Communications Director, Departments - School of Medicine

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

As Director of Communications in the School of Medicine (SOM), serves as a strategic leader responsible for developing, executing and optimizing internal communications that strengthen engagement, transparency, alignment, and trust across the academic enterprise.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees a high performing team and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Work may be focused on one or more of the topics below.

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Designs and implements an internal communications strategy that is aligned with Emory School of Medicine priorities. 
• Integrates communication priorities across dean's office and system-wide functions into broader internal communication efforts.
• Serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing counsel on communication efforts that drive engagement, trust and organizational alignment.
• Ensures consistency in tone, voice and messaging architecture across all platforms and audiences.
• Monitors and shares best practices and new trends in internal communications.

Team Development and Management

• Builds, leads and mentors a high performing internal communications team.
• Fosters a team culture of innovation, creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Sets clear direction and provide growth and development opportunities for team members.

Executive Communications

• Drafts and coordinates high-impact communications from the dean and executive team, including messages, talking points, and speeches.
• Leads annual planning and development of an editorial calendar that supports dean's office vision and priorities.
• Defines and implements regular cadence of communications from the SOM dean and leadership team.
• Develops strategies that build trust, support transparency and ensure effectiveness of the dean and leadership team.

System Communications

• Partners with leaders of school-wide functions including HR, Faculty professional development, research administration, SOM IT, Community and Engagement, and education to develop strategies that support achievement of their strategic and operational goals in alignment with School of Medicine priorities.
• Builds integrated strategies that drive achievement of system-wide business objectives, elevate the employee and learner experience, and support operational excellence.

Operational Excellence 

• Manages communications platforms, vehicles and editorial calendars to ensure timely, clear and consistent messages.
• Develops metrics and reporting tools to evaluate impact and effectiveness of communication efforts.
• Provides regular reporting to the Executive Administrator for Communications and other leaders as needed.
• Oversees complex communication projects from concept through execution, ensuring high-quality delivery.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Acts as a connector between the dean's office and the departments to unify messaging and ensure strategic alignment.
• Serves as a key collaborator with internal communications teams at Emory Healthcare, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Tech and Grady Memorial Hospital to ensure alignment and consistency of messaging as appropriate.
• Collaborates with Emory University Office of the Provost, Office of Research, and other academic offices to leverage integrated storytelling opportunities and promote faculty thought leadership and accomplishments.

Crisis and Responsive Communication

• Supports internal response to crisis and urgent communications in collaboration with SOM leadership, general counsel, the university reputation management team and media relations.
• Leads emergency preparedness communications efforts.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field and eight years of related experience which includes experience in a communications or public relations position.
• Experience in leading and managing a high performing team.
• Demonstrated success in advising and collaborating with senior leaders.
• Strong judgment, discretion and agility in navigating fast-paced environments.
• The ideal candidate has strong storytelling skills, deep change management expertise, and a commitment to values-driven communication.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee. 

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

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