VP Communications

Responsibilities

• Oversees the planning, execution and evaluation of enterprise-wide external communications, including media relations, press releases, public statements and proactive reputation management;
• Produces consumer daily health radio series that airs on public radio affiliates nationally;
• Oversees public relations and public affairs activities, maintaining positive relationships with media, government and community stakeholders;
• Provides leadership guidance to manage issues, crises and response strategies;
• Oversees all facets of internal strategic communications, ensuring timely, consistent and engaging messaging for UF Health faculty, staff and students;
• Serves as senior advisor on crisis and issues communications, providing strategic guidance to executive leadership;
• Develops and maintains crisis communication protocols, messaging frameworks and rapid-response strategies;
• Protects and enhances organizational reputation through proactive risk identification and mitigation;
• Collaborates with cross-functional leaders, MarComm leaders and subject matter experts to align messaging with UF Health mission, vision, values and goals in support of culture-building organizational initiatives and change communications;
• Supports the strategic communications lead as they serve as the primary conduit between MarComm and market presidents, ensuring alignment of priorities and providing guidance as needed;
• Champions a unified UF Health voice in all outreach, ensuring alignment with branding and strategic initiatives; upholds UF Health standards for clarity, accuracy and tone;
• Analyzes effectiveness of communication strategies and adapts plans based on performance data, stakeholder feedback and best practices;
• Implements best practices and emerging trends to enhance effectiveness and reach;
• Mentors, coaches and develops MarComm team members to support talent growth and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirements:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field required. Master’s degree in relevant area of specialization preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive communications leadership experience; significant supervisory and client management experience at the director level or above, leading enterprise-level communications in a complex, matrixed organization; experience in health care, academic medicine, higher education or similarly complex environment strongly preferred; proven success in media relations, crisis communications and executive communications; demonstrated ability to lead teams and work effectively with senior leadership.