Director Communications and Community Engagement

Sun Health•Surprise, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Director, Communications & Community Engagement - Join Our Big-Hearted Team Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant, premier Life Plan Community ? Join our exceptional team Hybrid/Remote 2/3 from our Administration Offices in Surprise, AZ ! Your Mission: The Director of Communications & Community Engagement leads Sun Health's communications strategy and community partnerships to advance Sun Health's mission, strategic priorities, and positive public image. This role owns internal and external communications and community relations while developing strategic partnerships that support organizational growth and alignment, community presence, stakeholder engagement, and philanthropic initiatives. Why Choose Us? Great Place to Work: Sun Health has been certified as a Great Place to Work in 2021, 2022, and 2023. National Recognition: We secured a top 10 spot on the Fortune Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ list in 2020 and 2021. Platinum Award Winner: Our dedication to health and safety earned us Platinum awards from the Healthy Arizona Worksites Program in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Requirements

Strong expertise in communications strategy, PR, and messaging
Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
Ability to clearly articulate Sun Health's value proposition and negotiate terms with partners
Strong relationship - building and partnership - development skills
Experience in media relations and reputation management
Strong strategic thinking and stakeholder influence skills
Ability to manage complex and sensitive communications
High degree of professionalism and excellent external representation and presentation skills
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and effectively manage employees and community stakeholders
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field, required
7+ years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism or corporate communications
5 years of leadership experience managing communications initiatives, teams, or cross-functional programs
5+ years of experience managing external partnerships or community engagement initiatives
Possess current or ability to obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card is required
Requires reliable transportation in employee provided vehicle, current Driver's license and auto insurance

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with healthcare, senior living, nonprofit, or community-based organizations

Responsibilities

Define and manage organizational voice, messaging, and positioning
Develop messaging frameworks for brand awareness, marketing initiatives, and philanthropic goals
Support executive communications, anticipate organizational needs, and lead planning, independently
Coordinate and execute internal communications to various stakeholders including boards of directors, team members, and Sun Health community residents
Set editorial direction and priorities, inclusive of Sun Health's bimonthly magazine, LiveWell
Lead media relations and external communications efforts
Develop and execute crisis communication strategies
Partner with division leaders and community partners to elevate impact-driven stories
Identify, build and manage relationships with key community partners, specifically in the SW Valley, to advance Sun Health's mission and foster long-term engagement
Collaborate with senior and executive leadership to advance partnerships and external engagement
Develop partnership strategies and lead programmatic collaborations
Serve as the Southwest Valley's community-facing Sun Health champion, serving on boards and committees, attending meetings and special events, and leading grassroots relationships to advance Sun Health's mission.
Maintain flexible schedule to participate in activities that may occur in the early morning, evening, and weekends.
Track and evaluate partnership effectiveness and impact and p repare regular executive updates on community relations initiatives