Working Title: Director of Public and Partner Relations

Job Code Title: Marketing &Communications Manager 1-Mktg & Comm Generalist

Job Code: 9361MG

Job Summary:

The Director of Public and Partner Relations for Lions Gift of Sight is responsible for directing and executing a variety of marketing and communications initiatives. This role involves the development and implementation of strategic communication plans to support the programmatic goals, enhance its reputation, and effectively engage both internal and external stakeholders.  This position supports the efforts of Lions Gift of Sight (80%) and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences (20%) in all aspects of the position as described below. This full-time role is 100% in-person and requires daily attendance at Lions Gift of Sight in St. Paul, MN (4 days per week) and the Department offices on the East Bank Campus, Phillips-Wangensteen Building, in Minneapolis, MN (1 day per week).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Communication Planning: 40%
● Manages and directs internal and external communications. Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to advance the program mission and objectives.
● Align communication efforts with the program goals, ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all platforms. Collaborate with the Medical School communications team to ensure alignment on messaging and priorities.
● Leverages communications resources to optimize effectiveness and decrease duplication of effort.
● Provide strategic leadership on messaging related to program initiatives, including public engagement, community partnerships, and professional development programs. 
● Serve as primary communications advisor to eye bank and department leadership.

2. Content Creation and Management: 30%
● Oversee the creation of high-quality content and promotional materials for various channels, including print, social media, web content, multimedia, and internal communications.
● Write and oversee the production of brief articles, speeches, press releases, and executive correspondence.  
● Ensure that all communications are clear, compelling, and aligned with the program branding and messaging guidelines.

3. Marketing and Branding: 10%
● Design, develop, and implement marketing programs to promote the program services, research, teaching, and clinical achievements.
● Lead the communication strategy and promotional materials for program events, including conferences, seminars, and community outreach initiatives.

4. Media Relations: As Needed (a component of the remaining 20%)
● Manage media relations activities, including crafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and maintaining relationships with program team members.
● Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries.
● Cultivate relationships with media outlets and coordinate public and media relations efforts to amplify program visibility. 

5. Stakeholder Engagement: As Needed (a component of the remaining 20%)
● Engage with internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students, to foster a collaborative communication environment.
● Act as a liaison between program and external stakeholders, including alumni, donors, and the general public.

6. Supervision and Leadership: As needed (a component of the remaining 20%)
● Work with Human Resources, in collaboration with the Executive Director, to facilitate hiring of all positions in the Partner and Public Relations team.
● Hire, train, and supervise Partner and Public Relations team personnel.
● Perform probationary and annual performance appraisals for personnel directly reporting to this position. 
● In concert with Human Resources, ensure all warnings, suspensions, or terminations of any reporting personnel are properly performed and documented and the Executive Director is kept informed of all issues (before and after notice to employee). 
● Approve payroll forms and reimbursement requests for direct reports. 
● Work in a backup capacity to all direct reports when necessary. 
● Lead project teams, committees, and collaborative efforts, providing guidance and mentorship to team members.

7. Analytical and Technical Skills: As needed (a component of the remaining 20%)
● Provide consultation using advanced analytical and technical skills to solve complex problems and implement process improvements.
● Use a deep understanding of how technologies, processes, resources, and people fit together to enhance communication effectiveness.

8. Other: As needed
● May be assigned other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

⢠BA/BS degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
⢠Minimum of six (6) years of experience in communications, marketing, or a related area.
⢠Demonstrated experience in strategic communication planning, content creation, media relations, and event coordination.
⢠Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex projects.
⢠Proven ability to work under general supervision while exercising discretion in daily operational decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

⢠Experience in an academic or healthcare setting.

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