Director of Communications and Media Relations

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is hiring a full-time Director of Communications and Media Relations for our Fund Development and External Affairs department in Chicago, IL.

At La Rabida Children’s Hospital, our mission is simple: we’re dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life for each of our patients with complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illness. The path to completing this mission, however, is often complicated. Fortunately, we’ve got the best team around. If you are looking for your next career opportunity to partner with a compassionate multidisciplinary collaborative team, we have the job for you.

Job Summary:

We are a small children’s acute care hospital focused on treating complex medical conditions, chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities, and abuse and trauma.

The Director of Communications and Media Relations is responsible for managing and executing strategies that strengthen the reputation and image of the hospital, generate favorable media interest, and maximize overall communications performance in alignment with the hospital’s goals and objectives.

As the Director of Communications and Media Relations you will:

• Direct the development and production of internal and external communications including print and electronic media including brochures, newsletters, annual reports, videos, social media, and the hospital website
• Plans and executes media relations strategies for hospital’s events including hospital programs and fundraising events and cultivates relationships with key media contacts
• Manages media pitches, fields and addresses media inquiries, serves as hospital spokesperson
• Provides communications counsel to hospital Executive Leadership, departments and programs and create marketing strategies to promote key programs and clinical areas
• Designs and modifies department staffing model to optimize quality and productivity
• Plans and executes VIP visits and ad hoc events; serves on the planning committees for various events
• Identifies, selects, manages and monitors performance of external vendors, including firms and freelancers who provide PR, design, photography and website services
• Researches, evaluates and recommends new strategies to shape and promote the La Rabida brand through partnerships with high profile individuals and or/organizations

What we need from you:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, or communications
• Minimum 5 years of related work experience
• Strong writing abilities, word processing, desktop and publishing
• Website development experience preferred
• Excellent interaction skills and ability to forge relationships

What you will receive:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plans & Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Free Parking
• Free breakfast and lunch on the last Friday of every month in the hospital cafeteria

Compensation: $98k-$130k

Who we are:

La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head on.

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.