Director of Executive Communications -Massey

Director of Executive Communications -Massey

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Job Code
Recruitment Pool All Applicants
Posting Number req6054
Unit Massey Cancer Center MBU
Department Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Department Website Link https://www.masseycancercenter.org
Location VCU
Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
Duties & Responsibilities

Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Mission:

“To improve the lives of all Virginians by delivering cutting-edge cancer care through patient-centered prevention and treatment; high-impact, innovative research; community input and engagement; and education and training of the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.”

Veterans: VCU faculty and University and Academic Professionals are now eligible for enhanced leave accrual rates based on verified military service. The calculation of these leave accrual rates will include a veteran's verified service in the military, National Guard, Reserves (active or inactive duty) and full-time state or Federal National Guard duty. Eligible employees must supply DD-214 documentation for each period of military service to receive this benefit

Job Summary:

The Director of Executive Communications serves as the chief strategist responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that support the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership in alignment with Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s (Massey) mission, vision, and goals. Reporting directly to the Sr. Director of Executive Operations, the Director for Executive Communications works with messaging and presentation in all forms, including the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s communications, publications and editorials, press and media functions, web content, and social media. This role ensures effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, enhances the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s public image, and promotes Massey’s programs, research, and community outreach initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic communications, public relations, and healthcare/research, with a proven ability to manage complex communication campaigns and engage diverse audiences. This role works collaboratively with the Massey Marketing and Communications Team to coordinate the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s branding and messaging systems. The new leader will make recommendations for the most efficient and effective organizational communications structure within the Executive Communications unit of the Executive Operations team. The position will serve as a key communications facilitator and liaison during crisis and emergency situations. Overall, this position will serve to promote and elevate the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s services and commitment to Massey and communities we serve.

This is a hybrid position with flexible work arrangements (FWA), aligned with VCU policies. The director must have the ability to travel up to 25% domestically and work on weekends and after hours, as needed.

Supervisory: Directly supervise at least four (4) staff, including PR specialist, videographer/producer, health equity research specialist, and events coordinator. The director may also supervise vendors or contractors hired to support the needs of the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Communications Leadership:

Leadership and Management: Provide leadership and guidance to staff, ensuring effective communication and collaboration within the Executive Communications team and with internal/external stakeholders; track, manage, and delegate the workload as appropriate.

Training and Development: Develop and implement training programs for the Executive Communications unit, fostering professional growth and skill enhancement.

Leadership Meetings: At least weekly, meet and collaborate with the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership, Sr. Director of Executive Operations, Director of Executive Operations, and Director of Scheduling to review upcoming commitments and ensure alignment with Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s priorities and across all Executive Operations units.

Develop and Implement SOPs: Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the communications team to ensure consistency and efficiency across all operations.

Resource Management: Oversee the allocation of internal team resources to optimize workflow and meet communication objectives effectively.

Strategic Communications Planning:

Develop and Implement Strategies: Create and execute communication plans that support the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s vision and strategic objectives, ensuring alignment with the overall mission of the center.

Brand Management: Enhance and maintain the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s identity, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms and communication channels.

Reputation Management: Proactively manage the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s public image and reputation, developing strategies to enhance visibility and credibility in the cancer research and health equity fields.

Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to manage and mitigate potential reputational risks.

Content Strategy: Develop content strategies that effectively communicate the center's achievements, research breakthroughs, and patient care advancements.

Public Relations and Media Relations:

Media Relations: Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure positive coverage of the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s initiatives and achievements, along with Massey’s significant milestones and research breakthroughs.

Press Releases and Media Kits: Develop and distribute press releases, media kits, and other communication materials to promote the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s initiatives, programs, and events.

Media and Speaking Engagement Inquiries: Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and coordinate responses to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination; vet all media or speaking engagement requests for Sr. Leadership

Media Training: As needed, provide media training for the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership and other spokespeople to ensure effective and confident communication with the press.

Speaking Engagement Management: Manage the speaking engagement logistics and support provided to Cancer Center Sr. Leadership; collaborate with the scheduling team to ensure availability of leadership.

Internal and External Communications:

Communication Plans: Develop and implement communication strategies to keep institutional leadership, Cancer Center members, senior leaders, staff, and external stakeholders informed and engaged with the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s goals, priorities, and vision.

