Director Executive External Communications

Your future role at a glance

Location: Remote

Department: Executive External Communications

Schedule: Full-time

Salary: $138,258.29 - $195,187.61 per year

Eligible for annual performance based incentive

#Li-Remote

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Benefits that help you thrive

Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options

Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance

Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays

Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning

Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources

Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits

Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

How you'll make an impact in this role

Lead executive communications and thought leadership: Develop and execute external communications strategies, speeches, op-eds, talking points, and executive messaging that strengthen Ascension's reputation and position leaders as trusted, mission-driven voices in healthcare.

Shape executive voice and visibility: Ensure authentic, consistent messaging across external platforms while identifying opportunities to elevate executive presence through media, conferences, industry events, and strategic partnerships.

Support media and executive engagement: Prepare executives for interviews, speaking engagements, press interactions, and other high-profile external events in collaboration with media relations and public affairs teams.

Drive digital strategy and cross-functional alignment: Manage executive LinkedIn and digital thought leadership content while partnering across internal teams to ensure cohesive messaging and coordinated external engagement.

What minimum requirements you'll need

Education:

High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management.

What additional preferences we're seeking

10-12 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, or executive communications, with experience supporting executive-level communications.

Experience in healthcare, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field required.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp6.12.pdf) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here (https://www.e-verify.gov/about-e-verify) for more information.