Position Title: COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Position Status: Exempt Reports To: Chief Administrative Officer Effective Date: 01/01/2018 Revised Date: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Under general direction, this position: 1. Provides strategic management oversight in implementing, directing and monitoring the Alliance s communications functions, including internal and external communications and media relations; 2. Directs the Communications Department, acts as a subject matter expert, and provides executive level advice and guidance on communications issues, business continuity, and overall business operations; 3. Directs, manages and supervises Communications Department staff; and 4. Performs other duties as assigned. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Provides strategic management oversight in implementing, directing and monitoring the Alliance s communications functions, including internal and external communications and media relations, with duties including but not limited to: Overseeing the implementation of creative communications activities that align with Alliance strategies, goals and objectives; Ensuring consistency of messaging, branding, and positive positioning of the Alliance to all external and internal stakeholder groups in communications activities; Developing and implementing a public relations strategy with the overall objectives of engaging stakeholders, promoting Alliance success, milestones and accomplishments, ensuring awareness, guiding perceptions, and aligning internal and external communications; Developing communication strategies that utilize a variety of channels, such as direct mailing, advertising, promotions, website, media outlets, and social media; Overseeing design, development, and maintenance of the Alliance s communications materials and tools, including external and internal website content and promotional and informational tools; Leading efforts to ensure that the Alliance s internet and social media presence is current and relevant while ensuring ease of navigation, user friendliness and content appropriateness; Consulting with Alliance leadership regarding immediate and long-range public information and publicity plans; Page 1 of 5
Identifying communication-improvement opportunities and taking pro-active action to improve processes; Acting as the public information officer for the organization, including arranging publicity and press releases and representing the Alliance to the media; Developing a strong public relations platform to ensure that the media understand and are interested in Alliance functions and contributions, and in presenting this information to the public in a manner that informs and educates; Creating and/or reviewing all press releases, collateral materials, and website content to ensure consistency of message and brand; Working with Alliance leadership to develop messaging strategies and prepare appropriate responses on behalf of the Alliance; Recommending, developing and implementing product and program launch plans to successfully bring products and programs to target audiences; Overseeing the development of internal communications, ensuring consistency in communication to Alliance staff, and ensuring that staff are informed in a timely manner of activities and decisions affecting operations; Leading and advising on communication activities related to internal functions and programs such as quarterly All Staff Meetings, employee bulletins, emergency communications activities, employee events, and the annual food drive; Providing direction and guidance across the organization regarding content, production, consistency and distribution of external and internal communications materials, such as member materials, provider directories, benefits handbooks, eligibility notifications, correspondence, and newsletters; and Promoting to stakeholders Alliance programs and activities, such as the Grant Program, the Alliance strategic plan, sustainability, and corporate citizenship. 2. Directs the Communications Department, acts as a subject matter expert, and provides executive level advice and guidance on communications issues, business continuity, and overall business operations, with duties including but not limited to: Participating in the general administration of the Alliance as a member of the executive management team by providing input into the problem-solving and decision-making process; Participating in strategic planning and implementation of the Communications Department operational goals related to the growth and development of Alliance business operations; Ensuring that Communications Department goals and activities are in alignment with the Alliance strategic plan; Directing the Alliance s Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Plan and related program activities; Conducting complex research and analysis related to communications strategies; Assisting in formulating strategic plans and goal setting in support of Alliance programs; Modeling and promoting effective interdepartmental communication; Preparing narrative and statistical reports and making presentations. Developing performance measures related to strategic goals and new projects and presenting to staff and the Board of Commissioners, as directed by the CAO; and Page 2 of 5
Drafting, recommending, and implementing administrative policies, and processes and procedures related to Communications Department operations; Monitoring legislative and legal changes related to Alliance functions and ensuring appropriate communication of same; Overseeing the preparation and maintenance of records, reports and related documents; Overseeing and coordinating the Communications Committee; Developing and managing the Communications Department operations and budget; Attending and participating in internal and external meetings related to Alliance business operations; and Providing support to the CAO and acting for the CAO in the CAO s absence. 3. Directs, manages and supervises Communications Department staff, with duties including but not limited to: Ensuring that Communications Department staff maintains up-to-date knowledge, skills and abilities related to the administration of assigned responsibilities and functions; Identifying, overseeing and assisting with objectives, priorities, assignments and tasks and reviewing work products as needed; Providing mentoring, coaching and development and growth opportunities for staff and subordinate supervisors; and Evaluating employee performance, providing feedback to staff, and counseling staff when performance issues arise. 4. Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a closely related field and a minimum of six (6) years of management level experience performing communications, public relations or community engagement activities for a managed care, health care or health policy organization or an equivalent combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities which may be qualifying. JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, corporate communications, and media relations; Thorough knowledge of the tools and techniques of copywriting for publication; Working knowledge of creative design, graphic design and publication design and layout; Working knowledge of the methods of utilizing traditional media, Internet, social media and alternative media to increase public awareness of the organization and promote organizational objectives; Working knowledge of the principles and practices of project management; Working knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and training; Working knowledge of and proficiency with Windows based PC systems and Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; Page 3 of 5
Some knowledge of Medi-Cal, Medicaid, Medicare, entitlement programs, and related regulations; Some knowledge of the principles and practices of website design and content development; Ability to direct, manage, supervise, mentor, train and evaluate the work of staff; Ability to develop, plan, organize and direct communications programs and activities that are complex in nature and regional in scope; Ability to develop, promote and consistently apply the principles of branding to Alliance communication functions; Ability to foster positive public and media awareness of Alliance functions; Ability to translate complex concepts such as medical plan information into clear, succinct copy; Ability to provide leadership, facilitate meetings, and partner with and guide managers and employees in the resolution of issues; Ability to interpret, explain and apply complex laws, rules and regulations; Ability to demonstrate strong analytical skills, accurately collect, manage and analyze data, identify issues, offer recommendations and potential consequences, and mitigate risk; Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, organize work, and achieve goals and timelines; Ability to demonstrate a collaborative management style, build rapport, and effectively manage internal and external business relationships; Ability to influence others and build consensus with individuals at all levels in the organization; Ability to make presentations and adjust communication style in order to facilitate collaboration and understanding; Ability to prepare narrative and statistical written reports; and Ability to develop recordkeeping systems and maintain organized and accurate records. ALLIANCE STANDARD KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with Alliance staff and others contacts in the course of the work; Ability to assume responsibility and exercise good judgment in making decisions within the scope of authority of the position; Ability to think and work effectively under pressure and accurately complete tasks within established times; Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines; Ability to maintain confidentiality; Valid California Driver License, transportation and automobile liability insurance acceptable to the Alliance. Page 4 of 5
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Master s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field. Working knowledge of emergency communications, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to sit in front of and operate a video display terminal for extended periods of time; Ability to bend, lift, and carry objects of varying size weighing up to 10 pounds; and Ability to travel to different locations in the course of work. ALL ALLIANCE EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO: Comply with all Alliance safety requirements; and Adhere to all Alliance policies and procedures. The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Alliance reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. Page 5 of 5