Director, External Communications - Media - #1 Hospital in CA

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center•Los Angeles, CA

10d

About The Position

The Director of External Communications leads strategic communications for Cedars-Sinai, working with the External Communications team and partners across the organization to develop compelling content and secure news coverage that elevates Cedars-Sinai’s national and international reputation. The role shapes stories for the news media, manages crisis communications, enhances content on the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom, and serves as a primary editor, maintaining high standards in digital and video storytelling. The Director manages direct reports and collaborates with Marketing, Social Media, and other teams to support priorities across Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Network, and affiliated hospitals. The position uses metrics to measure and evolve earned media strategy and deploys SEO and AI strategies to increase newsroom traffic. The Director works with the Chief Communications Officer and External Communications leaders on communications strategy, including newsroom content, media pitches, and statements. This leader develops and implements targeted communications strategies for projects, events, and campaigns across the health system, supporting the organization’s reputation and identity. The role also advances communications strategies with counterparts in Marketing, Digital Strategy, Creative Studio, and related departments; provides counsel and support for executive-level crisis messaging; and evaluates external communications plans with service line leadership and others across the institution. The position requires significant communications leadership experience in a large, matrixed organization, preferably in an academic medical center or other healthcare setting. The Director must be able to manage numerous projects on a busy team producing more than 500 stories annually about patients, medical research, and other relevant topics, while contributing to a supportive team environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or Writing.
At least 8 years of prior communications experience related to journalism, public relations, or media relations.
Significant experience leading communications in a large, matrixed organization.
Exceptional writing and editing skills.
Sound news judgment and the ability to solve communications challenges calmly under tight deadlines.
Ability to juggle numerous projects on a busy team.
Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an academic medical center or other healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic communications for Cedars-Sinai and help elevate its national and international reputation.
Work with the External Communications team and organizational partners to develop compelling content and secure news coverage.
Shape stories for the news media, manage crisis communications, enhance Cedars-Sinai Newsroom content, and serve as a primary editor.
Ensure high standards in digital and video storytelling.
Manage direct reports and collaborate with Marketing, Social Media, and other teams to support priorities across Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Network, and affiliated hospitals.
Use metrics to measure and evolve earned media strategy, and deploy SEO and AI strategies to boost newsroom traffic.
Partner with the Chief Communications Officer and External Communications leaders to oversee communications strategy, including newsroom content, media pitches, and statements.
Conceive stories and enterprise projects with the team and write and edit communications plans, news releases, media statements, and messages for organizational leaders.
Develop and implement strategic, targeted communications and tactics for health-system projects, events, and campaigns that support the organization’s reputation and identity.
Advance communications strategies and tactics with counterparts in Marketing, Digital Strategy, Creative Studio, and related departments.
Provide counsel and support for executive-level institutional crisis messaging as needed.
Evaluate and implement external communications strategic plans with service line leadership and others across the institution.
Contribute to a supportive team environment and manage numerous projects under tight deadlines.