Communications Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Director of Media, the Communications Manager will develop, implement, and evaluate communications and public relations plans. The incumbent is responsible for activities forthe Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS), including, but not limited to, internal and external collateral, talking points, speeches, news releases, web and social media content, events promotion, media relations, management and staff development.

This position is exempt from Career Service under the CCH Personnel Rules.

General Administrative Responsibilities:

Collective Bargaining

• Review applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and consult with Labor Relations to generate management proposals 
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, caucus discussions and working meetings

Discipline

• Document, recommend and effectuate discipline at all levels 
• Work closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to effectuate and enforce applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements 
• Initiate, authorize and complete disciplinary action pursuant to CCH system rules, policies, procedures and provision of applicable collective bargaining agreements

Supervision

• Direct and effectuate CCH management policies and practices 
• Access and proficiently navigate CCH records system to obtain and review information necessary to execute provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements

Management

• Contribute to the management of CCH staff and CCH’ systemic development and success 
• Discuss and develop CCH system policy and procedure 
• Consistently use independent judgment to identify operational staffing issues and needs and perform the following functions as necessary; hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, direct or discipline employees pursuant to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements 
• Work with Labor Relations to discern past practice when necessary

Typical Duties:

• Works collaboratively with system public relations and marketing staff to develop and implement innovative programs and strategies that support organization's goals and objectives 
• Writes, edits and produces copy for a variety of purposes, including news releases, system collateral, and digital content 
• Collaborates with internal and external vendors, e.g., agencies, printers, and CCHHS staff to develop communications materials and strategies as necessary 
• Generates and coordinates stories and content for internal and external promotion 
• Acts as a resource for media representatives, providing accurate, timely and appropriate information 
• Manages the system’s social media activities and engages and builds audiences 
• Effectively counsels clinical and administrative leaders on communications matters and represents the communications department within the system and community 
• Keeps accurate documentation of activities and projects, including budgets for each activity 
• Works effectively and communicates clearly with staff, stakeholders and external contacts 
• Monitors productivity and quality standards as well as staff adherence to departmental and organizational guidelines 
• Performs other tasks as assigned in support of the department and health system as a whole 
• Travels to various locations within the Cook County Health & Hospitals System

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field from an accredited institution (Transcripts required at the time of the interview) 
• Minimum six (6) years of communications and marketing experience (including digital expertise) 
• Minimum two (2) years managing communication programs in a professional services, not-for-profit and/or healthcare environment 
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience successfully managing and leading others 
• Duties may involve local travel to locations within Cook County must have a valid driver's license/insured vehicle or other equivalent means of transportaion for work

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications 
• Excellent oral and writing skills, with the ability to adapt communications to different audiences and management levels 
• High proficiency in creating professional presentations and graphics 
• Working knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Excellent oral and writing skills, with the ability to adapt communications to different audiences and management levels 
• Demonstrated competence in project management with strong communications, design, conceptual, organizational skills 
• Demonstrated ability to work with health system governing body, community organizations, the media, and various political entities 
• Keeps abreast of emerging health care trends and legislative changes, as well as any other factors which may impact CCHHS’ positioning by participating in educational activities such as reading professional journals/articles and participating in seminars, webcasts and applicable committees 
• Ability to exhibit innovation, creativity, and strong technical aptitude 
• Ability to work cooperatively and efficiently with a variety of people throughout the Hospital system, including physicians, researchers, and administrators with respect for their expertise or field of interest 
• Ability to provide leadership and effective supervision for staff 
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team 
• Ability to represent CCHHS with tact and diplomacy 
• Ability to travel to various locations within the Cook County Health & Hospitals System

Benefits Package:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage 
• Basic Term Life Insurance 
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time 
• You may also qualify forthe Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)