Director of Communications

Under the general supervision of the President/CEO, the DWIHN Director of Communications will be responsible for working with external and internal stakeholders to strategize and communicate clear and concise information to the public and media outlets, coordinate and manage press events, respond to media inquiries and build positive relationships with the media and community.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans, organizes and coordinates DWIHN's communications strategy.
• Creates and executes new strategic media and brand campaigns and statements that align with DWIHN goals.
• Oversees efforts to improve operations, streamline work processes and provide quality service.
• Communicates high-level information managing all public outreach including event planning.
• Develops and implements press and communication strategies to inform and educate the public about DWIHN programs, events and important updates.
• Utilizes communication tools such as writing and editing press releases, presentations, quotes, publications, statements, talking points and other documents.
• Leads communication efforts when answering questions from reporters and news outlets.
• Manages crisis communication by addressing controversies or misinformation through effective communication to maintain positive press coverage.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary staff as necessary to determine the most appropriate response to media inquiries.
• Serves as the principal Communications Executive.
• Coordinates and manages the logistics of press events, identifies media outlets and invites participants.
• Verifies that project deliverables comply with organizational and communication brand and standards.
• Seeks out media opportunities, identifies relevant stories and policy areas to generate news coverage.
• Serves as a community liaison, builds a strong rapport and forges relationships with the community and press.
• Researches and shares best practices for new, emerging technologies and trends.
• Remains up to date on current news and legislative issues affecting the mental health community, flagging coverage when relevant.
• Responds accurately to the public and media in a timely manner.
• Attends, participates and represents DWIHN during all conferences, news releases, public, member engagement and/or Board meetings.
• Provides guidance, support and supervision to the Communications team.
• Provides reports related to media and public engagement.
• Monitors daily communication needs of the organization.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA'S)

• Knowledge of public relations, the press and media.
• Knowledge of marketing strategy and community outreach.
• Knowledge of communications principles and practices.
• Knowledge of marketing campaigns including identifying target audiences and determining how to cater unique marketing campaigns to capture their attention.
• Knowledge of writing and copy editing.
• Knowledge of Media relations.
• Knowledge of Crisis communications.
• Knowledge of Project Management software.
• Knowledge of creating and editing videos.
• Knowledge of live event and web event preparation and production.
• Knowledge of the event planning process.
• Knowledge of social media strategizing, building brands and presence.
• Supervisory skills.
• Project management skills.
• Administrative skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Planning skills.
• Accuracy skills.
• Time Management skills.
• Creativity skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Public Speaking skills
• Customer Service skills.
• Accuracy and detailed oriented skills.
• Collaboration skills.
• Persuasion skills.
• Active Listening skills.
• Adaptability skills.
• Implementation skills.
• Multitasking skills.
• Computer skills (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook, Teams).
• Team building skills.
• Ability to communicate orally.
• Ability to communicate in writing.
• Ability to work with an ethnically, linguistically, culturally, economically and socially diverse population.
• Judgement/Reasoning ability.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

A Bachelor's Degree from a recognized college or university in Digital Media, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations or a related field.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Five (5) years of full-time paid professional experience managing public relations, public information, and/or executing media relations and campaigns.

REQUIRED LICENSE(S):

A valid State of Michigan Driver's License with a safe and acceptable driving record.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is usually performed in an office setting but requires the employee to drive to different sites throughout Wayne County and the State of Michigan. This is a hybrid position that includes remote and weekly in-person meetings and events.

This description is not intended to be a complete statement of job content, rather to act as a general description of the essential functions performed. Management retains the discretion to add or change the position at any time.

Please Note: DWIHN requires proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions that may be required by law, will be approved when properly supported. Further information will be provided during the recruitment process.

The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer