Senior Director of Communications

About The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia (the “College”) is a key convener for medical and public health professionals in the Greater Philadelphia region. Founded in 1787 to “lessen human misery,” it is one of the oldest professional organizations in the country, with more than 1,000 active Fellows. The College is home to the Mütter Museum, the Historical Medical Library, and the Center for Public Health and Education. The College’s vision is to advance the cause of health while upholding the ideals and heritage of medicine. Drawing upon a Fellowship organization of physicians and other professionals, its rich history, talented staff, and unique collections, the College’s mission is to stand as a trusted resource to further understanding of health and disease for the betterment of society.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director of Communications is responsible for the planning and oversight of all marketing and communications-related functions within the College. This includes:

The development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy that will serve to define, clarify, and enhance public perceptions of all aspects of the College, including the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library, various College Sections and Fellowship events, educational programming, and public health initiatives, with a goal to increase revenue on-site and online.

The guidance of day-to-day marketing and communications operations, including art direction, social media, and digital communications, including engaging with external consultants, when needed.

The delivery of key institutional messages pertaining to the College’s overall brand, with the ability to develop specific messaging on behalf of different departments within the College and across a diverse constituent base, including Fellows, Museum members, the general public, and various independent stakeholders.
The Senior Director of Communications will work closely with Senior and Executive groups within the College as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate communications plans across the College’s audiences and in collaboration with different College divisions and departments.

With strong considerations towards digital engagement strategies, narrative collaboration and control, brand management, awareness building, revenue generation, and new and existing audience engagement.

Successfully engage new and existing audiences through audience development and measurable outcomes for visitation in-person and online.

Analyze the most effective ways to disseminate messaging by audience goals.

Track engagement levels.

Manage the College’s website and social media accounts.

Direct the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic materials, including press releases, social media posts, other digital communications, and overall marketing and brand management.

Direct and supervise the work of divisional staff (full- and part-time) and identify, retain, and manage relationships with consultants and vendors who provide marketing and communications-related services.

Manage all media contacts, as well as maintaining relationships with peers in the Greater Philadelphia region, nationally, and internationally.

Oversee the Communications budget.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills
Required

Five to eight years’ prior experience in a communications role.

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business, or a related field.

A thoughtful, strategic, and seasoned professional with significant management experience in traditional and digital communications, and marketing for and within a complex organization.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

A self-starter who has worked in resource-stretched environments.

Technical experience with website programming and upkeep, as well as knowledge of the Microsoft and Adobe Suites of software and Altru ticketing systems.

Experience with data analysis that would inform communications strategies.

The ability to grasp College’s mission, programs, and initiatives, and to match communication outreach to the College’s aims.

Good interpersonal skills for developing communications for a variety of College stakeholders.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to conduct interviews, develop appropriate social media material, and draft press releases quickly.

Access to an extensive network of contacts in the press and other Philadelphia non-profit institutions.

The ability to utilize a variety of software programs, databases and other computing tools.

A capacity for leadership, high energy, innovation, and strategic planning.

The ability to direct collaboration among teams toward common goals, on-time, and on-budget.

Experience with crisis communications and management.

Familiarity with best practices for marketing and communications in medicine and public health, and in history, science, and technology museums, with a specific awareness of the ethics and legalities of the collection and display of human remains.

Ability always to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
Preferred

MBA or Master’s Degree in Communication.

A genuine curiosity for science and medical history. A background in or a strong scientific understanding is a plus.

Previous experience in cultural institutions is desirable.

Prior interaction with Philadelphia’s academic medical centers, health-related non-profit and for-profit institutions, and other medical and public health institutions is desirable.
Physical Demands / Work Environment

Ability to work both remotely and on-site at the College, as necessary.

General open office environment with moderate noise (e.g., computers and printers, light traffic from visitors and guests).

Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is necessary.

Position requires face-to-face interaction with staff members (in person and remote), the ability to converse and communicate effectively, and the ability to document conversations and interactions in writing.
 

 

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.