Associate Chief Communications & Marketing Officer - Administration - Public Relations

Cook County Health

Full-time - Mid Level

Hospitals

About the position

The Associate Chief Communications & Marketing Officer (ACCMO) plays a pivotal role in leading the Public Relations and corporate communications team at Cook County Health (CCH). This position is responsible for providing strategic counsel and direction on media, public relations, operations, and policy to support and advance the mission and goals of CCH. The ACCMO must possess a deep understanding of the current healthcare environment, including state and federal health policy, healthcare financing, managed care, and social determinants of health. This knowledge is essential for developing and executing an integrated communications strategy aimed at promoting and enhancing the reputation and visibility of CCH's mission and services. In addition to overseeing the communications strategy, the ACCMO is tasked with developing and advancing the strategy and voice for C-suite executive communications. This includes preparing executives for speaking engagements, presentations, reports, white papers, media interviews, and internal communications. The ACCMO serves as the primary media contact, responsible for developing and pitching story ideas while building and maintaining relationships with local, state, and national media outlets. The role encompasses all elements of a successful internal and external communications strategy, including media relations, social media management, website oversight, and other relevant strategies. The ACCMO will work closely with the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer and will have direct contact with and advise the Chief Executive Officer and key leaders within the organization. In the absence of the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, the ACCMO will lead the Public Relations department. The ACCMO will also engage in general administrative responsibilities, including participation in collective bargaining negotiations, management of CCH staff, and the development of CCH system policies and procedures. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying operational staffing issues and needs, as well as the ability to perform various functions such as hiring, promoting, and disciplining employees in accordance with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. The ACCMO will contribute to the overall management and success of CCH by developing and implementing organization-wide communications plans, creating corporate communications materials, and maintaining media relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Public Relations and corporate communications team at Cook County Health (CCH).
• Provide strategic counsel and direction on media, public relations, operations, and policy.
• Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy to promote CCH's mission and services.
• Create corporate communications materials, including presentations, reports, white papers, and speeches.
• Serve as the primary media contact and develop relationships with local, state, and national media outlets.
• Manage all elements of internal and external communications strategy, including media relations and social media.
• Advise CCH executives on public relations and communications strategies.
• Track and measure the effectiveness of public relations efforts and revise strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with other County media and public relations professionals for joint initiatives.
• Oversee the execution of marketing campaigns and social media plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in journalism, communications, marketing, healthcare administration or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) years of professional experience in communications or marketing.
• Five (5) years of experience in the healthcare industry.
• Three (3) years of experience managing a team.
• Experience using social media platforms.
• Prior experience managing websites and intranet pages.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Excellent writing skills, with a requirement to provide a writing sample at the time of the interview.
• Ability to work flexible hours outside of a usual day shift schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Moderate travel may be required, necessitating a valid driver's license or equivalent means of transportation.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public health or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience managing communication programs in a healthcare environment.
• Prior experience working in a complex healthcare system that includes at least one (1) hospital.
• Deep understanding of the current state and federal policy environment driving changes in the healthcare industry.