Kelaca is looking for a VP, Medical Communications and Public Relations for our client partner, the Family Heart Foundation in Chapel Hill, NC. The mission of the Family Heart Foundation is to save generations of families from heart disease through timely identification and improved care of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated Lipoprotein(a). Through research, advocacy, and education they drive change, and empower families to navigate their own health. The Family Heart Foundation is the result of the team effort of patients and healthcare practitioners who have joined their knowledge and passion to help others and drive change. They are honored to have experts from around the world share their expertise and research as part of their Scientific Advisory Board. Their success is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and commitment. With the help of a dedicated group of clinicians, researchers, professional organizations, governmental representatives, and volunteers, the Family Heart Foundation takes pride in its forward-thinking and versatile approach to making a real change in the world of FH and Lipoprotein(a).
Key Responsibilities:
- Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President, Medical Communications and Public Relations is responsible to develop and maintain a proactive, research-driven communications program that assures a consistent, quality image for the Family Heart Foundation primarily among health care practitioners.
- Initiate and facilitate new communication programs, strategies and opportunities that build brand loyalty and preference for the Foundation.
- Work with some of the organization’s most proprietary information, direct communication strategies that reflect superior judgment and that are consistent with organizational goals, objectives and sensitivities.
- Authorized to represent the organization to internal and external constituents as appropriate. Oversee the development, integration and implementation of the Foundation’s external medical communications planning, content creation, and “corporate identity” strategies and tactics.
- Connect with physicians, policy makers and the community at large in novel and compelling ways that educate, inform and engage each audience in the healthcare conversation.
- Continually evaluate effectiveness of communications plans and collateral to ensure that materials support the understanding and acceptance of and commitment to the organization and its strategic objectives.
- The position will work extensively with the President & CEO, senior management and other leadership teams to provide strategic direction on all matters affecting medical communication, physician engagement, and Foundation’s corporate reputation.
Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or related field required, Masters Degree Business Administration (MBA), Communications (MSc), M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communications or related field preferred. Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from PRSA , Certified Marketing Management Profession (CMMP), or similar peer certification preferred.
- Seasoned professional with communications and public relations expertise as typically obtained during 10 years of experience in progressively senior positions, preferably in the healthcare industry
- Solid content development and management experience, including the ability to optimize all forms of communications to achieve strategic objectives, to build brand awareness and loyalty, and to influence key stakeholders.
- Demonstrated expertise in the development of strategic communications strategies in support of reputation and branding, including media relations, executive visibility, stakeholder relationship-building, and marketing programs to advance the organization’s strategic mission and goals
- Demonstrated track record of influential speech writing and engaging spokesperson experience on the C-suite and regional/national media level
- Demonstrated ability to develop consensus and lead Family Heart Foundations communications in close collaboration with Foundation strategy, branding, patient communications, outreach, and public affairs functions, all within a geographically dispersed, collegial environment.
- Proven experience is using marketing analytics to make informed business decisions
- Reputation as a team player who is able to work with corporate communications peers and leaders in brand, marketing and related divisions, to collaboratively develop integrated programs that transcend organizational charts and functional silos.
- Direct experience managing and partnering with external agencies and consultants; managing and mentoring staff; and leading communications in times of change, including growth, integration and business transformation.
- Demonstrated advanced knowledge of communications planning, community relations, graphic design and production, broadcast/multi-media, graphic standards/corporate identity management, media relations, news media spokesperson techniques, publications, Web site development and maintenance, special events, executive speech writing, sponsorships, telecommunications, research, and advertising
- Strong business acumen and exceptional analytic skills with the proven ability to provide innovative solutions to complex problems and to meet customer-driven business objectives
- Advanced knowledge of digital and traditional marketing, healthcare marketing, and business-to-business (B2B), communications planning, including a working knowledge of consumer life-cycles and purchasing behavior
- Understanding of and experience with Lean or other process improvement philosophies and methodologies desired
- Professional writing and editing skills; excellent spokesperson skills with the ability to articulate a vision while exhibiting a positive public speaking presence
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize information and ideas across a variety of subject matter areas and to create plans that generate an engaging and positive reader experience across product lines
- Ability to energize, mobilize, and influence by fostering productive and collaborative working relationships with internal and external constituencies, including the effective management of resources
- Proven ability to evaluate innovative graphic design and advertising proposals, craft persuasive messaging and analyze market research, preferably in a health care setting
- Solid budget and finance skills, with the ability to negotiate effectively with staff, senior management, vendors, media partnerships, external agencies and organizations
- Competency in Microsoft Office suite, including working knowledge of graphic design, data management, and statistical analysis software
- Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to present views in a clear and compelling manner and develop trust and influence as a thought leader with a broad relationship base.
NO THIRD PARTIES.
Job Type: Full-time
Hours of Work: Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm (Hybrid)
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Apply to Kelaca today so we can schedule a conversation with you to further discuss this exciting opportunity.
Kelaca is an Equal Employment Opportunity company and does not discriminate in employment based on: age, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, veteran status, genetic information, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or other non-merit factor.