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The Program Manager, Communications reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine (NM), adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Manager reports to a Program Director, Communications or the Manager, Communications and is responsible for overseeing a focused area of Communications efforts. They will provide thought leadership and recommendations to Communications leadership and develop communications plans in support of their area of focus. All communications efforts will align to the overall Northwestern Medicine Communications strategy.

This role needs to be a Communications expert with strong general knowledge of their assigned area of focus. This role requires close partnership with the Program Directors and/or Managers, especially in carrying out strategic initiatives that span audiences. In addition, this role requires collaboration with internal clients to ensure communications are aligned with operational strategies at the hospital, region and system level.

Responsibilities:

• Leads the creation of assigned communications plans:
  • Stays informed on current and emerging trends in communications
  • Understands the business operations and communications needs of their assigned clients
  • Defines objectives, strategies, tactics and performance metrics (including campaigns and development of new tactics where applicable)
  • Obtains the necessary plan approvals. Works with client partners to determine who is the key point person for each element in the plan
  • Delivers all elements of the plan for all assigned clients/areas
• Acts as the team’s communication advisor for assigned campaigns and targeted efforts:
  • Develops deep understanding of communication plan construction and how elements fit together for maximum impact
  • Collaborates with appropriate leadership groups to support key initiatives and gain buy-in for communications approaches
  • Tracks engagement across various platforms and make data-driven recommendations
  • Works collaboratively with Communications leadership to ensure brand tone and style is achieved for all messaging
  • Provides writing support as needed to team members/clients
• Utilizes excellent project management capabilities:
  • Creates timelines for each campaign/tactic in the communications plan and manages them to ensure delivery
  • Presents communications materials, as appropriate, to client partner for feedback, input and approvals
  • Proofs all materials and obtains appropriate approvals (senior management, legal/risk, other)
  • Utilize project management software to manage programs
  • Monitors the effectiveness of communications plans through analytics/measurements
• Provides information to NM departments and divisions regarding updates to communications tactics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Addendum:

• This role provides leadership for the NM Editorial Services team.
• Editorial Services is responsible for reviewing NM written content developed system-wide for employees, physicians, patients, consumers and donors. This team also provides copywriting support where necessary.
• This leader supervises a team of non-NM employees (contractors) that are not required to be on-site; as such there is flexibility for this role to be 100% remote.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related discipline
• Minimum 5-10 years communications experience
• Strong project management skills, including ability to  scope and assess requirements in any given situation
• Seasoned client/stakeholder management skills, ensuring alignment amongst key decision makers before proceeding with a plan or campaign
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, in complex team oriented environments
• High energy professional with ‘can do’ attitude and a team spirit, combined with a great attention to detail and strong professionalism

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Communications, or related discipline
• Experience in Healthcare industry

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.