Job Title: Communications Manager

Department: Public Affairs

Location: John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital

Shift: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

This position is exempt from Career Service under the CCH Personnel Rules.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Media, the Communications Manager will develop, implement and evaluate communications and public relations plans. The incumbent is responsible for activities for the Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS), including, but not limited to, internal and external collateral, talking points, speeches, news releases, web and social media content, events promotion, media relations, management and staff development.

General Administrative Responsibilities

Collective Bargaining

• Review applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and consult with Labor Relations to generate management proposals.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, caucus discussions and working meetings.

Discipline

• Document, recommend and effectuate discipline at all levels.
• Work closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to effectuate and enforce applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Initiate, authorize and complete disciplinary action pursuant to CCH system rules, policies, procedures and provision of applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Supervision

• Direct and effectuate CCH management policies and practices.
• Access and proficiently navigate CCH records system to obtain and review information necessary to execute provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Management

• Contribute to the management of CCH staff and CCH' systemic development and success.
• Discuss and develop CCH system policy and procedure.
• Consistently use independent judgment to identify operational staffing issues and needs and perform the following functions as necessary; hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, direct or discipline employees pursuant to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Work with Labor Relations to discern past practice when necessary.

Typical Duties

• Works collaboratively with system public relations and marketing staff to develop and implement innovative programs and strategies that support organization's goals and objectives.
• Writes, edits and produces copy for a variety of purposes, including news releases, system collateral, and digital content.
• Collaborates with internal and external vendors, e.g., agencies, printers, and CCHHS staff to develop communications materials and strategies as necessary.
• Generates and coordinates stories and content for internal and external promotion.
• Acts as a resource for media representatives, providing accurate, timely and appropriate information.
• Manages the system's social media activities and engages and builds audiences.
• Effectively counsels clinical and administrative leaders on communications matters and represents the communications department within the system and community.
• Keeps accurate documentation of activities and projects, including budgets for each activity.
• Works effectively and communicates clearly with staff, stakeholders and external contacts.
• Monitors productivity and quality standards as well as staff adherence to departmental and organizational guidelines.
• Performs other tasks as assigned in support of the department and health system as a whole.
• Travels to various locations within the Cook County Health & Hospitals System.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum six (6) years of communications and marketing experience (including digital expertise).
• Minimum two (2) years managing communication programs in a professional service, not-for-profit and/or healthcare environment.
• Minimum two (2) years' experience successfully managing and leading others.
• Duties may involve local travel to locations within Cook County

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Working knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent oral and writing skills, with the ability to adapt communications to different audiences and management levels.
• Demonstrated competence in project management with strong communications, design, conceptual, organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with health system governing body, community organizations, the media, and various political entities.
• Keeps abreast of emerging health care trends and legislative changes, as well as any other factors which may impact CCHHS' positioning by participating in educational activities such as reading professional journals/articles and participating in seminars, webcasts and applicable committees.
• Ability to exhibit innovation, creativity, and strong technical aptitude.
• Ability to work cooperatively and efficiently with a variety of people throughout the Hospital system, including physicians, researchers, and administrators with respect for their expertise or field of interest.
• Ability to provide leadership and effective supervision for staff.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to represent CCHHS with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to travel to various locations within the Cook County Health & Hospitals System.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Typical Duties" are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service.

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver's License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

MUST MEET REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING

Benefits Package:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

*Degrees awarded outside the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER