Director Public Relations

Job Description Summary

The Director Public Relations will be responsible for representing Communications and developing and executing comprehensive external and internal strategic public relations initiatives. These initiatives aim to increase visibility and enhance the public image of the only comprehensive academic health system in South Carolina. The Director will ensure the tripartite messaging is present, consistent, effective and on-brand. This position will supervise and mentor the media relations team, fostering a collaborative work environment and direct the crisis management sub-team. Additionally, the Director PR will contribute to MUSC’s internal and external publication channels (The Catalyst, newsletters, etc.)

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC002257 SYS - Brand Marketing

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

Health-32

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

This position reports to the Senior Executive Director Communications and works closely with the Senior Director Enterprise Communications to enhance the organization's reputation, engage stakeholders, and promote key initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Represent Communications in the integrated PR planning process, including researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive communication plans (internal and external) that align with the academic health system's goals and objectives.  Collaborate and engage with key stakeholders and subject matter experts across various departments to ensure cohesive messaging and support for organizational initiatives.
• External Communications: Lead the media relations team, providing guidance and support to ensure effective media engagement and coverage, analytics and reporting. Manage processes, approves press releases, and public statements and foster relationships with journalists and media outlets to ensure positive coverage for MUSC. Represent the organization as a spokesperson, when needed. Organize and manage PR events, including press conferences and media briefings. Lead media training to prepare subject matter experts and leaders for media interviews and/or public appearances.
• Enterprise/Internal Communications: support the development of internal communication strategies through campaign development and processes creation that keep all internal stakeholders informed and engaged. Develop newsletters, intranet (Horseshoe) content, and internal announcements. Manage information shared with employees and key stakeholders, write and approve internal messages and stories, engage subject matter experts to find the right voice to tell the stories. The Director will collaborate closely with the internal communicators across the organization.
• Content Creation and writing: Oversee the production of high-quality PR materials including content for various platforms such as social media, websites, and print (newspapers), etc. Ensure all content such as press releases, articles, etc. are accurate, engaging, and aligned with the organization's brand.
  Create compelling stories, speeches and presentations, ensuring messages are clear, impactful, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Crisis Management: Direct the crisis management team, ensuring preparedness and timely, transparent, effective response during emergencies.
• Thought leader Social Media Content: Support the develop, posting, measurement, and reporting of thought leader social media content to enhance the organization's online presence and engagement. Collaborate with the social media manager and team.
• Measurement, Reporting and other duties as assigned: Build dashboards to track and analyze communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven improvements. Oversee special communication projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives, as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in PR, communications, crisis communications, with a focus on strategic planning and evaluation.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies.
• Mastery of AP style writing.
• Proven experience in managing communications during high-pressure situations and crises.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to inspire to collaborate with diverse teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Ability to manage a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities is required.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Experience in healthcare and academic institutions.
• Strong understanding of internal communications, social media, government workings (including in SC) and experience working with journalists and media outlets. Relationships with SC media required; national relationships a plus.
• Strong media relations experience and crisis communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms (ie. Meltwater, etc.)

Application Process: Serious candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of relevant work to gouveia@musc.edu.

Additional Job Description

Education: Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Work Experience: 8 years progressive work experience and 3 years management experience

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees