Director Public Relations

Director Public Relations

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in PR, communications, crisis communications, with a focus on strategic planning and evaluation.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies.
• Mastery of AP style writing.
• Proven experience in managing communications during high-pressure situations and crises.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to inspire to collaborate with diverse teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities is required.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Experience in healthcare and academic institutions.
• Strong understanding of internal communications, social media, government workings (including in SC) and experience working with journalists and media outlets.
• Strong media relations experience and crisis communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms (ie. Meltwater, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Represent Communications in the integrated PR planning process, including researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive communication plans (internal and external) that align with the academic health system’s goals and objectives.
• Lead the media relations team, providing guidance and support to ensure effective media engagement and coverage, analytics and reporting.
• Manage processes, approve press releases, and public statements and foster relationships with journalists and media outlets to ensure positive coverage for MUSC.
• Organize and manage PR events, including press conferences and media briefings.
• Lead media training to prepare subject matter experts and leaders for media interviews and/or public appearances.
• Support the development of internal communication strategies through campaign development and processes creation that keep all internal stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Develop newsletters, intranet (Horseshoe) content, and internal announcements.
• Manage information shared with employees and key stakeholders, write and approve internal messages and stories, engage subject matter experts to find the right voice to tell the stories.
• Oversee the production of high-quality PR materials including content for various platforms such as social media, websites, and print (newspapers), etc.
• Create compelling stories, speeches and presentations, ensuring messages are clear, impactful, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Direct the crisis management team, ensuring preparedness and timely, transparent, effective response during emergencies.
• Support the develop, posting, measurement, and reporting of thought leader social media content to enhance the organization’s online presence and engagement.
• Build dashboards to track and analyze communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven improvements.
• Oversee special communication projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives, as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare and academic institutions.
• Strong understanding of internal communications, social media, government workings (including in SC) and experience working with journalists and media outlets.
• Relationships with SC media required; national relationships a plus.