Director, Communications - College of Medicine

Director, Communications

The College of Medicine is seeking a Director of Communications to lead a dynamic, multi-channel communications program aimed at enhancing the college's reputation and increasing visibility across all missions. The Director will develop and execute strategies that inform and engage key audiences, highlighting advancements in health research, education, patient care, and community service. This role plays a key part in driving communication strategy, aligning messages, and providing counsel to ensure cohesion across the college's communications efforts.

The Director will oversee a team of communications professionals, providing leadership, strategic vision, and staff development. They will leverage cutting-edge communications tools and techniques to manage internal and external communications. The role also serves as editor of major publications such as Florida Physician magazine, Dr. Gator newsletter, and the College of Medicine e-newsletter.

In addition to overseeing content development for web, social media, philanthropic, and alumni initiatives, the Director will plan and execute communications strategies for major college events, including the Celebration of Research and Match Day. The position involves gathering data to inform strategies, establishing measurable goals, and tracking success through defined metrics.

The Director will support executive communications, including writing speeches and announcements for the Dean and other senior leaders. They will regularly report results to leadership, keep the College of Medicine Dean and UF Health Chief Communications Officer informed of potential issues, and lead process improvements in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment.

Join our team to contribute to shaping the voice of the College of Medicine and inspire key audiences with innovative communication strategies that advance our mission in healthcare, research, and education.

About This Role

Strategic Communications and Reputation Management

• Lead the development and implementation of cost-effective, research-based, measurable communications initiatives and campaigns to enhance the College of Medicine's reputation on a national level across its missions of research, education, patient care, and community service among various stakeholders.
• Serve as the project manager and executive editor for various print, digital, and multimedia publications, such as Florida Physician magazine, the Dr. Gator newsletter, and the college e-newsletter, utilizing innovative communication tools to craft engaging storytelling and producing effective materials, while ensuring consistent messaging and adherence to brand standards.
• Support executive communications by writing speeches and announcements on behalf of the Dean and other college leaders, while assigning, writing, and editing multimedia stories.
• Work closely with UF Health Communications’ Creative Services team to coordinate photography, videography, and design efforts, and manage project outsourcing to freelancers as needed.

Multimedia Storytelling

• Shape the UF College of Medicine narrative through creative multimedia approaches to achieve communications objectives.
• Lead the communications team in writing, editing, producing, and distributing content that highlights the college's accomplishments to internal and external audiences.
• Ensure compliance with editing, review, news distribution, and branding policies of UF Health and the university.

Advancement Communications

• Oversee and coordinate communications for Advancement and Alumni Affairs to support fundraising objectives for the College of Medicine and UF Health.
• Execute compelling documents, including presentations, stories, brochures, and correspondence to encourage philanthropic giving.

Website & Social Media Management

• Create and manage a compelling web presence for the College of Medicine, ensuring a strategic approach to web communications and content updates on the WordPress platform.
• Enhance existing content and develop new materials in partnership with the Dean and UF Health Communications Web Services team, adhering to UF and UF Health policies and accessibility standards.
• Implement best practices for SEO and ensure continuity in web efforts, using Google Analytics to analyze audience behavior and identify strategic opportunities for enhancing the college’s reputation and visibility.
• Guide social media strategy across various platforms working with the communications team to maintain editorial calendars and proactively identify content ideas.
• Monitor key metrics for social media effectiveness, regularly reviewing analytics and sharing reports to recommend opportunities for improved engagement.

Communications Team Supervision

• Supervise a team of communicators, promoting excellence and motivating staff while ensuring accountability for goals and objectives.
• Demonstrate strong team-building skills and the ability to work effectively in a high-demand environment.

About COM's Communication

The UF College of Medicine's Communications team is dedicated to enhancing the college's visibility and reputation through strategic storytelling and innovative communication initiatives. This team focuses on delivering compelling content that informs and engages various audiences, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and the broader community.

The mission of COM's Communications team is to support the college's goals by promoting its achievements in research, education, patient care, and community service. By leveraging diverse communication channels, including digital platforms, print publications, and social media, the team aims to foster a strong connection with stakeholders and elevate the overall impact of the College of Medicine.

For more information about COM's Communications, visit the UF College of Medicine's Communications.

We Offer Exceptional Benefits

• Low-cost State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement options to secure your future
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off Package (including 11 paid holidays, as well as paid family, sick, and vacation leave)
• Exceptional Personal and Professional Development Opportunities (UF Training & Organization Development including leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, amongst other opportunities)
• Tuition Assistance (UF Employee Education Program)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

About the City of Gainesville

Discover Gainesville, Florida, home to the University of Florida College of Medicine, where modern attractions and natural beauty harmonize to create an exceptional living environment. Enjoy a low cost of living, no state income tax, outstanding public and private schools, and pleasant winters in a community that passionately supports Division I NCAA sports (Go Gators!). Explore scenic bike trails, lively farmer's markets, and a thriving local brewery scene. Immerse yourself in over 30 miles of biking and hiking trails, encounter diverse wildlife in Florida State Parks, and experience thrilling adventures in freshwater springs. Gainesville's central location offers easy access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning beaches, nature preserves, and world-renowned theme parks within a day's drive. Become part of our vibrant community, where the perfect blend of opportunities awaits. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville.

$110,700 - $140,000

Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

Valid state driver's license

The ideal candidate will possess:

Strong Leadership and Communication Skills

• Exhibits exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and oral presentation skills, effectively developing and producing content for various communication channels.
• Demonstrates a commitment to creativity, accuracy, and attention to detail, while maintaining a customer service-oriented attitude.
• Possesses significant supervisory experience, effectively managing, coaching, mentoring, and motivating team members to achieve well-defined goals within specified timelines.
• Works collaboratively and collegially with diverse teams in energetic, fast-paced environments, while managing multiple projects efficiently.
• Utilizes high levels of diplomacy and tact, with superior spelling, punctuation, and grammar skills.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with various constituencies, demonstrating self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
• Working knowledgeable in Associated Press style, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Effective Communication

• Communicates effectively and shares information appropriately with internal and external constituents through multiple mediums.
• Interprets information, ideas, and instructions clearly in verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrates active listening skills.
• Maintains composure and communicates in a direct, truthful, transparent, and positive manner.

Critical Thinking

• Uses logical reasoning to make judgments in accordance with established professional and organizational criteria.
• Objectively identifies goals and makes decisions by considering both short-term and long-term implications.
• Creatively identifies opportunities to increase efficiency, simplicity, and revenue.
• Effectively recognizes and considers the forces, events, entities, and people that effect a situation before making a conclusion.

Organizational Acumen

• Acts in a decisive, timely, and appropriate manner that is congruent with the organization’s values and goals.
• Integrates and balances big picture concerns related to political, social, and economic issues affecting the organization with day-to-day activities.
• Knowledgeable of policies, practices, trends, and information that impact the organization.
• Demonstrates understanding of, alignment with, and a commitment to the university’s mission in
  serving its constituents.

To be considered, please upload the following documents with your application:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references
• Writing samples

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD).

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.