Executive Director - Enterprise Communications

Stanford Health Care • Palo Alto, PA

26d • $103 - $136 • Onsite

About The Position

Stanford Medicine is seeking an Executive Director of Enterprise Communications to lead our external communications strategies. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, this key role will help navigate complex communications challenges, collaborating with senior leaders and stakeholders to provide strategic counsel and execute initiatives that elevate Stanford Medicine's thought leadership. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in integrated communications, the ability to effectively position enterprise priorities, and a proven track record in inspiring a high-performing team. Key responsibilities include overseeing the external communications function, developing new programs to expand reach, and enhancing engagement platforms to showcase Stanford Medicine's preeminence. In addition to developing dynamic communications strategies, the Executive Director will serve as a deputy to the Chief Communications Officer on critical reputational matters. This role requires an analytical and creative thinker with exceptional problem-solving skills, adept at managing urgent and long-range priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a work-related discipline/field from an accredited college or university.
• Fifteen (15) years of progressive experience with developing and leading strategic communication initiatives; experience managing multiple teams.
• Strategic Communication Expertise: Demonstrated experience leading both proactive and reactive integrated communications campaigns.
• Content Development and Engagement: Proven ability to create compelling content and drive measurable increases in engagement across diverse external audiences.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Proven diplomacy skills, with an ability to manage teams and lead cross-functional workstreams while effectively engaging with senior leaders, faculty, and stakeholders to align communications with organizational goals.
• Complex Problem-Solving: Strong aptitude for navigating and managing complex situations with sound judgment, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Familiarity with best practices in risk mitigation and reputation management, with the capability to address sensitive issues effectively.
• Industry Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of academia, the healthcare industry, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Nice To Haves

• Deep familiarity of science, medicine and health care sectors
• Experience launching successful communications channels and campaigns
• Experience managing integrated teams

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Planning and Implementation Develop and implement external strategic communications plans to advance Stanford Medicine’s mission and brand, broadening awareness of its priorities and enhancing visibility among key stakeholders. Develop the vision for external communications and craft compelling narratives that effectively showcase our organization’s mission, values, and impact. Collaborate with the enterprise strategy and communications leadership teams to develop thorough plans needed to facilitate solutions. Assess and enhance communications effectiveness through data-driven insights, refining strategies for maximum impact.
• Stakeholder Management and Alignment Align stakeholders to create clear and impactful external messaging and comprehensive communications programs that effectively advance institutional reputation. Working in collaboration and alignment with the communications leadership team, ensure consistency in messaging across all channels, reinforcing a unified enterprise narrative. Collaborate with academic chairs, faculty, clinical and operational leaders to develop effective communications approaches for addressing emergent opportunities and challenges.
• Content Strategy and Optimization Optimize content amplification by identifying effective external channels to reach key audiences. Drive engagement through innovative content strategies that resonate with stakeholders. Identify new content platforms and implement emerging technologies to enhance reach and engagement. Identify and create opportunities to enhance and protect Stanford Medicine's reputation and enhance audience engagement.
• Crisis Communications Help ensure rapid, transparent, and effective messaging to protect the organization's reputation. Establish proactive crisis protocols, conduct scenario planning, and collaborate with leadership to mitigate risks and maintain trust with key stakeholders. Convene groups around time-sensitive issues, producing clear communications on complex matters.
• Organizational Leadership Oversee the professional development of the communications team, creating learning opportunities for team members. Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering team members to excel. Lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to Stanford Medicine’s mission and values while driving high-impact communications initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees