Director, Public Relations/Communications
Senior Director of Communications responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication, marketing, and public relations strategies to advance Huntsman Cancer Foundation’s mission, strengthen donor and community engagement, and ensure alignment with Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and evaluate an integrated communications and marketing strategy that advances HCF fundraising priorities, brand positioning, and organizational goals.
- Serve as a senior communications advisor to the President and COO, providing counsel on messaging, positioning, storytelling, and reputation management.
- Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of four communications professionals, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture aligned with HCF values.
- Establish annual goals, priorities, and performance metrics for the communications function.
- Serve as the steward of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation brand, ensuring consistent voice, visual identity, messaging, and tone across all communications.
- Lead foundation‑wide storytelling that highlights donor impact, patient experience, research innovation, and mission outcomes.
- Develop long‑term narrative frameworks and messaging strategies that support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and institutional priorities.
- Ensure alignment with Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah branding and communications standards while maintaining HCF’s distinct philanthropic identity.
- Oversee editorial strategy, content development, and ongoing management of the HCF website.
- Direct social media strategy, including content planning, engagement, growth, integrated campaigns, and performance analytics.
- Oversee monthly electronic communications and targeted digital outreach to donors and stakeholders.
- Lead planning, development, and production of major annual publications, including donor impact and campaign materials.
- Identify and oversee public relations opportunities and messaging for high‑visibility initiatives and announcements.
- Lead communications strategy and storytelling that support donor stewardship across all giving levels, from annual donors to principal and legacy supporters.
- Partner closely with development leadership to support direct mail fundraising campaigns, including message development, storytelling, creative direction, and alignment with broader communications and brand strategy.
- Ensure direct mail content reflects donor‑centric messaging, reinforces donor intent, and aligns with campaign goals and institutional priorities.
- Oversee donor‑focused communications such as impact reports, gratitude messaging, campaign updates, videos, and event‑related stewardship materials.
- Lead strategy and oversight for video and multimedia content that supports fundraising, donor stewardship, campaigns, events, and brand storytelling.
- Collaborate with internal partners and external vendors to develop high‑quality video assets, including impact stories, campaign features, and event videos.
- Ensure video content aligns with brand standards, messaging priorities, and distribution strategies across channels.
- Lead communications and marketing strategy for HCF fundraising events, including promotional campaigns, digital storytelling, video assets, and post‑event stewardship communications.
- Partner with development and events teams to align marketing strategy, brand presence, and donor experience across all event touchpoints.
- Oversee development of event‑specific collateral and communications timelines to support participation and revenue goals.
- Provide strategic communications and marketing support for HCF’s partnership with Sigma Chi, supporting joint fundraising, awareness, and engagement initiatives.
- Oversee messaging, content development, and storytelling related to Sigma Chi programs and events.
- Collaborate with Sigma Chi leadership, internal stakeholders, and development partners to ensure consistent, mission‑aligned communications.
- Serve as the primary communications liaison between Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Huntsman Cancer Institute.
- Coordinate shared messaging, content approvals, and collaborative communications initiatives.
- Work cross‑functionally across HCF departments and with external vendors to support organizational priorities.
- Manage communications budgets, vendor relationships, contracts, and production timelines.
- Use analytics to evaluate communications effectiveness and inform strategy.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, brand standards, and best practices.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field (or equivalent) – one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience.
- Eight years of progressively more responsible management experience.
- Demonstrated leadership, human relations, and effective communications skills.
Preferences
- Strength in relationship management.
- Strong public speaking, communications, and marketing capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Outlook, CRM Systems (Blackbaud RE/NXT, Engaging Networks), and Google platforms.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Ability to work effectively in both remote and travel‑based environments.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset.
- Independent troubleshooting, cross‑platform adaptability, and digital literacy.
- Comfortable working across teams and supporting collaborative development goals.
- Strong execution and attention to detail.
This position may require successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106.
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