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. The role ensures a coordinated and consistent approach across media relations, executive communications, social media, influencer engagement, and community presence. Reporting to the Executive Director, Marketing and Communications, this leader owns the monthly PR plan end to end, aligning tactics, priorities, timelines, and execution across internal teams, agency partners, and cross-functional stakeholders. The Director ensures that City of Hope’s voice and brand are consistently represented across communications while contributing hands-on to execution. Working closely with the team, agency partners, system teams, Business Development, Brand, and Social, the Director helps develop and deliver content and maintain quality and consistency across channels. The role also leads internal communications connected to PR efforts so clinical and non-clinical teams are informed, aligned, and clear about priorities and their execution responsibilities. The position includes regular reporting on progress and performance and requires a visible, hands-on presence in the market, supporting press conferences, activations, and community events that elevate the brand. The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and action-oriented, and can connect strategy to execution in a fast-moving environment.

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 3 years of management experience.
At least 3 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 simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategy and execution of external communications for City of Hope Atlanta and one outpatient cancer center location at City of Hope Paces Ferry.
Coordinate communications across media relations, executive communications, social media, influencer engagement, and community presence.
Own the monthly PR plan, bringing tactics together into an actionable plan and ensuring execution through internal teams, agency partners, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Align priorities, manage timelines, and ensure consistent 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 tied to PR efforts so clinical and non-clinical teams are informed and aligned on priorities and execution.
Report regularly on progress and performance.
Maintain a visible, hands-on presence in the market, supporting press conferences, activations, and community events.