Communications Manager

Job Summary

The Communications Manager oversees a comprehensive internal communications program, acting as focal point for coordinating internal communications across the organization and is a strategic adviser to executives and key internal stakeholders on important organizational communications initiatives. The Manager develops public relations plans to support system announcements and initiatives and coaches/supports executives and other stakeholders on plan execution. The Manager also oversees community relations efforts, including special events. The Manager oversees news media relations and builds positive relationships with all media outlets and reporters.

The position manages, develops, and oversees daily operations including achieving operating and capital budgets, coding for maximum reimbursement, appropriate billing practices and service delivery to stakeholders. Position oversees all human resource functions to include hiring, training, performance reviews and recognition and reward. Develops and champions department performance and behavioral standards and works to continually improve quality of services. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and holds leaders and staff accountable for meeting goals. Utilizes and applies quality process improvement principles in achieving administrative responsibilities.

Job Dimension & Assigned Areas

Leader will have direct accountability for managing resources through proper budgeting, planning, utilization, evaluation and corrective action in accordance with established policies, procedures and practices for the following assigned departments and/or other primary areas of responsibility: Communications

Essential Job Functions

Contributes to and supports short and long-range goals for departments/division and is responsible for measurable outcomes and effective use of resources. Supports program and service development in response to both internal and external stakeholders. Analyzes department-related data and develops appropriate action plans to resolve variances from goals.

Develops and meets capital and operating budget targets. Seeks out operational efficiencies and involves employees and physicians in workforce redesign as appropriate to better serve the patient as well as create a workplace that employees can function at their highest competency and productivity. Teaches and engages employees in department financial improvement and performance.

Recruits, develops, retains and leads a talented team of leadership and staff committed to accomplishing the goals of Altru Health System. Oversees all human resource activities including recruitment, retention, performance reviews and disciplinary actions. Develops, revises and implements administrative policies, procedures, guidelines and job descriptions. Acts as a mentor and promotes professional growth of employees. Takes responsibility for personal growth and development and meets all system education requirements.

Builds consensus with the Medical Staff, working in cooperation and collaboration with physicians, advance practice providers, and/or Department Chairs on related strategy and program initiatives.

Practices process improvement principles and oversees improvement of the quality of the services and patient care provided. Maintains competency in all organizational, department standards relevant to services provided and ensures compliance. Manages processes to ensure all regulatory standards are met as well as works to prevent potential legal risk to Altru Health System as appropriate. Accesses internal resources to assist in adhering to standards as well as ensures staff understands expectations.

Develops and oversees a comprehensive internal communications program, acting as focal point for coordinating internal communications across the organization. Ensures timely production, distribution and maintenance of internal communication vehicles. Delivers effective vehicles for executive communications, such as town halls and staff forums.

Serves as a strategic adviser to executives and key internal stakeholders on important organizational communications initiatives. Executes internal communication campaigns aligned with organizational objectives. Ensures key messages are reinforced at all levels of the organization. Coaches others on internal communications best practices.

Develops public relations plans to support system announcements and initiatives. Coaches/supports Executives and other stakeholders on plan execution. Oversees community relations efforts, including special events and corporate member relations functions. Oversees news media relations. Builds and cultivates a positive relationship with all media outlets and reporters. Provides coverage for disaster and crisis communication. Functions as a Public Information Officer.