Head of Harborview Communications - UW Medicine, Strategic Communications

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

1d•$135,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

UW Medicine Strategic Communications has an outstanding opportunity for a Head of Harborview Medical Center Communications to join their team. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Head of Harborview Medical Center (HMC) Communications is the primary communications leader for Harborview Medical Center within UW Medicine’s systemwide Strategic Communications team. This new, highly visible role partners closely with the HMC CEO, executive team and other senior leaders to shape clear, timely and effective communications for one of the world’s foremost academic health centers. The successful candidate will bring strategic judgment, collaborative leadership, change management expertise and a commitment to integrity, kindness, equity and the UW Medicine mission.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field
Five years of progressive responsibility in communications leadership, preferably serving as the communications head of an entire organization
Supervisory experience, preferably of writers
Experience in communications planning and project management for large-scale projects
Experience editing and ensuring high-quality, accurate deliverables
Experience performing the duties of a communications right hand/communications chief of staff to a high level executive leader of a medium-to-large organization
Change management experience and expertise
Internal communications experience and expertise
Experience building and expanding an organization’s reputation within external communities
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
Sound judgement and the ability to exercise discretion
An authentically and consistently good listener
Exceptional skills in relationship-building and collaboration
Proven ability to work seamlessly and graciously with peer leaders to align with overarching strategy and reduce duplicative or siloed work; the willingness to defer to systemwide strategy and leaders as needed
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, high-change environment, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and daily content deadlines
Understanding of and commitment to healthcare equity and inclusive communications practices
A strategic and resourceful problem-solver
Strong writer and oral communicator, able to ensure accuracy and excellence in all deliverables
Knowledge and understanding of communications best practices
Extensive experience with internal/employee communications
Experience engaging with employees via an organizational intranet
High level of computer literacy skills
Ability to occasionally work outside of traditional hours to support urgent issues as needed
Demonstrated integrity

Nice To Haves

Ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications strategy development, planning and execution
Advanced degree in communications or related field
Experience partnering with a high-level strategic peer with responsibility for communications of an entire hospital or system
Experience working in a healthcare setting, preferably within a hospital
Familiarity with AP style and ability to adhere to brand guidelines
Prior experience working in a large, complex organization
Willingness to drive strong results with limited resources
Knowledge of accessibility best practices

Responsibilities

Serve as a high-level communications strategist for HMC making key decisions, providing sound counsel to leadership, designing recommendations, proactively creating communication strategy and overseeing implementation.
Partner closely with the HMC CEO as a communications chief of staff, managing executive communications priorities, preparing the CEO for key communications and representing the CEO’s communications interests in appropriate forums.
Lead hospital wide communications planning and project intake, strengthen HMC’s reputation through strategic storytelling, and align communications with Strategic Communications peers, UW Medical Center Communications and other key partners.
Provide skilled, swift and accurate editing of the work of writers and other content contributors.
Perform dotted line supervision of senior writers – and occasionally social media specialists – producing content related to HMC.
Work closely with the Director of Internal Communications in partnered supervision of the senior writers working on HMC content.
Develop high quality messaging and materials to address communications needs.
Play a key role in the design and creation of messaging and materials for the HMC Board, King County Council, HMC employees, community leaders and other high-impact audiences.
Other Duties as Assigned