Head of Communications - Strategic Communications

Job Description

UW Medicine Strategic Communications has an outstanding opportunity for a Head of Harborview Medical Center Communications to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Head of Harborview Medical Center (HMC) Communications is the primary communications leader for Harborview Medical Center within UW Medicine’s systemwide Strategic Communications team. This new, highly visible role partners closely with the HMC CEO, executive team and other senior leaders to shape clear, timely and effective communications for one of the world’s foremost academic health centers.

The successful candidate will bring strategic judgment, collaborative leadership, change management expertise and a commitment to integrity, kindness, equity and the UW Medicine mission.

Key Responsibilities

Harborview Medical Center Communications Strategic Leadership – 60%

• Serve as a high-level communications strategist for HMC making key decisions, providing sound counsel to leadership, designing recommendations, proactively creating communication strategy and overseeing implementation.
• Partner closely with the HMC CEO as a communications chief of staff, managing executive communications priorities, preparing the CEO for key communications and representing the CEO’s communications interests in appropriate forums.
• Lead hospital wide communications planning and project intake, strengthen HMC’s reputation through strategic storytelling, and align communications with Strategic Communications peers, UW Medical Center Communications and other key partners.

Editing and supervision of HMC Content Creators – 15%

• Provide skilled, swift and accurate editing of the work of writers and other content contributors.
• Perform dotted line supervision of senior writers – and occasionally social media specialists – producing content related to HMC.
• Work closely with the Director of Internal Communications in partnered supervision of the senior writers working on HMC content.

Content Creation – 20%

• Develop high quality messaging and materials to address communications needs.
• Play a key role in the design and creation of messaging and materials for the HMC Board, King County Council, HMC employees, community leaders and other high-impact audiences.

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field
• Five years of progressive responsibility in communications leadership, preferably serving as the communications head of an entire organization

Additional Qualifications

• Supervisory experience, preferably of writers
• Experience in communications planning and project management for large-scale projects
• Experience editing and ensuring high-quality, accurate deliverables
• Experience performing the duties of a communications right hand/communications chief of staff to a high level executive leader of a medium-to-large organization
• Change management experience and expertise
• Internal communications experience and expertise
• Experience building and expanding an organization’s reputation within external communities
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Sound judgement and the ability to exercise discretion
• An authentically and consistently good listener
• Exceptional skills in relationship-building and collaboration
• Proven ability to work seamlessly and graciously with peer leaders to align with overarching strategy and reduce duplicative or siloed work; the willingness to defer to systemwide strategy and leaders as needed
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, high-change environment, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and daily content deadlines
• Understanding of and commitment to healthcare equity and inclusive communications practices
• A strategic and resourceful problem-solver
• Strong writer and oral communicator, able to ensure accuracy and excellence in all deliverables
• Knowledge and understanding of communications best practices
• Extensive experience with internal/employee communications
• Experience engaging with employees via an organizational intranet
• High level of computer literacy skills
• Ability to occasionally work outside of traditional hours to support urgent issues as needed
• Demonstrated integrity

Desired Qualifications

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications strategy development, planning and execution
• Advanced degree in communications or related field
• Experience partnering with a high-level strategic peer with responsibility for communications of an entire hospital or system
• Experience working in a healthcare setting, preferably within a hospital
• Familiarity with AP style and ability to adhere to brand guidelines
• Prior experience working in a large, complex organization 
• Willingness to drive strong results with limited resources
• Knowledge of accessibility best practices

Working Conditions

• Ability to work outside of typical business hours as needed to address urgent situations. As an essential and hybrid position, the individual is required to work remotely when the University is under suspended operations due to inclement weather, etc.
• Hybrid – Approximately one day per week on site at a Harborview Medical Center, and one day per month in South Lake Union (with the option for more days in-office as desired). This position may also need to sometimes be onsite locally for interviewing, reporting, and/or multimedia creation

About the Team

UW Medicine’s Strategic Communications team helps advance the organization’s mission to improve the health of all people by delivering clear, timely, and effective communications to internal and external audiences. The team’s work spans internal and executive communications, hospital communications, crisis communications, social media engagement, and enterprise-wide digital platforms.

This role has a primary focus on supporting Harborview Medical Center, a comprehensive healthcare facility dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad spectrum of patients from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the most vulnerable residents of King County. Harborview is the only designated Level I adult and pediatric trauma and verified burn center in the state.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$135,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$150,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.