Chief Communications & Marketing Officer - Administration - Communications

Cook County Health

Full-time - Executive

Hospitals

About the position

The Chief Communications & Marketing Officer (CCMO) serves as a key member of the executive team and acts as the strategic communications advisor to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors for Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS). This position leads all communications (crisis and routine), marketing, and community relations functions for two hospitals, a network of ambulatory clinics, public health, and correctional health, as well as a growing Medicaid managed care health plan. In cooperation with the CEO and the CCHHS Board, this position drives the organization's reputation and branding by developing and leading marketing, communications, and community relations strategies to support the mission, vision, and goals of each unit within the system. The CCMO oversees both internal and external communication initiatives and efforts and serves as an ex-officio member of the Cook County Health Foundation, acting as the executive liaison to the foundation's board and executive director. The CCMO is expected to monitor healthcare industry trends, competitive institutions, as well as the system's activities and clinical volumes, and develop effective strategies to best position CCHHS for success. The CCMO serves as the chief spokesperson to the media, or may designate the Director of Media to fulfill this role. In addition to leading marketing and communications, the CCMO is responsible for managing community affairs, developing strategic plans, and ensuring that all communication strategies align with the system's priorities. This role requires a strong understanding of healthcare reform movements and their implications on healthcare delivery, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and lead a diverse team effectively. The position demands exceptional written and verbal communication skills, analytical abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. The CCMO must also be available to accommodate urgent deadlines and unusual schedules, particularly in times of crisis.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the brand leader for all CCHHS entities and sub-brands.
• Develop strategic marketing campaigns to improve the system's reputation and drive clinical volumes.
• Manage internal marketing staff and external marketing vendors to ensure successful marketing efforts.
• Design and execute marketing campaigns with measurable results.
• Manage websites for the health system and the health plan.
• Develop and execute internal and external communication strategies to support CCHHS mission and branding efforts.
• Monitor internal and external reputation of CCHHS and develop response strategies.
• Oversee editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all publications.
• Develop and execute robust external communication plans directed at diverse stakeholders.
• Research and write CEO and executive speeches/presentations and provide media coaching.
• Develop and execute internal communications strategy effective at reaching over 6,000 employees.
• Lead the implementation of a proactive media program and manage media and communications team.
• Manage routine and crisis communication strategies and serve on Hospital Incident Command training requirements.
• Develop and execute multi-cultural community affairs strategy to expand CCHHS reach.
• Assist in the development and review of agendas for the CCHHS Board of Directors and committee meetings.
• Create presentations and write communications for the CCHHS Board of Directors.

Requirements

• B.A. in Journalism, Communications, Marketing Communications, or Liberal Arts.
• Ten (10) years progressive, professional experience in communications or marketing.
• Five (5) years' experience managing professional communications staff.
• Three (3) years of prior experience leading the communications or marketing function within a large public or private institution responsible for healthcare delivery.
• Prior experience in oversight of marketing campaigns, communications, community relations event planning, and internal/external publications.
• Strong knowledge of recent healthcare reform movements and their implications on healthcare delivery.
• Prior experience developing and managing media, publication, and communication budgets.

Nice-to-haves

• Educational background in a related field of science or healthcare.
• Master's degree.
• Prior experience in a communications role within a public health environment.