Director of Communications

DATE POSTED: January 10, 2012

POSITION TITLE: Director of Communications (Full-Time/Communications Department)

REPORTS TO: President and CEO

POSITION PURPOSE:

Reporting to the MHIF President and CEO, and serving as an integral member of the Executive Leadership teams, the Director of Communications will be responsible for the development of Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and potentially the Minneapolis Heart Institute (MHIF/ MHI)’s communication strategy and will contribute to the organizational strategic planning process.  The Director of Communications will develop a world-class communications plan for MHIF, directly managing communication activities that promote, enhance, and protect the brand reputation of the organization.  The communications strategy will include expansion of MHIF’s reputation at local, regional and national levels.

The Director of Communications will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership.  The individual will be an ambassador for the mission of MHIF.  The goal is to advance the organization’s position with relevant constituents to drive broader awareness and donor support for the organization.

The Director of Communications will be responsible for MHIF’s varied and integrated communication products and services including newsletters and other print publications; online communications including web and social media; e-news; media and public relations, and marketing.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communication Strategy, Vision and Leadership

  • Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance MHIF’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
  • Create marketing/public relations strategy that will allow MHIF leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences including the media and key influencers.
  • Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organizations.  Work with leadership and staff to recognize internal and external communication opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
  • Serve as communication advisor to MHIF leadership.

Communications Operations

  • Oversee development of all MHIF print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including MHIF’s website, news and social media, manage relationships with associated vendors.
  • Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization.
  • Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed.
  • Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding MHIF programs, special events, public announcements and other projects.
  • Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development.

Team Development/Management

  • Manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.
  • Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
  • Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach.
  • Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Desired Education and Experience

Academic:  Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred.

Experience:  Minimum eight year’s experience in a senior management role. Previous experience working with cardiovascular marketing and communications is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Expertise:

  • Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements.
  • Extensive successful writing and editing experience with a variety of print and online media.
  • Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
  • Creative and thoughtful on how new media technology can be utilized.
  • A minimum of five year’s experience planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications and directories.
  • Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.
  • Experience in building, mentoring, and coaching a team.
  • Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
  • Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
  • Stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain credibility and respect of MHIF Board of Directors, Executive Leadership, donors and other constituents.

TO APPLY:

Click on the following direct link: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=1144411