Director of Communications

Description

As a socially responsible health care employer and provider, we require our associates to show proof of annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations unless approved exemption is provided. Additional information will be provided by HR upon hire.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio is a seeking full time (37.5 hours) mission-minded Associate to join us as our Director of Communications. Must live in Ohio prior to start date. 

SUMMARY

The Director of Communications will lead the strategic vision and execution of the organization's communications efforts, ensuring they align with our mission, values, and business objectives. Under the leadership of the Senior Director of Business Development and Marketing, the Director of Communications will collaborate to create integrated communication strategies that engage diverse stakeholders, including patients, clients, donors, corporate supporters, activists, community leaders, and the public. The Director will also play a key role in advancing the organization’s fundraising and public relations goals while enhancing its reputation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Business Development and Marketing to develop and execute a comprehensive strategic communications plan that supports the organization’s communications objectives across multiple audiences.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams and content creators to understand audience-specific needs and craft tailored communication strategies that ensure consistent messaging.
• Lead mission-driven communication campaigns that integrate external and internal content, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.
• Direct the creation and distribution of communication materials, including messaging documents, toolkits, editorial calendars, style guides, press releases, op-eds, speeches, donor communications, and more.

Media and Public Relations

• Develop and manage a robust media outreach strategy, fostering strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers to amplify the organization's narrative.
• Lead media efforts, including pitching stories, managing press conferences, and preparing subject matter experts as spokespeople for key organizational initiatives.
• Track media coverage and assess the effectiveness of media relations efforts to continuously improve communication strategies.
• Collaborate with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) on messaging and communication strategies, incorporating national talking points as needed for affiliate campaigns.

Crisis Communications and Issues Management

• Lead crisis communications efforts by developing and implementing proactive crisis communication strategies and a crisis playbook to mitigate reputational risks.
• Manage all communication in crisis situations, ensuring timely, transparent, and consistent messaging that aligns with business objectives.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on issues management and crisis communications.

Digital and Social Media Strategy

• Work closely with the Marketing team to build and execute digital communication strategies, including social media campaigns, to drive engagement and support fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate on content creation for digital channels, ensuring it aligns with the organization’s voice and goals.

Internal Communications and Team Leadership

• Support internal communication efforts, ensuring staff are informed and aligned with organizational goals.
• Foster a collaborative, creative, and results-driven environment by leading, mentoring, and developing the communications team.
• Serve as a key advisor on communication best practices and provide guidance and training as needed across the organization.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but will lead initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong communication, writing, and project management skills, with the ability to craft compelling messaging for various audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in developing and executing both proactive and reactive communication strategies, including crisis communication.
• Expertise in media relations, including cultivating relationships with journalists and managing press inquiries.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset and the ability to manage cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate sensitive issues with professionalism and tact.
• Experience working with executive leadership and providing strategic counsel in high-pressure situations.
• Strong collaborator, highly strategic and creative.
• Informed decision-maker who can be flexible in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Additional competencies:
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and make decisions with minimal supervision.
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess and adjust strategies to achieve organizational goals.
  • Familiarity with healthcare industry trends, compliance, and regulations as they relate to communications is a plus.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to work in an evolving, fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or related discipline, with a proven track record in strategic communications and crisis management.
• Experience working in healthcare, nonprofit, or advocacy organizations is highly desirable.

PROMISE TO OUR ASSOCIATES

Planned Parenthood has served Ohioans with safe, accessible, and affordable health care for 100 years and welcomed more than 100,000 patient visits to our health centers in 2020. Every day, we fight to provide this care to everyone, no matter their income level, insurance status, zip code, color, creed, or country of origin.

As a mission-driven health care provider, Planned Parenthood is dedicated to ending health disparities and achieving health equity among all races. We work on all levels through our health centers, educational programming, and public policy to make the greatest impact on the communities we serve.

In order to become the leading organization for high quality reproductive health care, we continuously strive to create a supportive work environment that results in a positive experience for patients and associates alike. We find this support in our In This Together workplace values and service standards that bring associates together and foster an inclusive culture.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH) is an equal opportunity employer. We care for our business by ensuring that all of our decisions regarding the employment relationship, including the terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, are in accordance with our principles of equal opportunity.

As a matter of PPGOH policy we affirm that we respect and honor all people and we will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

In addition to the above commitments, PPGOH seeks to have employees that reflect the broad diversity of those that we serve and we encourage all who are ready to be In This Together to apply.