Director of Communications – Issues and Reputation Management

The Director of Issues Management (Reputation and Issues Management Communications), reporting to the Associate Vice President of Reputation and Issues Management Communications, will be responsible for strategically creating and executing our Advocate Health enterprise-wide communications efforts as we manage issues and crises that may arise. This position will partner with executives and leaders across the organization, and will develop communication strategies, narratives, processes and plans that support the management of our brand and reputation for any issues we may face. They will work in close collaboration with clinical and non-clinical business partners and departmental leaders to achieve and drive desired outcomes.

This is a remote first position with some travel to our operating markets: Milwaukee, Chicago, Charlotte, Green Bay.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop and drive the execution of Advocate Health’s strategic communications plans and processes that support our organization in times of crises. 

• Provide strategic counsel to senior and executive leadership, providing informed points of view to prevent or address crises and/or protect or enhance reputation.  

• Play a central role in preventing issues before they happen and manage them when they do by gathering facts, identifying vulnerabilities, solving for problems, creating solutions and executing effectively. 

• In partnership with key stakeholders across legal, advocacy, operations and impacted markets or departments, assess and investigate situations for potential reputation impacts, draft communications materials (e.g., media statements, talking points, Q&A’s, etc.), and prepare stakeholders and spokespeople for escalated issues and matters that may become public. 

• Prepare playbooks, processes and plans that prepare the organization for potential scenarios that may impact our reputation and business objectives. 

• Escalate issues internally, knowing how to effectively brief up and summarize an issue to senior leadership in simple concise language with clear recommendations. 

• In partnership with other communications leaders, work with PR agencies, as needed, to support communications efforts, including media and social media monitoring during crisis situations. 

• Ensure that all related communications reflect the mission, vision and values of our organization. 

• Maintain flexible availability and responsiveness both during and outside of normal work hours. 

• Direct and develop teammates to optimize their contributions to the organization and individual career growth. 

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising or other business-related field, or bachelor’s degree combined with relevant experience. 

Experience Required:

• 10+ years of experience in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or other business-related field, including experience with people leadership, overseeing budgets and formulating and executing comprehensive communications strategies. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• ​ A strategic thinker and creative problem-solver with a track record in corporate reputation management and communications, with a particular focus on crisis and issues prevention and management. 

• Ability to think big picture to foresee reputational risks and opportunities and zoom into critical details, nuances and variables to inform issues management strategy and response. 

• Comfortable working across departments and businesses to bring a calm demeanor and coordinated approach to company issues, balancing competing perspectives and the needs of stakeholders at all levels. 

• Proactive, independent and takes initiative with consistent follow through. 

• Superb communication skills, verbal and written, conducted in a timely manner. 

• Superior time management skills with capability of working with and meeting deadlines. 

• Ability to think critically, understand complex concepts, synthesize information, create clarity to support sound decision-making.  

• Specific experience and strong record of success in understanding the environment, identifying opportunities, designing solutions and aligning action to drive performance.  

• Highly strategic with a demonstrated track record in assessing complex, competitive issues and situations and in developing related initiatives in partnership with other stakeholders to drive business results. 

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, having a change mindset and comfortable navigating ambiguity.   

• Strong leadership and communication skills, including presentation creation and delivery, with the ability to inspire and influence others.  

• Excellent oral and written communications, executive presence and relationship development skills.  

• Strong media relations instincts and skills, including AP style writing proficiency.  

• Ability to develop and lead strong teams and build effective operating models to drive results. 

• Proven ability to assess, retain, grow and attract strong, diverse talent to meet business objectives.  

• Proven track record of empowering team members and holding team accountable.   

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Position requires some work on weekends and outside of normal business hours.   

• Position requires some local, regional and market travel.   ​

Due to complex requirements, remote work is NOT permitted for short or long periods in: CA, WASH DC, CO, CT, HI, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA and working Internationally