Director of School of Medicine Communications

Job Description

UW Medicine Strategic Communications has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Director of School of Medicine Communications to join their team. 

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Director of School of Medicine Communications will serve as the primary communications leader for the UW School of Medicine within UW Medicine’s systemwide Strategic Communications team. This new role will design and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the School of Medicine, bringing together internal communications, public relations, executive messaging, reputation-building and change communications in support of the School’s education, research, clinical and community service missions.  

Key Responsibilities 

School of Medicine Communications Strategic Leadership – 55% 

• Serve as a high-level communications strategist for the entire School of Medicine, providing counsel to leaders, developing recommendations, creating communications plans and overseeing implementation across the school and the WWAMI region. 

• Assess current communications practices and design strategies, channels and infrastructure that deliver clear, transparent and timely communications for employees, faculty, trainees, learners and other key audiences. 

• Advance the School of Medicine’s reputation locally, regionally and nationally by elevating excellence in medical education, scientific research, academic innovation and clinical accomplishments, while ensuring alignment with UW Medicine, WWAMI and University priorities. 

Leadership and Supervision – 20% 

• Provide direct, dotted-line and indirect leadership across a matrixed communications environment, ensuring collaboration, inclusion, accountability, quality and consistency in School of Medicine-related content. 

• Partner with other leaders to align work, reduce duplication, coordinate handoffs and support the broader UW Medicine communications strategy. 

Content Creation – 15%

•  Develop high quality messaging and materials to address communications needs.
• Play a key role in the design of messaging and materials for high-impact audiences.

Crisis Communications Support – 5% 

• Support the Chief Communications Officer in crisis response related to the School of Medicine.

Other Duties as Assigned – 5% 

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field
• Five years of progressive responsibility in communications leadership, preferably serving as the communications head of a large, complex organization

Additional Qualifications

• Experience in communications planning and project management for large-scale projects
• Precise, accurate writing and editing skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills and the sharp attention to detail needed to manage highly visible communications
• Proven track record of successfully prioritizing and managing a large volume of initiatives, projects and content simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Experience measuring and tracking key performance indicators, adhering to tight deadlines, and driving outcome-focused, measurable results
• Change management experience and expertise
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Sound judgement and the ability to exercise discretion
• An authentically and consistently good listener
• Exceptional skills in relationship-building and collaboration
• Proven ability to work seamlessly and graciously with peer leaders to align with overarching strategy and reduce duplicative or siloed work; the willingness to defer to systemwide strategy and leaders as needed
• Understanding of and commitment to healthcare equity and inclusive communications practices
• A strategic and resourceful problem-solver; critical thinker
• Strong writer and oral communicator, able to ensure accuracy and excellence in all deliverables
• High level of computer literacy skills
• Ability to periodically work outside of traditional hours to support urgent issues
• Demonstrated integrity

Preferred Qualifications 

• More than twelve years of progressively responsible experience in communications strategy development, planning and execution
• Ten or more years of experience in communications strategy development of both internal and external communications; well-versed knowledge of communications best practices
• Seven or more years of supervisory experience
• Advanced degree in communications or related field
• Experience working in academic medicine
• Experience leading communications within a large university
• Experience in healthcare
• Familiarity with AP style and ability to adhere to brand guidelines
• Prior experience working in a large, complex organization
• Knowledge of accessibility best practices 

Working Conditions

• Ability to work outside of typical business hours as needed to address urgent situations. As an essential and hybrid position, the individual is required to work remotely when the University is under suspended operations due to inclement weather, etc.
• Hybrid – Approximately one day per month in South Lake Union (with the option for more days in-office as desired), and occasional on-site presence at the University of Washington School of Medicine.  This position may also need to sometimes be onsite locally for interviewing, reporting, and/or multimedia creation.

About the Team

UW Medicine’s Strategic Communications team helps advance the organization’s mission to improve the health of all people by delivering clear, timely, and effective communications to internal and external audiences. The team’s work spans internal and executive communications, hospital communications, crisis communications, social media engagement, and enterprise-wide digital platforms.

This role has a primary focus on supporting UW’s School of Medicine, a leading public medical institution serving the five-state WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho). With a mission rooted in improving the health of the public, the School of Medicine unites a deep commitment to primary care and rural health with cutting-edge specialty care and world-class biomedical research by educating physicians, researchers, and allied health professionals.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$150,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$170,004.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.