OverviewThe Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Public Relations provides enterprise leadership for UnityPoint Health's internal communications, executive communications, public relations, and organizational change communications strategies. This leader partners closely with the executive leadership team to align communications with organizational priorities, strengthen workforce engagement, and support enterprise transformation across UnityPoint Health.
As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, the Executive Director will shape executive messaging, modernize communications operations, and drive innovative approaches that improve communication effectiveness across a large, matrixed health system. This leader will champion AI-enabled technologies, process improvement, and data-driven communications while building strong partnerships across the organization to deliver clear, consistent, and impactful messaging for team members, leaders, and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities- Develop and execute enterprise-wide strategic communications, executive communications, and public relations strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
- Serve as a trusted communications advisor to executive leadership, shaping executive messaging, organizational storytelling, and leadership communications.
- Lead organizational change communications that support enterprise initiatives, workforce engagement, and stakeholder readiness.
- Advance communications operations through AI, automation, technology, and process improvement to improve efficiency, governance, and communication effectiveness.
- Establish communications governance, editorial standards, message architecture, and enterprise communication processes.
- Oversee public relations, media relations, crisis communications, and issues management strategies that strengthen organizational reputation.
- Partner with leaders across Marketing, Change Management, Government Affairs, Community Impact, and Market leadership to deliver integrated communications strategies.
- Lead and develop a high-performing communications team while fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Utilize analytics, audience insights, and performance metrics to continuously improve communications strategy and engagement.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
- 7 or more years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise communications, executive communications, public relations, or a related field within a large, complex organization.
- Experience developing executive communications strategies and partnering directly with senior executives.
- Demonstrated success leading communications for large-scale organizational change and transformation initiatives.
- Proven experience implementing AI, automation, and technology-enabled process improvements that enhance communications operations and effectiveness.
- Exceptional communication, writing, editing, and storytelling skills with strong attention to detail.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders across a matrixed organization.
- Strong strategic thinking, executive presence, and ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable communications.
- Healthcare experience preferred but not required.
