System Communications is instrumental in advancing organizational strategy, facilitating operational and behavioral change, building connection and culture, and influencing internal stakeholders around Ochsner’s work and impact on healthcare. The System Communications function is a subset of the larger Enterprise Communications team, which is responsible for building, growing, and protecting Ochsner’s reputation in a way that shapes the external environment and nurtures internal culture and the successful fulfillment of the organization’s strategic plan.

The Director of System Communications is responsible for supporting strategy development, implementation, and tracking of system and regional communications initiatives at Ochsner Health. The Director builds trusted relationships with and advises members of the system and regional leadership teams on how best to develop, refine, disseminate, and respond to targeted messaging. This position oversees the system’s internal flow of news and information proactively and in response to emerging priorities. Understanding the system strategy, the Director will work with the Enterprise Communications leadership team to set the communication function’s strategy, implementing a broad range of traditional and digital communications tactics to meet a diverse range of stakeholders.

What we seek

• Required – Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Business Administration, or related field.
• Preferred – Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Communications, English, Journalism, Business Administration, or related field.
• Required – 10 years corporate communications or business communications experience including 3 years in a management role.
• Good organizational, time management, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Professional attitude and skills to relate to executive management, professionals and business and community leaders.
• Exhibits excellent leadership and self-direction, good judgment in handling difficult situations.
• Must have computer skills and be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to the role.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.

What you’ll do

• Supports strategic planning, direction, execution, and accountability of system-level strategic communications with internal stakeholders related to specific categories and based on direction from the executive team and senior Enterprise Communications leaders.
• Leads the design and execution of all aspects of the distribution of news and information around the system through a broad mix of platforms and tactics.
• Manages and executes systemwide communications platforms, ensuring the system is galvanized around the brand vision, position and strategy and alignment with partners.
• Partners with Brand Marketing and Human Resources to communicate and optimize Ochsner’s organizational culture and employee experience through cohesive and persuasive messaging, engaging employee programs and branded materials for assigned regions and programs
• Extends the brand and culture vision internally and promotes brand engagement and loyalty by supporting the development of a system strategy for enterprise communications and leading and executing assigned categories.
• Leads several client relationships as assigned across service lines, regions and corporate functions to manage change and reputational issues through the development of proactive and reactive communications strategies, a consistent response protocol across the system and the identification and monitoring of emerging issues.
• Collaborates with executive and operational leaders across the organization to ensure attainment of key operating and organizational goals.
• Provides leadership and mentoring to the communications team charged with strengthening the brand, image and reputation of the organization. Leads and carries responsibility for the work of any direct reports.
• Helps to develop, refine and extend the voice of assigned executive leaders across internal audiences including employees, leaders, physicians and partners.
• Contributes to the development of internal thought leadership and executive communications strategy for key system and regional executive leaders.
• Source and manage the activities and budgets of communications agencies and vendors to support organizational goals related to assigned areas

Ochsner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 13 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for four consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and connection not found anywhere else in the region. In 2023, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.5 million people from every state in the nation and 65 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 38,000 dedicated team members and over 4,700 employed and affiliated physicians.