VP Communications

UF Health•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Vice President, Communications serves as the enterprise leader responsible for the strategy, integration and execution of all aspects of external and internal communications across the UF Health academic health center and its tripartite mission (including public relations, media relations, issues and crisis communications, public affairs, strategic communications, internal communications and event planning). This role drives the development and execution of proactive comprehensive communications strategies that elevate the organization’s reputation, support enterprise priorities, deliver transparent and timely messaging and strengthen stakeholder engagement. Operating in a complex, matrixed environment, the VP, Communications partners with university and executive leaders across the clinical and academic enterprise to advance UF Health priorities through strategic communications methods and tactics, including impactful storytelling.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field required.
10+ years of progressive communications leadership experience
Significant supervisory and client management experience at the director level or above, leading enterprise-level communications in a complex, matrixed organization
Proven success in media relations, crisis communications and executive communications
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and work effectively with senior leadership

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in relevant area of specialization preferred.
Experience in health care, academic medicine, higher education or similarly complex environment strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Oversees the planning, execution and evaluation of enterprise-wide external communications, including media relations, press releases, public statements and proactive reputation management; produces consumer daily health radio series that airs on public radio affiliates nationally
Oversees public relations and public affairs activities, maintaining positive relationships with media, government and community stakeholders; provides leadership guidance to manage issues, crises and response strategies
Oversees all facets of internal strategic communications, ensuring timely, consistent and engaging messaging for UF Health faculty, staff and students
Builds and sustains relationships with media, government and community stakeholders
Implements proactive reputation-building initiatives, including thought leadership
Monitors media landscape, public sentiment and emerging issues to inform communications strategies
Serves as senior advisor on crisis and issues communications, providing strategic guidance to executive leadership
Develops and maintains crisis communication protocols, messaging frameworks and rapid-response strategies
Protects and enhances organizational reputation through proactive risk identification and mitigation
Collaborates with cross-functional leaders, MarComm leaders and subject matter experts to align messaging with UF Health mission, vision, values and goals in support of culture-building organizational initiatives and change communications
Oversees and supports the strategic communications lead as they serve as the primary conduit between MarComm and market presidents, ensuring alignment of priorities and providing guidance as needed
Champions a unified UF Health voice in all outreach, ensuring alignment with branding and strategic initiatives; upholds UF Health standards for clarity, accuracy and tone
Analyzes effectiveness of communication strategies and adapts plans based on performance data, stakeholder feedback and best practices
Analyzes media coverage, internal engagement and stakeholder feedback to refine communications strategies
Implements best practices and emerging trends to enhance effectiveness and reach
Mentors, coaches and develops MarComm team members to support talent growth and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture