Director, Communications

Job Summary

The Director serves as both strategic leader and hands‑on writer and executor—equally adept at shaping vision and delivering high‑impact content. This role requires exceptional strength in executive communications, thought leadership, media relations, and storytelling. The ideal candidate is an outstanding writer who can translate complex science and data into clear, compelling narratives that inform, inspire, and drive action.

This leader will advance STS priorities by strengthening visibility, amplifying member voices, elevating advocacy and public policy communications, and ensuring consistency, clarity, and measurable impact across all channels.

Working cross‑functionally with Marketing, Digital, Publications, Research, the National Database, Member Engagement, and external partners, the Director will build and lead a cohesive, data‑driven, multi‑channel communications ecosystem. This includes—but is not limited to—podcasts, newsletters, email, web, press, social media, science news, advocacy content, and member storytelling.

• Executive Communications and Thought Leadership: Serves as senior communications strategist, advisor, and lead writer for STS Officers and senior leadership. Develop and deliver high‑impact content across Presidential Updates (video, email, social), as well as interviews, articles, blogs, podcasts, and multimedia featuring governance leaders and scientific experts. Lead planning, strategy, integration, and execution of a communications editorial calendar. Partner closely with the VP, Marketing and Communications and STS Officers to develop messaging, talking points, scripts, presentations, and video content.
  
  Own the end‑to‑end development of a comprehensive thought leadership strategy, personally drafting Presidential communications, newsletters, scripts, blogs, podcasts, social media content that reflect a clear, authentic STS voice. Drive creation of marquee storytelling assets, including the annual highlights video and flagship podcast series (e.g. Best in Lung Cancer Science, Thinking Thoracic, Resilient Surgeon, Same Surgeon, Different Light), from concept through script and production direction.

• Proactive Communications Strategy: Develop and lead a forward‑looking communications strategy and content calendar that brings the STS story to life. Modernize communications and storytelling by engaging members and volunteers and expanding their voices across STS channels. Identify innovative formats and channels to increase reach and engagement. Establish performance metrics and regularly evaluate and refresh all communications tools and platforms, recommending enhancements, optimization, or sunset decisions.
  
  Recommend platforms for monitoring and measurement.

• Content Creation and Communications Execution: Lead and contribute to the creation of high‑impact communications, including articles, newsletters, statements, talking points, FAQs, presentations, video and podcast scripts, emails, and social content. Oversee and support production of key member communications such as National Database News, The Hub, Early Career Newsletter, Advocacy Monthly, and International Connection. Partner with the Annals to communicate new science, research, and content to members.

• Narrative, Brand, and Messaging: Partner with VP on the STS Branding Initiative to elevate and modernize the organization’s voice, messaging, visual brand identity, brand positioning, and brand architecture. Lead development and ongoing refinement of the STS narrative and message map. Ensure alignment and consistency across all communications, including new products, strategic initiatives, campaigns, and the Annual Meeting (talking points, press releases, scripts, and statements).

• Media Relations and Reputation Management: Lead STS media relations strategy, including development and distribution of press releases for STS and The Annals, proactive media outreach, and response to press inquiries. Oversee Annual Meeting media strategy, press briefings, and coverage. Monitor media landscape and deliver insights through media listening and reporting to strengthen STS reputation and…