Paid time off (PTO)
Various health insurance options & wellness plans
Retirement benefits including employer match plans
Long-term & short-term disability
Employee assistance programs (EAP)
Parental leave & adoption assistance
Tuition reimbursement
Ways to give back to your community
Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance and salary range at the time of the offer.
ResponsibilitiesThe Role
As the external communications leader for Ascension in Jacksonville, Florida, you will be responsible for developing and implementing external communications strategies that strengthen Ascension’s reputation in Florida, drive market objectives, advance public affairs efforts, and create a trusted partnership with key external audiences. You will directly support our Ministry Market Executive in Jacksonville, Florida, partnering with advocacy, marketing and internal communications to demonstrate our commitment to the communities Ascension Florida serves. As both a strategic and hands-on communicator, you are comfortable engaging the media, community, government and executives in support of the organization’s vision, achievements and unique identity in Florida.
Responsibilities
Develop the external communications market strategy for Florida and drive execution of the external communications plan, in partnership with advocacy, marketing, and internal communicationsAct as the chief storyteller for Ascension Florida, crafting our local narrative and developing impactful messages that support our market objectivesPartner with Ascension Florida’s Advocacy team to develop public affairs and community engagement campaigns, using external communications strategies to advance advocacy goals that align to organizational prioritiesProvide external communications counsel and support to our Florida Ministry Market Executive and to other market partner teams Act as media spokesperson for the Ascension Florida marketLead day-to-day management of the strategic communications, public affairs, social media, media relations and external messaging development in FloridaCreate thought leadership campaigns that elevate and protect Ascension’s reputation in FloridaLead local crisis communications efforts, in partnership with other communications and advocacy leads Manage an external agency and the budget for all Florida external communications activitiesDrive data based KPIs for Florida, tied to strategic, operational and advocacy objectivesEnsure that communications reflect the Mission, Vision and Values of Ascension as a healing ministry of the Catholic Church.Maintain flexible availability and responsiveness both during and outside of normal work hours as necessary
Complexity of Work
Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as critical thinking, strategic counseling and decisive judgment. Ideally the candidate will also have a knowledge of Ascension history and current initiatives, the rapidly evolving healthcare industry, and external communications practices and standards. Must be able to work in a stressful, fast-paced environment
Work Experience
Ten to fifteen years of communications experience with strategic decision-making responsibilities, ideally in the Florida market or with oversight for FloridaExperience driving local thought leadership campaigns, in partnership with advocacy and marketing teams Demonstrated experience and comfort regularly engaging with local reporters on background, off-the-record and on the recordExperience as an on-the-record spokespersonExperience with crisis communications in high-stakes scenariosMaster's degree preferred
Requirements
Education:
High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management.Why Join Our TeamAscension associates are key to our commitment of transforming healthcare and providing care to all, especially those most in need. Join us and help us drive impact through reimagining how we can deliver a people-centered healthcare experience and creating the solutions to do it. Explore career opportunities across our ministry locations and within our corporate headquarters.
Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 134,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.
Our Mission, Vision and Values encompass everything we do at Ascension. Every associate is empowered to give back, volunteer and make a positive impact in their community. Ascension careers are more than jobs; they are opportunities to enhance your life and the lives of the people around you.
Equal Employment Opportunity EmployerAscension will provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, genetic information, carrier status or any other legally protected status or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.
As a military friendly organization, Ascension promotes career flexibility and offers many benefits to help support the well-being of our military families, spouses, veterans and reservists. Our associates are empowered to apply their military experience and unique perspective to their civilian career with Ascension.
Pay Non-Discrimination Notice
Please note that Ascension will make an offer of employment only to individuals who have applied for a position using our official application. Be on alert for possible fraudulent offers of employment. Ascension will not solicit money or banking information from applicants.
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