Associate Director of Internal Communications

Associate Director of Internal Communications

The Associate Director of Internal Communications is responsible for developing, executing and evolving internal communications strategies that identify the university's key messages and connect stakeholders to the university's mission, vision, values and strategic plan. This position oversees KU Medical Center's internal communications channels, determines the most effective method of delivery and ensures the quality and consistency of campus-wide communications. Additionally, this position serves as a clearinghouse for all major internal communications with the responsibility of determining appropriate dissemination of information.

This position reports to the Director and Chief Communications Officer and supervises the Internal Communications Specialist.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and implement internal corporate communications strategies that balance information from centralized and decentralized parts of KU Medical Center and its three campuses.
• Develop compelling written, verbal and visual communications for the university's organizations designed to educate, inspire and engage employees and support the KU Medical Center strategy, goals and objectives.
• Work with departments that have university-wide impact (e.g., Office of Public Affairs, Executive Vice Chancellor's Office, Facilities, Human Resources and Information Technology) to ensure information is shared in a timely and effective manner.
• Develop and maintain crisis communications plan in coordination with Office of Communications leaders and the Emergency Management team. Serve as lead internal communications contact and develop communications during crisis and timely warning situations.
• Partner with Human Resources to support employee engagement efforts. Leverage various communications feedback tactics.
• Partner with Information Technology to administer the SharePoint intranet system, including developing and editing content, educating users and determining what content should live on the external website vs. the intranet.
• Administer campus digital signage system and work with users to develop appropriate promotional materials.
• Work with colleagues in the Office of Communications to administer our enterprise email marketing platform, Emma, and work with campus offices and departments to ensure compliance with security and brand standards.
• Build on existing networks and develop, where required, internal communications contacts throughout the university. Work with schools, departments and managers on the best way to communicate information to their employees.
• Evaluate and evolve communications strategies, channels and tactics on a continual basis.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment:
This is a hybrid position that will require a combination of onsite work at our Kansas City campus and remote work.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field.
• Six (6) years of direct work experience in the field, with a minimum of three years focused on internal and/or corporate communications.
• Experience writing and editing content in Associated Press style.
• Proofreading and editing experience.
• Experience developing content and publishing via an intranet or web-based platform.
• Experience writing for multiple communications vehicles, including print, digital and other internal communication methods.
• Experience leveraging multiple communications channels to disseminate information to employees.
• Experience managing projects, personnel, and/or teams.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and content management systems.
• Experience using an email marketing platform (such as Emma, Mail Chimp or Constant Contact).

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience.
• Experience writing executive communications.
• Experience writing and managing crisis communications.
• Experience in a higher education or healthcare setting.
• Experience with Microsoft SharePoint.

Skills:

• Communication
• Computer skills
• Collaboration
• Organization
• Interpersonal skills
• Project management
• Leadership
• Facilitation
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability

Required documents

• Resume
• Cover letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is…