Director of Internal Communications - Ascension Texas

Internal Communications Leader

As a passionate and accomplished communicator, you will be responsible for heading internal communications for Ascension Texas, developing and implementing internal communications strategies that strengthen Ascension's culture, employee experience and operational priorities.

You will have an opportunity to help build a culture of trust across the market, in support of our goal to provide compassionate quality care. You will partner with our external communications and marketing leads in support of our market executives, helping drive engaging and action-oriented internal messaging.

You are both a strategist and a doer, an inspiring writer and communicator, one who is comfortable working across a matrixed organization to deliver measurable results and tell the story of our health system.

Responsibilities include :

• Develop and drive execution of a cohesive internal communications strategy and plan that improves associate experience, in coordination with national and market communication teams
• Leverage the toolkits, messaging documents, creative content, channel management and strategic planning support of our national communications teams and customize them as appropriate
• Provide internal communications counsel and support to market executives and other partner teams to increase associate engagement and drive retention
• Develop internal communications content, campaigns and events that support our local operational objectives and our internal brand
• Partner with local market Strategy, HR, Mission, Legal, marketing, external communications and other leadership team leaders as a thought partner and advisor for communications aimed at enhancing local community relationships
• Support senior leadership team with internal communications that drive awareness of and engagement with growth opportunities and business priorities
• Create strong relationships with hospital leaders and teams to create inspiring stories showcasing our Mission at work
• Combine strategic thinking and big-picture perspective with attention to detail, clarity and focus
• Ensure that communications reflect the Mission, Vision and Values of Ascension as a healing ministry of the Catholic Church
• Maintain flexible availability and responsiveness both during and outside of normal work hours as necessary

Complexity of work requires excellent writing and project management skills, as well as critical thinking, strategic counseling and decisive judgment. Ideally the candidate will also have knowledge of the evolving healthcare market, Ascension's history and current initiatives, and communications best practices and standards. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Education requirements include a high school diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience, with 2 of those years being in leadership / management, or an associate's degree / bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience, with 2 of those years being in leadership / management.

Additional preferences include a bachelor's degree in Communications or related field; a master's degree is preferred. Ten plus years in an internal communications leadership role, ideally working in a healthcare provider system. Proven experience developing executive communications, providing strategic counsel and developing and implementing strategic communications plans across multiple channels. Adept at developing clear KPIs and reporting out to multiple teams, including senior executives. Proven ability to successfully manage a team of communications professionals working towards defined goals and objectives. Adept at the rapid development of content in support of local business, market and organizational communications needs. Familiarity with local issues management and crisis communications. Experience reaching 'deskless workers' with innovative communications channels and tactics.