Senior Director Communication

Providence•Portland, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Communications leads strategic communication for a large and complex service area, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to executive and senior leaders. The role develops and executes comprehensive internal and external communication strategies that advance organizational priorities, support major initiatives, and ensure clear, consistent, and timely messaging for caregivers, physicians, and external stakeholders. The Senior Director provides leadership across organizational messaging, executive communications, issues management, external communications coordination, and collaboration with marketing. Working with the Division Chief Communication Officer, executive leadership, and communication teams, the role translates system and division priorities into locally relevant strategies and coordinates communication across ministries, facilities, and business partners. The position leads the local communications team, oversees communication planning and channels, manages resources within assigned budget parameters, and supports financial stewardship and sustainability goals. Leaders in this role are expected to work a hybrid schedule of four days onsite and one day remote, and to live within a reasonable commuting distance of the ministry or service area they support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
10 or more years of communication experience.
Deep knowledge of integrated health care, complex organizations, and best-in-class communications practices, with the ability to apply that expertise in dynamic, highly visible environments.
Proven ability to develop and drive proactive, compelling messaging supporting enterprise brand positioning, reputation management, and strategic priorities.
Ability to lead and collaborate across a diverse, matrixed communications team and deliver messaging and programs quickly and consistently across multiple channels, markets, and service areas.
Demonstrated strength in strategic planning, prioritization, and project management, including managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
Sound judgment in high-risk, high-visibility, and ambiguous situations, including issues and crisis scenarios.
Ability to listen, understand, and support others thoughtfully and respectfully; anticipate challenges and opportunities; take initiative; and adjust course to achieve outcomes.
Ability to set high standards and drive continuous improvement in quality, effectiveness, and impact.
Strong attention to detail and critical thinking, with the ability to synthesize information and translate complexity into clear, actionable communication.
Ability to adapt quickly and respond effectively in a changing internal and external environment.
Openness to constructive feedback and ability to model a growth mindset.
Ability to anticipate information needs and ensure timely, relevant, and coordinated communication.
Ability to manage and influence stakeholder relationships at multiple organizational levels, including senior executives and enterprise partners.
Demonstrated people leadership and management skills, including building, developing, and retaining high-performing teams and fostering trust, collaboration, and accountability.
Ability to work a hybrid schedule consisting of four days onsite and one day remote, and to live within a reasonable commuting distance of the ministry or service area supported.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Health care communication experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted communications partner to executive and operational leaders, providing strategic counsel on high-visibility issues, major decisions, and organizational priorities.
Develop and execute internal and external communication strategies for organizational changes, restructures, workforce actions, service transitions, and other complex initiatives.
Help leaders navigate difficult conversations and stakeholder concerns, and ensure caregivers receive timely, transparent communication during periods of change.
Oversee media relations, external communications, and reputation management; advise on sensitive issues and emerging risks.
Coordinate with government affairs and advocacy to ensure consistent messaging, and support major announcements, community partnerships, and executive visibility opportunities.
Ensure communications reflect Providence’s Catholic identity and are grounded in its Mission, Vision, and Values, partnering with Mission leaders and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Oversee internal communication channels and communication planning across the division, including communications about priorities, operational changes, benefits, safety initiatives, and workplace programs.
Champion storytelling that reinforces culture, Mission, and caregiver recognition.
Direct communication responses during emergencies, labor activity, disruptive events, and other high-profile situations; coordinate with operational, legal, HR, security, and executive leaders.
Anticipate communication risks and develop response strategies.
Support communication planning related to labor relations and workforce issues, advising leaders on negotiations, workforce transitions, and sensitive employee matters.
Partner with marketing and operational leaders on campaigns supporting patient access, growth, and brand reputation; align communications and marketing efforts and oversee major patient-facing communication initiatives.
Build relationships with leaders, caregivers, physicians, community partners, and external stakeholders; represent communications on strategic and operational initiatives and collaborate with system communication leadership.
Lead, coach, mentor, and develop communications professionals, fostering accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
Manage resources within assigned budget parameters, set priorities, allocate resources, and ensure work aligns with organizational goals.
Translate system and division priorities into locally relevant or functionally appropriate communication strategies and maintain clarity, consistency, and alignment across ministries, facilities, teams, and business partners.
Develop and maintain a high-performing team focused on collaboration, service, accountability, and results.