Employee Engagement: Collaborate with Massey Administration, HR and leadership teams to enhance employee engagement through effective communication initiatives, such as editorials, newsletters, town hall meetings, and intranet updates.

Newsletters and Updates: Produce regular newsletters, updates, and other internal communication materials to foster a positive organizational culture on behalf of the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership.

Leadership Communications: Support the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership in preparing speeches, presentations, and communications for internal audiences.

Digital and Social Media Strategy:

Social Media Management: Oversee the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s social media presence, including content creation, community engagement, and performance analysis.

Analytics and Reporting: Monitor and analyze digital and social media metrics for the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and make data-driven decisions.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Event Management: Manage and oversee events specific to the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership, such as district walks and visits to the cancer center, ensuring successful execution and alignment with strategic objectives.

Community Relations: Foster and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, partners (e.g., radio stations, TV broadcasts), and stakeholders to enhance the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership's visibility and reputation.

Outreach Programs: Develop and lead community outreach initiatives to educate the public about cancer prevention, treatment, and research advancements.

Events and Conferences: Plan and coordinate events, conferences, and seminars to showcase the achievements of the Cancer Center and the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership, and engage with key audiences.

Serve as Liaison to Guests of Cancer Center Sr. Leadership at Events: In collaboration with the Director of Executive Operations, provide on-site support and serve as a liaison to invited guest of Cancer Center Sr. Leadership at events, such as national conferences.

Travel: Ability to travel up to 25% domestically to support the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership in speaking engagements and events within and beyond the Massey catchment area.

Availability: Ability to work on weekends and after hours, as needed.

Content Creation and Management:

Editorial Calendar: Develop and maintain an editorial calendar for the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership to ensure timely and relevant content delivery across all channels.

Content Development: Oversee the creation of high-quality content for various platforms, including newsletters, blogs, videos, and podcasts; create and manage communication materials for external/internal partnerships and national leadership roles, representing the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s strategic vision.

Editorial Oversight: Lead the creation of high-quality content for newsletters, brochures, annual reports, and other communication materials on behalf of the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership.

Visual Communications: Collaborate with graphic designers and multimedia specialists to produce visually compelling content that enhances storytelling and audience engagement.

Content Strategy: Develop a comprehensive content strategy that effectively communicates the cancer center’s story across multiple platforms, including digital, print, and video.

Manuscript Preparations: Assist in manuscript preparation, scientific writing assignments, and committee reviews, ensuring accuracy and strategic alignment.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Education :

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.

Preferred: Master’s degree in Communications, Healthcare Administration, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

Minimum 8 years of proven success in a senior management role in a nonprofit, or social service organization (Preferred: Experience within a healthcare or cancer research setting.)

Ability to travel up to 25% domestically.

Ability to work on weekends and after hours, as needed.

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong strategic planning and organizational skills, with the ability to align communication efforts with the voice, vision, and mission of the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership and Cancer Center.

Demonstrated experience in developing and executing digital and social media strategies.

Exceptional knowledge of the latest digital and integrated marketing tools, including both traditional and emerging media platforms; experience hiring/managing agencies to assist with this work.

Excellent written, verbal, editing, presentation, content strategy, interpersonal, management and organizational skills.

Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing individuals, coordinating large projects, and communicating with internal and external constituents.

Demonstrated valuing of, and ability to work and communicate effectively with, students, faculty and staff of varying racial, ethnic, religious, gender, cultural, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, and other intersecting identities and backgrounds.

Team-oriented, motivated and enthusiastic.

Demonstrated strong creative process skills with excellent graphic and design sense.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to gather, analyze and summarize data and trends.

Expertise in the use of PowerPoint, Word, social media platforms, and graphic design and PR software.

FLSA University Employee
Job FTE 1
Exemption Status Exempt
Restricted Position No
E-Class UF - University Employee FT
Job Category University Employee
ORP Eligible Yes
Salary Range Starting at $100,000 Commensurate with experience
Compensation Type Salaried
Target Hire Date 10/1/2024
Contact Information for Candidates

Massey Cancer Center
masseyhr@vcu.edu

Documents Needed to Apply Resume, Cover letter, Portfolio of previously completed work