Senior Director of School of Medicine Communications - UW Medicine, Strategic Communications

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

8d•$150,000 - $170,004•Hybrid

About The Position

UW Medicine Strategic Communications has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Director of School of Medicine Communications to join their team. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Director of School of Medicine Communications will serve as the primary communications leader for the UW School of Medicine within UW Medicine’s systemwide Strategic Communications team. This new role will design and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the School of Medicine, bringing together internal communications, public relations, executive messaging, reputation-building and change communications in support of the School’s education, research, clinical and community service missions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field
Five years of progressive responsibility in communications leadership, preferably serving as the communications head of a large, complex organization
Experience in communications planning and project management for large-scale projects
Precise, accurate writing and editing skills
Strong organizational and project management skills and the sharp attention to detail needed to manage highly visible communications
Proven track record of successfully prioritizing and managing a large volume of initiatives, projects and content simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Experience measuring and tracking key performance indicators, adhering to tight deadlines, and driving outcome-focused, measurable results
Change management experience and expertise
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
Understanding of and commitment to healthcare equity and inclusive communications practices
A strategic and resourceful problem-solver; critical thinker
Strong writer and oral communicator, able to ensure accuracy and excellence in all deliverables
High level of computer literacy skills
Ability to periodically work outside of traditional hours to support urgent issues
Demonstrated integrity

Nice To Haves

More than twelve years of progressively responsible experience in communications strategy development, planning and execution
Ten or more years of experience in communications strategy development of both internal and external communications; well-versed knowledge of communications best practices
Seven or more years of supervisory experience
Advanced degree in communications or related field
Experience working in academic medicine
Experience leading communications within a large university
Experience in healthcare
Familiarity with AP style and ability to adhere to brand guidelines
Prior experience working in a large, complex organization
Knowledge of accessibility best practices

Responsibilities

Serve as a high-level communications strategist for the entire School of Medicine, providing counsel to leaders, developing recommendations, creating communications plans and overseeing implementation across the school and the WWAMI region.
Assess current communications practices and design strategies, channels and infrastructure that deliver clear, transparent and timely communications for employees, faculty, trainees, learners and other key audiences.
Advance the School of Medicine’s reputation locally, regionally and nationally by elevating excellence in medical education, scientific research, academic innovation and clinical accomplishments, while ensuring alignment with UW Medicine, WWAMI and University priorities.
Provide direct, dotted-line and indirect leadership across a matrixed communications environment, ensuring collaboration, inclusion, accountability, quality and consistency in School of Medicine-related content.
Partner with other leaders to align work, reduce duplication, coordinate handoffs and support the broader UW Medicine communications strategy.
Develop high quality messaging and materials to address communications needs.
Play a key role in the design of messaging and materials for high-impact audiences.
Support the Chief Communications Officer in crisis response related to the School of Medicine.
Other Duties as Assigned