Director – HR Communications

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

100984 Ofc HR - VP Office

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 117

Compensation Range:

$122,600.00 - $184,000.00

Responsibilities:

Oversees development and implementation of effective communication plans that support the University's programs and policies as they relate to the Human Resources department. Works closely with the communication teams to provide leadership and counsel to HR and university executives to inform them of complex and sensitive decisions and/or projects, and develops/builds support for communications strategies that help achieve stated goals. Serves as the first point of contact for HR issues management, collaborating with leadership in appropriate University Units to ensure open and transparent communications and escalating as necessary to senior leadership. Works with HR program managers to evaluate communications resources and recommend additions/changes as necessary to optimize faculty and staff understanding and engagement of the full spectrum of services offered by Human Resources. Supervises communication and change management staff and oversees day-to-day communications activities that support awareness and understanding of HR strategy, priorities, products, policies, and programs, using bi-annual employee engagement and other methods to measure progress and develop changes to content and/or channels as necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops communication plans, outlining and/or implementing strategies and tactics for complex projects, such as major institutional changes, integrating a change management framework to ensure communications supports successful adoption of the change. Ensures timely and successful execution of the plan. Serves as a communications consultant and advisor to University and URMC senior leadership, providing insight into how decisions might be perceived among various University stakeholders and recommending alternative solutions when appropriate.
• Oversees and directs team to ensure effective, timely, and measurable enterprise-wide communication plans are created and implemented to support various HR programs and/or changes. Ensures the change management communications framework is integrated into plans to help drive the successful adoption of HR/operational changes through the University and URMC. Establishes a broad-based understanding of the scope of the Human Resources Department and how it interacts with the various business units of the University. Develops a firm grasp of the University’s culture and how various programs align within the work environments of various medical specialties, schools, and divisions. Recommends ways to improve alignment and/or cascade best practices for HR communications among all units as appropriate.
• Oversees the development of a communications infrastructure to support efficient and targeted communications at all levels of management throughout the University, as well as channels to reach all faculty and staff as needed. Meets regularly with leadership to align activities within the broader framework of the University community. Identifies a range of formats and successful approaches that can be used in communications efforts, including but not limited to articles, videos, emails, PowerPoints, brochures, posters, etc. Develops a strategy for ensuring the HR website is regularly maintained and updated with high-quality content. Ensures all communications work in support of HR programs is high quality, timely, and shared through all appropriate channels within the various business units of the University and URMC, including but not limited to the HR website, email newsletters, printed and electronic publications, websites, video channels, social media, and media relations. Evaluates and makes recommendations regarding opportunities to expand storytelling formats, techniques, and applications. Works with HR program Directors to evaluate and/or unify communications resources. Recommends additions/changes as necessary to optimize faculty and staff understanding and engagement of the full spectrum of services offered by Human Resources.
• Manages and executes an individual portfolio of communications projects for extremely complex and sensitive projects that impact all University faculty and staff. Develops and executes communications plans to support major HR-based programs, including synthesizing complex and/or sensitive information into key messages, identifying target audiences and matching to appropriate channels, and infusing the information into a variety of content, including emails, presentations, websites, talking points, FAQs, videos, brochures, bulletins, fliers and other materials with little or no review by AVP. Develops and writes content aimed at internal and external audiences, including but not limited to email memos, PowerPoint presentations, newsletter articles, website copy, video scripts, online news and feature stories, and infographics. Often interacts with the University and URMC Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance, University’s Communications VP, and other senior leaders to finalize messages. Collaborates with HR leadership in developing communications responses to issues.
• Provides supervision and coaching to ensure direct reports are working efficiently and effectively and activities are aligned with the identified strategies of HR. Makes recommendations on changes to staffing as necessary. Builds a coalition of support among communications and administrative professionals throughout the institution to help facilitate timely, effective HR communications and making full use of existing internal communications channels. Provides input into capital and/or operational budgets consistent with the strategic objectives of HR. Ensures budgets assigned for communications activities are met.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field and 10 years of experience in a strategic communications role required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience overseeing HR communications in higher education, especially in an academic medical center setting preferred
• 5 years of supervisory or management experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills required
• Comfortable coaching senior executives and offer differing points of view in group settings required
• Ability to work independently and successfully within a matrixed work culture required
• Extraordinary ability to deal with multiple, competing priorities in a deadline-oriented environment with minimal supervision required
• Solid knowledge of principles and procedures for recruitment, training and development, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiations and human resource information systems required
• Proven ability to inject creativity into content ideas and matching ideas with effective, engaging, and achievable storytelling approaches required
• Solid understanding of traditional communications and publications technologies required
• A forward-looking approach toward emerging communications platforms in digital and social media required
• Demonstrated proficiency in writing and editing content based on target audience, with ability to analyze, condense, and synthesize information and ability to provide accurate analysis and summaries required
• Proven ability to lead and motivate high-performing teams required
• Ability to oversee large-scale, complex projects, make important decisions, design and implement new programs required
• Strong organization and project management skills required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.