership experience with direct reports.
• Experience managing an Intranet transformation, preferably using SharePoint
• Experience building content in SharePoint and other content management systems, including UX, content structure, layout and design.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in AP Style.
• Knowledge of the health care industry.
• Strong public speaking skills and/or media spokesperson experience.
• Experience with change management communications
• Additional related education and/or experience.