Director of Communications - Thought Leadership & M&A

• Identify opportunities for senior leaders, including the CEO, to shape the national conversation on a range of identified topics, developing the strategies and tactics to best position each leader for each opportunity. 

• Collaborate effectively with teammates, senior staff and executives across the organization, operating with a high degree of discretion and diplomacy. 

• Synthesize complex and wide-ranging information from a range of sources (including liaising with subject matter experts and through independent research and analysis) and translate that information into clear and compelling written material and briefing and prep materials for senior leaders for high-profile and national thought leadership opportunities. 

• Understands enterprise strategic plan and aligns projects/programs/campaigns/activities accordingly; manages multiple projects independently, drafts recommendations, customizes processes/outputs to audience.  

• Craft thought leadership pieces for senior leaders and prepare them for high-level events, interviews and other opportunities that enhance the reputation of Advocate Health, its leaders and workforce; lead work surrounding efforts to reframe industry narratives to protect and enhance the reputation of the enterprise. Examples may include the creation of white papers, editorials, speeches, presentations and other mechanisms to deliver the Advocate Health message to the desired audiences.  

• Develop and drive the execution of Advocate Health’s strategic communications plans and processes that support our organization in its mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic partnerships and similar activity, including integration communication needs; provide strategic communications counsel, working closely with internal and external leaders to meet project deadlines and objectives.  

• Produce compelling and creative content which demonstrates how Advocate Health and its leaders are reshaping health care nationally and in its care delivery areas. 

• Lead and provide quality oversight for multiple projects, ensuring accuracy and excellence in content and presentation while meeting tight deadlines. 

• Operate with creativity and a persistent approach to problem-solving.  

• Research the health care industry and national landscape for the latest information and significant differentiation and relevance for all audiences; be a go-to expert on industry trends and how Advocate Health can differentiate itself from its peers in a positive manner.  

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners and vendors. 

• Provide guidance, coaching and mentoring to members of the Communications team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence.  

• Lead and mentor a high-performing communications team and cultivate a culture of excellence and innovative thinking and storytelling. 

• Oversee talent development, team structure and performance management across all communications functions under this role’s purview. 

• Other duties as assigned

• A strategic thinker and creative problem-solver with a track record in reputation management-focused communications; excellent research, analytical and storytelling skills. 

• Ability to think big picture to foresee reputational risks and advantages when weighing making recommendations of individuals, topics, locations, publications and other variables.  

• Excellent oral and written communications, including a proficiency in AP style writing; proven track record in writing for an executive and channeling the voice and perspective of others. 

• Comfortable working across departments and businesses to bring a coordinated approach, balancing competing perspectives and the needs of stakeholders at all levels. 

• Strong executive presence and interpersonal skills; team player who can work effectively with employees at all levels, including C-suite executives. 

• Ability to operate with a high level of tact, diplomacy and discretion. 

• Highly strategic with a demonstrated track record in assessing complex, competitive issues and situations and in developing related initiatives in partnership with other stakeholders to drive business results. 

• Specific experience and strong record of success in understanding the environment, identifying opportunities, designing solutions and aligning action to drive performance.  

• Strong leadership and communication skills, including presentation creation and delivery, with the ability to inspire and influence others.  

• Ability to work effectively in an entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven, results-oriented, and community-focused.; thrives in a fast-paced environment, having a change mindset and comfortable navigating ambiguity.   

• Knowledge of health care industry trends and best practices in communications and health care. 

• Proactive, independent and takes initiative with consistent follow through. 

• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, with the ability to ensure accuracy and consistency of deliverables. 

• Ability to develop and lead strong teams and build effective operating models to drive results. 

• Proven ability to assess, retain, grow and attract strong, diverse talent to meet business objectives.  

• Proven track record of empowering team members and holding team accountable. 

Position requires some work on weekends and outside of normal business hours.   

Position requires some local, regional and market travel.