Executive Director, External Communications

Strategic Communications Leader

Experienced, strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing the external communications strategy for one of the country's largest multi-state, non-profit healthcare systems. Ensures consistent and impactful messaging that shapes and strengthens the organization's reputation, positions Banner Health as an innovative industry leader, top employer, and attractive business partner, and builds trust with patients, stakeholders, and the broader community. Leads a high-performing team to deliver innovative communication solutions that align with the organization's mission, vision, values, and 10-year strategic plan.

Creates and drives an integrated, comprehensive public relations and community engagement plan that positions Banner in alignment with its brand, protects and enhances Banner's reputation across its markets and nationally, and supports Banner's strategic objectives. Leads executive communications for the President / CEO and other members of the senior leadership team (SLT). Partners with senior HR leadership and the HR team to align external messaging with internal messaging to foster strong employee engagement, recruitment, and retention. Partners with other department colleagues to ensure communications are integrated and aligned with Banner's business objectives and brand.

Core Functions

1. Develops and oversees a comprehensive external communications strategy aligned with organizational goals. Serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership, providing counsel on communications opportunities and challenges. Leads Banner's messaging and response strategy on significant issues, providing strategic counsel and guidance to leadership on how to mitigate reputational risk while advancing Banner's priorities and objectives. Anticipates communications challenges and prepares accordingly.

2. Ensures leaders are prepared for media interviews, public speaking events, and other external communications opportunities. Provides communications coaching as needed. Acts as the organization's primary spokesperson when necessary.

3. Leads external communications strategy across earned media, speaking opportunities, podcasts and social influencers that drives proactive message delivery. Manages relationships with media outlets, journalists, bloggers, podcasters, and social influencers to secure positive coverage and respond to inquiries. Leverages digital communications content and channels, including social media, blogs, podcasts, and website content, to engage key audiences and stakeholders.

4. Oversees the creation and distribution of content including press releases, speeches, videos, social posts, leadership-authored content (op-eds / white papers), Banner fact sheets, and other external messaging materials, as well as the About Banner section on BannerHealth.com to ensure content aligns Banner's thought leadership positioning, including the newsroom and executive bios.

5. Leads the development and execution of issues management and crisis communication plans to address potential risks and ensure organizational readiness. Acts as a central point of communications coordination during crises, ensuring clear and effective communication with internal and external audiences. Partners closely with government relations on messaging and communications strategies relative to legislative / regulatory issues.

6. Partners with HR and the internal communications team to advance Banner's internal communications strategy to drive employee engagement, connection and understanding of business priorities across all levels, including support of regional / facility leadership to ensure alignment with enterprise-level strategies and messages and that information is flowing bidirectionally between the facilities / regions and the corporate level.

7. Leads executive communications strategy to position Banner and its executive team members as health care thought leaders and as a strong business leader in the communities it serves. Serves as a communications adviser to Banner senior leadership. Ensures tactical support for speech writing, key messaging, media relations, social media, and internal communications.

8. Develops and leads initiatives to enhance the organization's reputation and public image, (including public relations, crisis management, and thought leadership) to advance Banner's strategic vision and role as a leading employer and provider of community health and wellness.

9. Leverages analytics and market research to inform decision-making, develop and evolve communications strategy. Establishes KPIs to measure the impact of communication efforts and creates an executive dashboard to program performance with senior leadership and key stakeholders.

10. Stays ahead of emerging communications trends, including non-traditional media such as social influencers, bloggers, and podcasters. Stays current with trends in communications metrics and measurement. Encourages a culture of innovation within the team, identifying opportunities for process improvements and creative problem-solving.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required or equivalent work experience

Proven experience leading consequential teams in corporate communications, and / or public relations management experience with a demonstrated track record of success in communications strategy, planning, program development and implementation as demonstrated with 10+ years of experience; knowledge of the health industry is strongly preferred.

Strategic thinker and planner with a proven ability to align communication efforts with organizational goals; Client-minded consultant and diplomatic professional, who works equally well with C-suite, physician leaders and front-line managers.

Experienced leading media relations function and demonstrated success managing complex crises and issues with confidence and discretion.

Ability to keep calm and manage through stressful and high-stakes situations.

Confident and articulate verbal communicator.

Exceptionally strong writer and editor. AP Style expertise.

Ability to foster strong relationships with media outlets, community stakeholders, and internal leaders.

Demonstrated strong financial stewardship through highest and best allocation of Banner's marketing budgets and resources.

Demonstrated successful management of contracted agencies and vendors in the planning, execution and delivery of desired results and maximum value to client.

Collaborative leadership style with experience managing and mentoring diverse teams.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with competing priorities.

Proven experience leading or partnering with internal communications function to engage and educate internal audiences. Creates opportunities to optimize internal and external messaging.

Demonstrated successes as a team builder and coach; readily and often rolls up their sleeves and works alongside their team and peers.

Creative problem-solver; comfortable with ambiguity and can navigate it well.

Culturally competent, with the ability to create inclusive communications that resonate with diverse populations and communities.

Results-driven leader; experienced using metrics to demonstrate the function / team achieves business goals.

Exceptional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential issues

Sense of humor, the ability to have fun and bring joy to their work.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional related education (i.e., Masters Degree) and / or experience preferred.

APR (public relations accreditation) preferred.