Executive Director, Communications

SUMMARY:

The Executive Director, Communications leads the development, implementation, and execution of organization-wide internal communications strategies and structures. The primary responsibility of this position is to lead the strategic development and execution of all internal communications and associate engagement programs with an aim to build internal understanding of our organizations business strategy, purpose, culture and values. This position will actively drive employee engagement efforts through company-wide associate communications, across existing and future communication channels and vehicles. This position requires an individual who is a strategic communicator, proactively considering the potential impact of business decisions and leading the associated communication strategy. Must be able to simultaneously work in the gray and manage, coordinate, and execute a number of complex internal communications projects in light of timelines and budget parameters. Working closely with senior leaders, internal communications will establish consistency in tone and messaging for all messaging incorporating company values as a means of informing associates while driving engagement, understanding, and adoption.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The professional in this position will have several key initiatives, including providing thoughtful leadership and strategic direction in the following areas:
  • Executive Communications:
    • As a skilled and creative thinker, work closely with senior executives to deliver strategic and thoughtful communications (i.e. speeches, messages, presentations, town halls, talking points, organizational announcements, etc.)
  • Internal/Associate Communications:
    • Define and lead integrated internal associate communications strategy in partnership with Human Resources. Experience rationalizing message volume and nuance of messages for multiple internal audiences. Ability to lead and implement change communications, organizational development communications, and benefits communications. Ability to effectively listen to associates to ascertain what additional communication is required to support associates, and ultimately student success. Manage and access associate communications effectiveness through channels including our intranet, videos and town hall meetings
  • Student/customer communication:
    • May assist Marketing with student/customer communication in ensuring positioning and consistency of organizational brand to develop trust and credibility in the student/customer experience
  • Special Events Management:
    • Work with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to manage internally-focused events (i.e., such as Town Halls) where senior management is presenting to associates

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications and/or Marketing.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• 10-15 years’ experience in Communications, preferably in a highly regulated environment/industry.
• Proven track record in development and execution of comprehensive internal communications strategies.
• Extensive experience interacting, advising, and working with the C-Suite level; relationship builder who can develop credibility with Executive Management and other internal constituents.
• Exceptionally strong writer and creative thinker that also brings a confident executive presence that inspires credibility, trust and respect.
• Collaborative nature that fosters close working relationships with peers and colleagues.
• Outstanding writing and speechwriting skills, including the ability to “capture the voice” of key executives and the ability to address key business, cultural, that are relevant to West Coast University and American Career College.
• Proven ability to absorb large amounts of information and distill it into compelling, clear and consistent executive messaging.
• Demonstrated storytelling skills
• A proven self-starter with excellent organizational skills, who thrives in a fast-paced work environment and is capable of delivering exceptional work product under unforgiving time constraints
• Possess proven leadership and motivational skills with a passion for excellence and a constant desire to innovate and improve

#HEJ #LI-MP1

Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at West Coast University.

At West Coast University, we have the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare and guide them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus-driven culture that is solution-oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.

West Coast University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.