Director of Communications

The philanthropy marketing and communications director will provide communications expertise consistent with Northern Light Health’s mission and values, while implementing and monitoring strategic communications and public relations effort to grow the philanthropic base of support for Northern Light Health and its member organizations.

Responsibilities:

• Direct, plan, and coordinate communications, marketing, and community relations efforts, both internally and externally, serving as brand promise expert for internal and external relationships • Directs the creation and management of foundation materials intended for public use, including internal communications (i.e., with employees, leadership, board) and external communications (i.e. with donors, advisory groups, and other constituents) • Supports fundraising efforts by providing communications guidance and support to Foundation’s philanthropy staff and other Northern Light employees engaged in fundraising • Acts as the primary contact for media; when needed, acts as the spokesperson for the Foundation; preparing other spokespeople as necessary with talking points, messaging, and media coaching (relying on media experts in marketing & communication as necessary) • Directs information in crisis communications including acting as the Foundation’s public information officer when needed and in consult with the VP/CMCO who oversee all Northern Light Health crisis communications • With the marketing team, develops comprehensive marketing plans, with measurable outcomes, for leaders to advance their initiatives and to support growth of philanthropy support • Creates comprehensive internal and external communication plans, with measurable outcomes, to generate awareness of the Foundation and Northern Light Health’s philanthropic efforts • Directs and manages the reputation of the Foundation through creation of earned media, social media, (working with the system social media specialist), and through public relations tactics • Understands and leverages the data and analytics developed by the Northern Light Marketing and Communications digital and marketing teams to inform proactive decision making • Works with Northern Light Health communications staff at the home office and member level to monitor the environment and stay abreast of both public awareness and attitude toward the programs and initiatives of Northern Light Health and the Foundation • Serves as community liaison, developing and maintaining strong relationships with key individuals and organizations • Provides valuable content to colleagues’ requests such as annual report, community stories, provider and staff education, and media requests • Works in collaboration with Northern Light Health home office and member organization communications leaders, staff, and executive leadership teams to create and implement cascading, system-wide communications • Facilitates interaction between senior management, key community initiatives, and the donor community • Actively participates in the systemwide Marketing and Communication Leadership team to help drive systemwide communication strategy. 

Competencies and skills:

Essential:

* Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.

* Acts Strategic: Creates effective plans that anticipate future consequences and opportunities and is able to connect the day to day operations to longer-term objectives, shifts in the industry, and system goals.

* Applies Business Acumen:Demonstrates knowledge of current and future trends that impact organizational success. Applies proven practices and business theories to get results that meet financial as well as other business goals. Recognizes opportunities for new services and products and acts accordingly, taking measured risks into consideration. Possesses a thorough knowledge of their field and independently carries out their work in accordance with professional standards of the profession.

* Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.

* Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.

* Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.

* Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.

* Develops Self and Others:Takes responsibility for engaging in professional self-development activities and programs. Strives to gain insight into their own values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and takes action in order to enhance competencies and skills when possible. As a leader, encourages and guides employees towards growth opportunities to enhance performance and help them reach goals. Reviews and analyzes employees' strengths and weaknesses to distinguish their talents and development needs, and to ensure they are enhanced appropriately.

* Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.

* Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.

* Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.

* Fosters Innovation: Employs and encourages the use of meaningful creativity in solving challenges. Proactively identifies opportunities and uses new approaches to enhance processes, systems and services. When appropriate, suggests or initiates new strategies, products, services, and markets.

* Word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, database experience and other computer related skills.

* Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

* Seeks Process Improvement & Applies System Thinking: Possesses and gains insight into situations, problems and processes. Understands the interconnection between organizational elements. Deconstructs problems and systematically investigates the various components. Considers the impact of actions on the entire process/system. Detects problems and opportunities, recognizes important information, and links various data to trace potential causes and relevant details.

* Utilizes Resources Effectively: Understands how to get the most out of available resources and uses cost-benefit thinking in decision-making and in setting priorities. Monitors and analyzes resource usage to identify and eliminate areas of waste and maximize resources. As a leader, defines targets and provides appropriate means; oversees progress and makes adjustments when necessary. Appropriately delegates work, sets clear direction and manages workflow and time.