Program Director, System Research & Innovation Communications                                                  

Position Highlights:

• Position: System Research & Innovation Communications                                                  
• Location: Evanston, IL
• Full Time
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
• Required Travel:

Job Summary:

As Program Director, System Research & Innovation Communications at Endeavor Health, you will be responsible for overseeing system-wide communication strategy design and execution to raise awareness and drive engagement around the System’s leadership and visibility in healthcare Research & Innovation. In this key role, you will serve as a collaborator and connector, working with Research & Innovation experts, system philanthropic foundations and teams across the Marketing & Communications department to craft bold, multi-pronged strategies that engage multiple internal and external stakeholders. You will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s communications to key national and local trade/business and consumer media, including preparing articles, press kits, web content, press releases, and developing and delivering impactful, relevant owned content on PR channels. You will also be responsible for working with the PR team and PR agency to support experts through awards and recognition, submissions and thought leadership opportunities and events. You will also serve as a key resource for the Research Institute to assist in communications and promotion of research and clinical trials, as appropriate and work with internal teams to develop events and communications that highlight our culture of pioneering innovation. 

What you will do:

• Lead the development and execution of system Research & Innovation communications strategy and calendar, connecting with key partners across the Marketing & Communications department, Research & Innovation teams and other key stakeholders.
• Partner with Research & Innovation and Marketing Service Lines, Clinical Institutes, Foundation, Research Institute leads to ensure development of integrated marketing strategies that drive growth and strengthen the organization’s reputation and visibility as a leader in Research & Innovation.
• Work across departments and channels to drive a vibrant culture of embracing pioneering research and innovation across the organization. As needed, supports development of internal and patient-facing communications and events.
• Serve as an external communications lead and key spokesperson, overseeing media relations in support of Research & Innovation and playing a significant role in driving storytelling across all channels. This includes proactively building relationships and paying close attention to news and trends, as well as regularly connecting with leaders, team members and patients to capture stories, develop content to proactively identify opportunities. Engage stakeholders through owned PR content/communications channels, including newsroom, social media, paid content, blogs, newsletter articles, website and events. Lead development and review of key written communications and messaging on behalf of the organization, the Research Institute and its executives, including press releases, messaging/talking points, speeches, bylines, profiles, Q&As, blogs, website content and social media posts that reinforce key messages and objectives. 
• Lead strategy and development of annual Research & Innovation Impact Report.
• Build strong relationships with experts and researchers, serving as a trusted resource and providing guidance on Marketing & Communications across the organization, as well as the healthcare research and innovation landscape.

What you will need:

• Education: Bachelors’ degree in Communications, Marketing, Healthcare Administration or a related field.
• Certification: N/A
• Experience: Eight (8) years of experience in the public relations or communications-related field. Six (6) years’ experience in marketing, at a large hospital or healthcare system, preferably focused on research and innovation. Four (4) or years of leadership experience.
• Unique or Preferred Skills:
• Superior verbal and written communication skills across a variety of formats.
• Ability to translate complex, technical and scientific topics into understandable, relevant content for a variety of audiences and education levels.
• Interest in or experience in health sciences or clinical research.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering on innovative, synergistic data- and strategy-driven communication plans and thought leadership strategies.
• Experience with multi-media content development and amplification of content across multiple channels paired with a strong interest in evolving communications technology/channels.
• Media relations expert who has deep experience serving as a spokesperson, strong relationships with key local and national print, broadcast and online media, experience leading media trainings and a broad knowledge of current events, trends and pop culture.
• Enthusiastic storyteller with insatiable curiosity and ability to inspire and inform across multiple channels and mediums.
• Strong understanding of the thought leadership landscape related to Research & Innovation, including conference and award opportunities, as well relationships with leaders in this space.
• Familiarity with health care industry, including healthcare innovation & research, and process for academic journal submissions and clinical trials.
• Strong project management skills, including budgets and timelines.
• Strong understanding of media/PR/social media measurement and reporting tools and technologies.
• Proficient in the use of Power Point and other presentation applications.
• Strong executive presence.
• Proven team and agency management skills.
• Ability to work in and lead across a matrixed environment.

Benefits:

• Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
• Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Parking
• Wellness Program Savings Plan
• Health Savings Account Options
• Retirement Options with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Community Involvement Opportunities

Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.  

When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.

Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to “help everyone in our communities be their best”. 

Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is at the core of who we are; being there for our patients and each other with compassion, respect and empathy. We believe that our strength resides in our differences and in connecting our best to provide community-connected healthcare for all.

EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.