Director of Communications

City of Hope•Newnan, GA

About The Position

The Director of External Communications leads the strategy and execution of external communications for City of Hope Atlanta and one outpatient cancer center location at City of Hope Paces Ferry. Reporting to the Executive Director, Marketing and Communications, this role ensures a coordinated and consistent approach across media relations, executive communications, social media, influencer engagement, and community presence. The Director owns the monthly public relations plan from start to finish, integrating tactics into an actionable plan and coordinating its execution through internal teams, agency partners, and cross-functional stakeholders. The role requires strong project management to align priorities, manage timelines, and ensure follow-through. The Director maintains City of Hope’s voice and brand across communications and contributes directly to content development and delivery, partnering closely with system teams, Business Development, Brand, and Social. The role also leads internal communications related to public relations efforts so clinical and non-clinical teams understand priorities and their part in execution. Responsibilities include reporting on progress and performance and maintaining a visible, hands-on presence in market to support press conferences, activations, and community events that elevate the brand.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field, or three additional years of experience in addition to the minimum experience requirement may substitute for the education requirement.
At least 10 years of relevant work experience in marketing and communications.
At least three years of management experience.
At least three years of experience in healthcare marketing communications.
Proven experience in social media management, digital marketing, or related roles.
Knowledge of AP style and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with department colleagues, administrators, academic medical professionals, and senior leadership.
Ability to translate complex or technical scientific subjects for a lay audience.
Problem-solving, conflict-resolution, time-management, and media-relations skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, follow instructions and deadlines, and instruct and train others.
Research and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong knowledge of SEO principles, keyword search, web analytics, and social listening tools.
Ability to create engaging content, including graphics, photography, videos, and written posts.
Excellent proofreading skills and attention to detail in content creation.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategy and execution of external communications for City of Hope Atlanta and the City of Hope Paces Ferry outpatient cancer center.
Coordinate communications across media relations, executive communications, social media, influencer engagement, and community presence.
Own the monthly public relations plan, integrating tactics into an actionable plan and overseeing execution.
Coordinate internal teams, agency partners, and cross-functional stakeholders; align priorities, manage timelines, and ensure follow-through.
Ensure City of Hope’s voice and brand are reflected consistently across communications.
Work with the team and agency partners to develop and deliver content and maintain quality and consistency across channels.
Partner with system teams, Business Development, Brand, and Social.
Lead internal communications related to public relations efforts so clinical and non-clinical teams are informed and aligned.
Report regularly on progress and performance.
Provide hands-on support for press conferences, activations, and community events.