Director of National Media Relations

In addition to the responsibilities listed below, this position is responsible for directing public relations and media relations that promote and protect Kaiser Permanentes brand image and reputation. This position develops Public Relations and/or communication plans for major initiatives, serves as the primary PR liason and expert with other parts of the organization and senior leadership, provides expert level consultation, evaluation, and guidance on PR-related issues and priorities, serves as a lead organizaional voice on social media, including the creation, planning, and scheduling of social and digital content, creates taking points, statements, and other responses to mitigate potential negative press, and develops Public Relations and/or Communication strategy for the organization. This position is also responsible for directing crisis communication prevention/media responses for significant issues, establishing and maintaining relationships with news media representatives and other health care and community stakeholders, editing and approving communications materials, and creating and executing the external strategy and positioning for key senior leaders. This position leads integrated, cross functional work groups and teams as appropriate.

• Demonstrates continuous learning and maintains a highly skilled and engaged workforce by aligning resource plans with business objectives; overseeing the recruitment, selection, and development of talent; motivating teams; preparing individuals for growth opportunities and advancement; staying current with industry trends, benchmarks, and best practices; providing guidance when difficult decisions need to be made; and ensuring performance management guidelines and expectations drive business needs.
• Oversees the operation of multiple units and/or departments by identifying customer and operational needs; analyzing resources, costs, and forecasts and incorporating them into business plans; gaining cross-functional support for business plans and priorities; translating business strategy into actionable business requirements; obtaining and distributing resources; setting standards and measuring progress; removing obstacles that impact performance; guiding performance and developing contingency plans accordingly; and ensuring products and/or services meet customer requirements and expectations while aligning with organizational strategies.
• Directs and oversees the development of strategic communication plans by directing consultation with key clients and stakeholders to identify business objectives, key performance indicators, and communication requirements; analyzing, reviewing, and synthesizing data and information; ensuring input and resources are obtained to fulfill communication plan objectives; ensuring plans are aligned with the organizational strategy; directing project scope and schedules; creating and managing budgets and resources; identifying and leveraging appropriate audiences and channels; influencing key stakeholders and leadership on strategic direction; and ensuring strategic support on a variety of organizational initiatives.
• Oversees complex communication activities by ensuring team members provide support to internal and/or external stakeholders; managing and maintaining vendor relationships; reviewing and approving communication activities; defining and communicating the KP brand to ensure positive reputation and recognition; ensuring communications align with KP standards; and ensuring communication activities and performance metrics are documented and tracked.
• Directs complex projects or project components by identifying and managing stakeholder contacts; assembling teams based on project needs and team member strengths; developing, analyzing, and managing project plans; negotiating and managing project schedules and resource forecasts; and overseeing project financials and deliverables.
• Oversees the implementation of communication efforts by consulting with stakeholders or vendors on change management and implementation strategies; assessing effectiveness of communications and making modifications as necessary; monitoring key performance indicators and ongoing effectiveness of communications; ensuring communication plans are implemented on time, on budget, and within agreed upon specifications; and resolving critical issues on a 24 hour/on-call basis as needed during the implementation process.
• Directs and oversees communications across multiple business functions by creating, reviewing, revising, and approving complex content for KP communications programs and projects; overseeing the production of communications materials; ensuring final communications align with KP communication plans; and ensuring content is consistent with the Kaiser Permanente brand and editorial guidelines in terms of tone, manner, and messaging.

Qualifications:

• Minimum six (6) years experience in Media Relations or Public Relations.
• Minimum two (2) years experience managing operational or project budgets.
• Minimum three (3) years supervisory experience.
• Bachelors degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Humanities, Business, Social Science, or related field and Minimum ten (10) years experience in communications, writing, marketing, or a directly related field. Additional equivalent work experience in a directly related field may be substituted for the degree requirement.