Senior Director, Communications

The Joint Commission•Oak Brook, IL

12d•$150,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The Senior Director, Communications is not only a seasoned communications strategist — they are mission-driven, energizing leader who believes in the power of storytelling to drive meaningful change. This role requires someone who thrives in fast‑paced, purpose‑oriented environments; someone who is curious, energized by big challenges, and excited by the opportunity to shape the reputation and impact of an organization committed to improving health for all. This individual will set and execute integrated communications strategies that elevate our brand, strengthen trust, and support enterprise‑level growth. They will partner closely with our leadership team, providing strategic counsel on media strategy, issues management, and high‑stakes internal and external communications. They will bring creativity, clarity, and conviction — and inspire others to do the same. This is a role for a builder: someone who wants to innovate, connect teams, develop talent, and leave things better than they found them. Someone who is passionate about our mission and motivated by the chance to help shape the future of healthcare.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
10–15+ years of progressively responsible experience in corporate or agency communications, including leadership roles.
Proven success operating in complex, regulated, or global environments; healthcare experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to advise senior executives with confidence, clarity, and strategic insight.
Deep experience in media relations, crisis communications, digital/social strategy, and content development.
Strong people leadership experience with a passion for coaching, developing, and inspiring teams.
Exceptional written, verbal, and executive communication skills.
High emotional intelligence; ability to influence across the organization with diplomacy, clarity, and conviction.
A strong cultural fit — energized by mission, curious by nature, collaborative in approach, purpose-driven in work, and excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Responsibilities

Enterprise Strategy & Leadership Develop and lead enterprise-wide communications strategies aligned with business objectives and our mission-driven brand.
Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership — bringing strategic insight, professional confidence, and a calm, clear presence in moments of complexity.
Proactively anticipate emerging issues and bring thoughtful, creative solutions that protect and strengthen our reputation.
Collaborate across the organization to ensure communications are aligned, coordinated, and fueling a culture of transparency, innovation, and shared purpose.
Media Relations & Reputation Management Oversee enterprise media strategy including proactive storytelling, issues response, and crisis readiness.
Act as a senior spokesperson with poise, authenticity, and credibility; provide media coaching that empowers leaders to communicate confidently.
Build strong relationships with national, trade, healthcare, business, and policy media (and build teams who have the same) — bringing a passion for engaging external audiences.
Lead crisis communications planning and response with steadiness and strategic clarity.
Public Disclosure & Stakeholder Communications Direct the release of enterprise information to stakeholders including healthcare leaders, business partners, policymakers, and the public.
Ensure communications meet legal and regulatory standards while remaining transparent, accessible, and grounded in our values.
Lead messaging for sensitive, high‑visibility initiatives, bringing both precision and humanity to every communication moment.
Internal Communications Develop and execute a thoughtful internal communications plan that informs, educates and engages Joint Commission’s internal ambassadors
Lead responsibility for upleveling and infusing creativity into fully activating all internal channels across the enterprise
Digital & Social Media Leadership Shape and steward our enterprise social strategy (organic and paid), elevating our digital presence with content that reflects our mission and voice.
Oversee insights and analytics to guide smart decision-making, experimentation, and continuous learning.
Ensure social ecosystems support broader communications and brand priorities with consistency and purpose.
Content & Messaging Excellence Guide the creation of compelling, high-impact content for executives, media, digital channels, and enterprise initiatives.
Champion cohesive messaging and narrative frameworks that strengthen organizational clarity and alignment.
Foster a culture of storytelling — encouraging creativity, curiosity, and courage in how we communicate.
Team Leadership & Operational Excellence Lead and inspire a high-performing team with a leadership style that builds trust, encourages innovation, and nurtures professional growth.
Manage agency and vendor relationships with a focus on excellence, partnership, and impact.
Build systems, workflows, and decision frameworks that support scale, efficiency, and high standards of quality.
Measurement & Continuous Improvement Define and monitor KPIs that demonstrate communications impact and alignment to enterprise strategy.
Use data to guide thoughtful improvements, encourage experimentation, and communicate value to leadership.
Foster a culture of learning — where curiosity, insight, and innovation are embraced.
Other Duties Perform other responsibilities as assigned in support of enterprise goals.