This role is focused on communication strategy development and execution for the Knight Cancer Institute milestones and achievements resulting in internal and external key audience engagement, support and advocacy and use of services, as well as issues management, and crisis communications support, as needed. The director works collaboratively with Knight Cancer Institute leaders, OHSU Brand and Communications Strategy, and the OHSU Foundation.

 

The communications director is responsible for conceiving and executing strategic communications plans, including earned media, executive communications, and internal engagement, that align with Knight Cancer Institute strategic objectives, especially a world-class patient experience. This role works to effectively and positively shape public perception and engagement by conveying information to key audiences that foster understanding of the value the Knight Cancer Institute brings to the people of Oregon and beyond through its patient care, education and research missions.

 

This professional develops strategy and executes work to achieve the organizational and business goals and priorities of Knight Cancer Institute and to illustrate its values and accomplishments, ensuring this information is broadly conveyed, across multiple communications channels, to key audiences, including news media, the public, faculty and staff, patients, donors, elected officials and peer institutions.

Operations and Team Management

• Develops, manages and motivates Knight Cancer Institute communications team members to maximize priorities and fosters personal performance growth.
• Demonstrates recognition of the value of individual and cultural differences to team effectiveness; creates a work environment where diverse viewpoints and abilities are valued and that emphasizes an innovative mindset, teamwork, accountability and professionalism.
• Develops metrics to effectively measure team success, with mechanisms for adapting strategies in response to results.
• Leads collaboration to align the communications strategy of the Knight Cancer Institute and OHSU to meet shared goals.

Executive Communications

• Develops omnichannel communications strategy to effectively reach audiences. Inclusive of emerging technologies, written, graphic, audio or video materials distributed through a wide variety of physical and digital channels.
• Develops effective messaging strategy to convey complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Serves as communications counsel to executive leaders to enhance successful, goal-aligned communication.
• Demonstrates strong decision-making and problem-solving judgment when managing competing priorities amid ambiguity.
• Tracks trends and impacts, applying data insights to accomplish strategic communications goals.
• Ensures strategic priorities are conveyed with consistency and efficiency.
• Responsible for crafting and distributing internal and external communications in support of strategic priorities.
• Optimizes communication timing and message alignment based on audiences.

Media relations and Public Affairs

• Identifies priorities and opportunities that could be advanced by media relations and public affairs strategy and tactics in collaboration with OHSU Brand and Communications Strategy.
• Develops earned media plans that benefit the Knight Cancer Institute.
• Regularly engage with members of the media to field requests, pitch relevant stories. Facilitate virtual and in-person interviews with media and Knight Cancer Institute.
• On-site event management and virtual speaking engagement oversight to include: pre-walk space for speaking engagements, attend prep meetings and prepare executives for event. Ensure support services are prepared and ensure all is managed throughout the event during speaking engagements.
• Provide media training to experts across OHSU in preparation for media interviews and other public speaking opportunities.
• Supports earned media activities, including the creation of stories/announcements for the OHSU News website, backgrounders, program/research descriptors, video interviews and other materials.
• Identifies public relations implications of proposed strategic activities as well as emerging issues, and shares these with leaderships.

Other responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. (i.e. Communication, Public Relations); OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in communications or related role.

• At least 1 year supervising employees or demonstrated experience in leading a continuous project or program for at least 2 years.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent writer/editor.
• Comfortable working with senior executives and faculty.
• Ability to develop presentations.
• Strong consensus-building skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong data-informed analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to manage people with diverse skill sets.
• Ability to work in highly matrixed work environment.
• Strong diplomacy skills; ability to work effectively across organizational units.
• High degree of organization needed to manage projects from inception to on-time completion.
• Ability to think clearly and act strategically in difficult or crisis situations.

• Master’s degree in Communications or related field.
• Experience at health care, higher education or government organizations.

Hybrid position, with on-campus meetings and responsibilities as assigned.
Most workstations are shared. Heavy use of a computer and phone.

Work schedule and location are generally within regular business hours, though the role will be required to staff special events or respond to urgent needs outside of regular business hours.
Travel may be required. Virtual meetings will be a regular occurrence.

This is a Program Director 1 position.

 

Benefits

• Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
• Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.