Executive Director of Communications and Marketing

Job Summary:

LSU Health New Orleans is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Executive Director of Communications and Marketing. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the Executive Director will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication and marketing strategies to enhance the institution’s reputation, visibility and brand awareness locally, nationally, and internationally.

Job Duties:

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and execute a strategic communications and marketing plan aligned with the institution’s goals and priorities, based on the 2024 communications audit and strategic plan.

Provide visionary leadership to establish a communications and marketing team from the ground up, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence over a series of budget years for growth.

Brand Management:

Oversee development and enforcement of LSU Health New Orleans’ brand identity and messaging, ensuring consistency across all channels and materials.

Strengthen the institution’s brand reputation and positioning through targeted marketing initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Collaborate in cobranding with LSU Health New Orleans’ clinical partners including but not limited to LCMC and FMOL.

Media Relations:

Serve as the primary point of contact to secure LSU Health New Orleans’ experts for media opportunities, maintain contact database of qualified expert spokespeople.

Collaborate with LSU Health New Orleans’ affiliated foundations such as the LSU Healthcare Network and the LSU Health Foundation. Collaborate with selected PR vendor to develop and implement media relations strategies to promote the institution’s research, clinical services, and educational programs.

Advertising:

Establish strategic, high-level strategy for advertising and marketing (selling) the LSU Health New Orleans experience. Research, select and manage qualified vendors to produce high-quality, professional brand advertising.

Digital Marketing and Social Media:

Lead digital marketing efforts, including website content management, email marketing, collaborate and coordinate with the Web Services Team search engine optimization (SEO) and social media strategy. Coordinate social media activities across schools, programs and other contacts, integrate selected vendors to manage strategy and content calendars. Utilize analytics and data-driven insights to optimize digital marketing campaigns and enhance online engagement and visibility.

Internal Communications:

Develop and implement internal communication strategies to foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and employee engagement. Ensure consistent and timely communication of institutional news, updates and initiatives to faculty, staff, and students.

Crisis Communication:

Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and strategies to effectively manage and mitigate reputational risks.  Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership during crisis situations, providing guidance on messaging and communication strategies. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s in Communications, public relations, marketing, or related field
• Seven years demonstrated experiences in media relations, crisis communication, digital marketing, and brand management. Progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, with at least 5 years in leadership roles.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree.  
• Accreditation by Public Relations Society of America or International Association of Business Communicators
• Experience in an academic or healthcare setting. 10 years of progressively more senior experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, leadership roles, preferably in an academic or healthcare setting