Director of Strategic Communication

Swope Health•Kansas City, MO

18h

About The Position

The Director of Strategic Communications develops and executes communication strategies that strengthen Swope Health’s reputation as a trusted healthcare provider. The role ensures clear, consistent messaging across internal and external channels, supports patient engagement initiatives, and promotes programs that advance community health and employee well-being. The director develops communications aligned with the organization’s mission and goals; creates and manages content across newsletters, patient education materials, intranet, websites, and social media; and supports crisis communications related to patient safety, reputation, and compliance. The role builds relationships with local media and healthcare partners, prepares press materials and spokesperson talking points, and helps coordinate interviews, press events, and public statements. The director works with Human Resources, Information Technology, the VP of Development, executive leadership, and clinical leadership to align messaging with patient care priorities. The position supervises communication managers and specialists and serves as backup for the Chief Communications Officer. Swope Health is the Kansas City region’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center. It provides primary, dental, and mental health services and describes its mission as improving community health and wellness through accessible, quality, comprehensive patient care. The organization served nearly 56,000 patients in 2025 at 24 locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
10 or more years of experience in communications, preferably in healthcare or nonprofit sectors.
Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills.
Knowledge of AP Style, HIPAA, and healthcare compliance standards.
Proficiency in digital platforms, social media management, and analytics tools.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Adaptability and creativity in messaging for diverse audiences.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement communication plans aligned with the healthcare mission and organizational goals.
Support crisis communication planning for patient safety, reputation, and compliance matters.
Create and manage newsletters, patient education materials, and intranet updates.
Co-create and support digital content strategy, including website updates and analytics focused on healthcare services.
Build relationships with local media and healthcare partners to promote programs and initiatives.
Craft media pitches and press releases, and prepare media spokespersons with talking points as needed.
Support coordination of interviews, press events, and public statements related to health campaigns and organizational milestones.
Develop initiatives to improve employee engagement and information flow across clinical and administrative teams.
Collaborate with Human Resources on workforce communications, compliance updates, and recognition programs.
Oversee social media presence to share health education, community outreach, and organizational news.
Track engagement metrics and adjust strategies to reach patients and stakeholders effectively.
Work with Human Resources, Information Technology, the VP of Development, executive leadership, and clinical leadership to align messaging with patient care priorities.
Supervise communication managers and specialists.
Serve as backup for the Chief Communications Officer.