Director - External Communications Indianapolis, Indiana

Communications Leader

As a seasoned communications leader, you will serve as the second-in-command to the Senior Director of External Communications for Ascension Indiana, representing the team in high-level meetings with hospital presidents and service line leaders. You will be responsible for leading a proactive, statewide external communications strategy that strengthens Ascension's brand and reputation, supports business growth and advances public affairs priorities in Indiana, while coaching and guiding a high-performing team. You will partner with our internal communications and marketing leaders in Indiana and support our market executives, helping to drive engaging and action-oriented internal messaging. You will spearhead key owned media channels like the Ascension St. Vincent Linkedin and Newsroom. You are both a strong program manager and an inspiring writer and communicator, one who is comfortable working across a matrixed organization to deliver measurable results.

Responsibilities include :

Lead and guide the day-to-day execution of a cohesive external communications strategy and plan for Indiana that improves our market reputation, in coordination with other enterprise and local communication teams

Directly manage Indiana External Communications team members, providing clear priorities, coaching and accountability to ensure high performance and alignment with the Ministry's objectives

Provide strategic communications counsel to support the rapidly evolving policy environment, ensuring aligned messaging in response to legislative and reputational challenges

Provide external communications counsel and support to Ascension Indiana market leaders and other partner teams, and step in for the Senior Director as needed

Develop external communications content, campaigns and events that support our local business objectives and our brand

Combine a big-picture, strategic 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

The complexity of work includes :

Requires excellent management, writing and project management skills, as well as critical thinking, strategic counseling and decisive judgment

Ideally the candidate will also have a knowledge of the evolving healthcare market, Ascension's history and current initiatives, and communications practices and standards

Must be able to work in a stressful, fast-paced environment

Education :

Master's degree preferred.

Work Experience :

Ten plus years in an external communications management role, ideally with experience working in a healthcare provider system or similar services organization

Experience with executive communications and counsel

Familiarity with local issues management and state-level legislative climate

Adept at the rapid development of content in support of local business, market and organizational communications needs

Experience developing clear KPIs and reporting out to multiple teams, including the senior director of external communications and senior executives