Senior Communications Specialist-Multiple Openings

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Chicago, IL

2d•$41 - $53•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Communications Specialist supports their manager and other Communications team members in creating and executing communications plans for assigned focus areas. The role is an activation expert who understands how communications plan elements work together for maximum impact, stays current on communications approaches and channel options, and executes plans flawlessly in coordination with colleagues. The individual works collaboratively with internal stakeholders. There are multiple openings. The Physician Communications and Special Projects role supports planned projects and publications as well as unplanned messaging needs. It helps develop and execute communications strategies across multiple projects, including high-visibility communications for audiences ranging from senior leaders to other stakeholders. It also supports communications across all hospitals, including targeted newsletters and web platforms, and partners with physician leaders on operational updates, clinical innovation, culture, and key initiatives. The Patient Communications role serves as a strategic communications partner to clinical and operational teams across Northwestern Medicine. It supports the development and review of patient education materials and resources, compliance with relevant standards, and clear, accurate patient communications. It applies health literacy, plain-language, and health-equity principles; uses approved AI tools responsibly; reconciles stakeholder feedback and approvals; and manages multiple projects and competing priorities. The Leader Communications role supports newsletter content development for Northwestern Memorial Foundation advisory councils to keep members informed, engaged, and connected to the organization’s mission and impact. It identifies story ideas, writes and edits content, manages editorial planning, and coordinates with Foundation, clinical, and Communications partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Minimum 4–6 years of experience in communications, project management, or a related area.
Excellent project management and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong customer service orientation.
Highly motivated and proactive, with a can-do attitude.
Proven experience working in a team-oriented environment.
For the Patient Communications opening: licensed Registered Nurse in Illinois with 3 years of clinical nursing experience, or 3 years of clinical education experience.
For the Patient Communications opening: able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
For the Patient Communications opening: excellent written and verbal communication skills.
For the Patient Communications opening: proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe applications.
For the Patient Communications opening: strong project management and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of the healthcare industry and academic medical centers.
Master’s degree.
For the Patient Communications opening: health literacy certificate through the Institute for Health Advancement.
For the Patient Communications opening: knowledge of adult learning principles.
For the Patient Communications opening: experience collaborating with clinical teams and subject matter experts.

Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of communications plans for assigned focus areas.
Coordinate flawless execution of communications plans with managers and other Communications team members.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and serve as a communications partner for assigned teams.
For Physician Communications and Special Projects, support communications strategy, management, and execution across planned projects, publications, and unplanned messaging needs.
Develop communications for high-visibility projects and varied audiences, including senior leaders and other stakeholders.
Support communications across hospitals through targeted newsletters and web platforms, and partner with physician leaders on operational updates, clinical innovation, culture, and key initiatives.
For Patient Communications, partner with the Patient Education team, clinical teams, and subject matter experts to review and develop patient educational materials and resources.
Support compliance with Northwestern Medicine, regulatory, and accreditation standards related to patient education.
Create and edit patient instructions, managed care and insurance materials, patient letters, disease and condition information, and web copy.
Apply health literacy, plain-language, and health-equity principles to make patient communications readable, accessible, and inclusive.
Use Microsoft Copilot and other approved AI tools responsibly to support communications planning, writing, editing, and reporting.
Gather and reconcile client feedback and approvals, applying communications expertise and professional judgment to strengthen final products.
Manage multiple projects and competing priorities on tight timelines.
For Leader Communications, identify story ideas, write and edit newsletter content, manage editorial planning, and coordinate with Foundation, clinical, and Communications partners.