DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS

WHY JOIN US: At Blue Ridge Hospice, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to make a difference. You will be part of a purpose-driven organization that values excellence, collaboration, and personal growth. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation.

If you are passionate about nonprofit communications, possess strong leadership skills, and are committed to making a difference in hospice care, we encourage you to apply today.

ABOUT BLUE RIDGE CARE SERVICES

Blue Ridge Care works to optimize the quality of life and well-being for those members of our community affected by aging or dealing with chronic or serious illness. With a mission of brightening lifes journey for all whom we are privileged to serve, and a strategic goal to grow and expand our services to continue meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the community, Blue Ridge is Caring for life.

Our core values dignity, integrity, teamwork, innovation, diversity, and excellence not only reflect our commitment to our patients and families, but also represent our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that encourages staff to embrace creativity, work together, practice empathy and compassion with each other, and utilize professional growth opportunities. At Blue Ridge, we call our staff Future Makers everyone contributes to our collective organizational excellence and success, and the continued delivery of the life-changing care and services we provide those we serve.

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Director of Communications at Blue Ridge Hospice, you will play a leading role in shaping and executing our marketing communications strategy based on industry trends, consumer needs, research data and organizational priorities. Reporting to the Vice President, Communications, the director will develop and implement comprehensive strategies, policies, and process to inform and engage internal and external stakeholders.

This is a hybrid role with the expectation to occasionally work onsite in Winchester, VA, as determined by VP.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communication:

• Assist VP in developing and leading the implementation of a comprehensive internal and external communications roadmap, ensuring effective engagement and stewardship of our valued donors.

• Ensure communications strategies align with business objectives to position the organization as a leader in hospice care.

• Establish and drive a multi-channel communications strategy that includes digital platforms, traditional media, and community engagement.

Internal Communications:

• Develop and implement internal communication strategies to foster engagement, alignment, and understanding among employees.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders on internal communications and change management initiatives.

External Communications:

• Assist VP in building, leading, and implementing strategies to promote and protect the organizations brand and reputation.

• Assist VP in writing and distributing press releases, managing media relations and serve as organization spokesperson in the absence of the VP.

• Develop and execute a donor communications plan to nurture relationships and increase donor retention.

• Align communications with fundraising campaigns and events.

Leadership:

• Lead, inspire, develop, and manage a team of communication professionals and contractors.

• Ensure the team delivers business goals and objectives effectively.

Social Media Strategy:

• Oversee social media channels using a data-centric approach to enhance effectiveness and engagement.

• Integrate emerging technologies and innovative storytelling into social media strategies.

Content Management:

• Prepare and manage all communication materials, ensuring consistency and alignment with brand voice and messaging.

• Assist in the creation of digital video, audio, and print content that aligns with communication strategies and objectives.

Brand Integrity:

• Develop and maintain brand to ensure integrity across all communication platforms.

Performance Tracking:

• Track engagement across various communication platforms and make data-driven decisions to optimize strategies.

Budget Management:

• Create and manage the communications team budget, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned.

• Foster teamwork, employee engagement and community involvement.

• Display commitment to leveraging diversity and inclusion in support of quality care.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Bachelors degree required in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field. Masters degree a plus. Equivalent experience and training may substitute for education.

Experience: Proven experience (8 years) of experience in marketing communications developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies, including donor proposals and direct response (Healthcare, Nonprofit, Fundraising, preferred and Retail a plus). Experience (5 years) managing a team.

COMPETENCY PROFILE

• Creative Thinking: Ability to generate innovative ideas and approaches for communication and marketing initiatives.

• Adaptability: Flexibility in adapting strategies and tactics in response to changing circumstances or feedback.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze data and metrics to assess communication effectiveness and drive improvements.

• Problem-Solving: Competence in identifying issues and developing effective solutions to overcome communication challenges.

Ethics and Integrity

• Ethical Standards: Adherence to high ethical standards and transparency in all communication practices.

• Reputation Management: Skills in protecting and enhancing the organizations reputation through ethical communication strategies.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY/COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.

• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

• Ability to write speeches and articles that conform to prescribed style and format.

• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk to hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Cognitive Demands:

• Must be able to concentrate on moderate details with frequent interruptions, attend to specific functions for 10 25 minutes, remember multiple tasks and assignments over an 8 -hour period, and understand and relate specific ideas and concepts.

• Must be able to deal effectively with stress, patients and their families, vendors, multiple tasks, notice, and interruptions, and to work cooperatively with other members of the interdisciplinary team and Blue Ridge Hospice administrative support staff while maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor.

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