Director of External Communications
About The Position
The Director of External Communications oversees and coordinates major public relations initiatives, including media relations programs and crisis communications. Reporting to the Vice President for Communications, the role ensures the Medical Center’s strategic plan and institutional values are represented through an integrated public relations program centered on open, honest, and effective messaging about its people, programs, and activities. The Director supports Communications leadership by providing media outlets with timely news and information about Albany Medical Center through news releases, news conferences, feature-story placements, and responsive handling of media requests. The role works closely with the team to develop strategies that build recognition of and understanding of the Medical Center’s mission, uses data to inform decisions and measure performance, and stays current on communications trends. It may require access to sensitive information, which must be handled according to need-to-know and minimum-necessary standards and protected from unauthorized access or modification.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
Responsibilities
- Develop unique story ideas that advance the Medical Center’s mission.
- Write and edit news releases and media advisories.
- Plan news conferences.
- Ensure media inquiries are handled promptly and effectively by appropriate Communications Department or institutional personnel.
- Manage multiple projects and work effectively under deadlines.
- Coordinate special projects as needed.
- Assist Communications leadership and senior institutional leaders in developing and executing external communications.
- Provide speechwriting and other editorial support as needed.
- Serve as the public-relations officer on call and respond to media inquiries outside normal working hours.
- Write and proofread articles for Albany Medical Center publications.
- Work with the digital team to identify new storytelling opportunities.
- Stay informed about Albany Medical Center, its people and programs, and issues and advances in health care and higher education.
- Stay current on communications and public relations trends.
- Help maintain a positive, results-oriented departmental environment dedicated to excellence.
- Perform other duties as needed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
