Job Summary
This is a dynamic leadership role with the Marketing & Communications department of the University of Utah Health Sciences (UUHS) and Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) .
The Director of Communications will manage and mentor a talented team of marketing and communications professionals who will develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communications plans designed to increase understanding and awareness of HMHI among students, faculty, and the general public. They will develop and maintain Institute-wide comprehensive corporate communications strategy and calendar for all clinical marketing and internal and external marketing and communications initiatives; manage an annual marketing and brand budget as well as a clinical programs marketing budget for HMHI; oversee day-to-day media relations, including on-call responsibilities and crisis communications; oversee content creation (blogs, patient stories, press releases, etc.) and social media strategy; oversee and implement internal communications needs, including emails and drafts for CEO and other leadership; oversee the production of marketing and communication materials e-newsletters, brochures, program flyers, website content, social media, e-blasts, news releases and alerts, press kits, videos, community award/recognitions; evaluate, recommend, and coordinate digital and print advertising buys; maintain and advocate for all creative content and established strategies of the HMHI Brand Book across all communications, events, posts and publications; set goals and outline strategies to grow awareness, drive patient volume, and define metrics to track marketing and communications results; and mentor and supervise junior team members.
They will drive integration between UUHS research and education entities and collaborate with peer team members in fundraising, content marketing, web, brand, and clinical marketing.
The Director of Communications will be an energetic, intellectually curious manager who can inspire and mentor a team and articulate both the strategic communications goals behind the programs they oversee. They will possess a healthy balance of left and right brain skills including strong people management and a solid understanding of budget management and metrics. The ideal candidate will be able to inspire others to identify, create, and execute on well thought out marketing objectives, strategies and tactics that incorporate the latest inbound, content marketing elements to leverage the full potential of the institution’s unique intellectual and operating assets.
The successful candidate will possess a hybrid creative problem solving and data-driven mindset. They will establish the institution’s deployment of engaging, high quality content across various channels including the UUHS online properties including blogs, audio platforms, social media, syndicated content, email, print, radio, video, and TV campaigns. They will define and socialize a content-oriented communications strategy and operationalize best practices for audience definition/segmentation channel distribution. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, transformational and energetic communications expert to make their mark in a well-positioned, forward thinking, and nationally recognized academic medical institution.
This position will co-report to U of U Health Marketing and Communications and to Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
Responsibilities
Disclaimer
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.


Essential Functions
1. Directs the development and implementation of marketing and communications objectives that are consistent with the University of Utah’s goals and objectives.
2. May develop marketing strategies including advertising and media buys to promote or present departments, projects, achievements, and goals of the University.
3. May direct market or public opinion research to assess outcomes of university programs/services.
4. May develop promotional campaigns utilizing multiple media forums, advising development of effective communication strategies.
5. Provides strategic direction by setting short and long-term goals, estimating budgetary requirements for staff, space, and equipment planning, and implementing special projects and policies.
6. Develops strategies consistent with the University of Utah’s continuous quality improvement program.
7. Oversees all aspects of staff management including recruitment and retention of assigned staff.
8. Forecasts staffing, capital and operating budget needs in evaluating and reporting on market sensitivity, financial analysis, space utilization review, staff performance evaluation, etc.
9. Ensures customer/patient satisfaction by analyzing complaints, concerns and suggestions and providing appropriate follow-through.
10. Oversees the analysis and determination of appropriate staff mix to support customer/patient needs.
11. Ensures competency of management/supervisory staff through the development and/or presentation of educational programs and through on-going staff performance evaluation.
12. Markets and promotes new and existing programs and services to internal and external customers.
13. Participates in university-wide committees to establish customer/patient service and administrative plans and policies.
14. Facilitates cooperative and collaborative community and institutional relationships.


Problem Solving
Incumbents in this position have the authority to manage assigned units and designated programs and services. They are responsible for ensuring that diverse patient/customer, family, and community issues affecting customer/patient service and care are resolved. Directs the planning and administration of the unit’s budget and makes spending decisions within budget guidelines. Oversees program development for assigned units and ensures that policies and procedures are followed.
Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communications skills required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.