REACH Seeks to Hire Communications Director

The REACH Healthcare Foundation is currently accepting applications for Director of Communications, responsible for developing and executing strategic communications efforts to advance the REACH Foundation’s vision, mission and community investment framework and priorities established by the executive team and Board of Directors. Reporting to the REACH President and CEO, the Director of Communications works in collaboration with staff to implement communications and public relations efforts designed to strengthen grantee, community, media and government understanding and interest in the foundation’s mission and purpose. A key function of this role is to position the foundation as a thought leader in the areas of health equity and health care access and quality for uninsured people in the foundation’s bi-state service area.

Primary Responsibilities

Advancing the Vision. The Communications Director guides efforts aimed at assuring consistent brand awareness of the vision, mission and community investment and policy priorities of the foundation. The Communications Director remains abreast of local and national health care trends and applies this knowledge to benefit the organization, and is seen as an internal expert on the foundation’s brand and communications strategies.
Building Partnerships. The Communications Director builds highly effective relationships with foundation leaders, staff and members of the REACH Board to accomplish the foundation’s collective goals, and forges and maintains positive relationships with the diverse regional and bi-state media outlets.
Financial/Administrative Functions. The Communications Director maintains appropriate reporting systems related to communications projects, including managing the budget and timing related to communications projects, and the work of external communications vendors.
Performance Management. The Communications Director works with the CEO, leadership team and others to develop an annual communications plan, establish benchmarks by which the communications strategies and activities can be evaluated and monitored, and provides direction on dissemination of results of the foundation’s community investments and initiatives.

Functional Accountabilities

The Communications Director has functional accountability for the following areas:

Communications and Public Relations: Plans and executes communications activities utilizing multiple communications and social media platforms to strengthen the REACH identity and showcase the community impact of REACH investments; manages the creation and distribution of digital and print collateral materials, including the website, e-newsletters, annual report, community investment framework, policy agendas, white papers and news releases; partners with staff to disseminate results and lessons learned from foundation programs and initiatives; and manages external consultants that support foundation communications.
Media Relations: The Communications Director maintains contacts with health journalists and other relevant news sources at metropolitan news outlets in Kansas and Missouri; prepares message statements and media materials; and prepares the President and CEO, Board members and other staff for media opportunities.
Policy Communications: In collaboration with the Director of Health Policy, promotes policy priorities established by the Board and prepares position statements and other communications in response to various government actions; and develops message documents and talking points for presentations.
Other: The Communications Director seeks to understand local, state and national trends–political, social and economic–affecting the delivery and funding of health care, and apply effective communications approaches to leverage the foundation’s work and core interests with stakeholders. In addition, this position also represents the foundation’s work and interests within various civic and community groups.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will have completed a graduate program, preferably in journalism, marketing or public relations, and offer a minimum of 5-7 years of work experience in communications, media promotions, public relations or public affairs. Experience in nonprofit and/or health care-related settings is preferred but not required. Must demonstrate technical capabilities to implement communications strategies, content and activities across diverse communications platforms.
Essential Technical/Motor Skills: The ideal candidate will possess a set of skills including, but not limited to, communications, brand management, relationship building, and ability to conceptualize, create and distribute collateral and media materials in support of the mission. Must demonstrate knowledge of computer technology, website and social media account maintenance, desktop publishing and applicable software packages. Some graphic design experience valued but not required.
Interpersonal Skills: The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and administrative skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities; be tactful and able to engage productively with foundation staff, board members and stakeholders; demonstrate ability to anticipate and manage tasks and deadlines; be collaborative, a good listener and willing learner; and present a professional attitude and appearance, along with a commitment to the foundation.

Additionally, and importantly, a commitment to cultural sensitivity, diversity and inclusion, and accountability to others is essential, along with support of the foundation’s health equity-focused mission and purpose.

Compensation
Salary range is $85,000-$92,000, commensurate with experience and education, along with an excellent benefits package.

Application Requirements
Interested applicants should provide a cover letter that describes interest and skills background, along with a resume to Becky Benak, REACH Foundation Director of Grants and Operations, at becky@reachhealth.org.