Director of Communications

Shapes and executes the company’s communications and public relations strategies by creating and maintaining a positive public image, enhancing brand awareness and managing relationships with external stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Communication and Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with MECA’s mission, vision and objectives.
• Identify key/target audiences and tailor communication efforts to effectively reach and engage them.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align communication strategies and overall business goals.

Media Relations

• Act as a primary point person for all public relations activities related to CHI Health Center Omaha, Charles Schwab Field Omaha and The RiverFront parks; ensure coordination with outside firm(s) to facilitate public relations activities as needed.
• Oversight and organization of events held at CHI Health Center Omaha, Charles Schwab Field Omaha and The RiverFront in promotion of public partnerships, including press conferences and composition of supporting press materials.
• Primary point of contact for incoming requests from local, regional and national media outlets seeking information and/or interviews, channeling to the President/CEO or other personnel as appropriate.
• Manage press relations in a timely manner, including arrangements of interviews between MECA management and press, radio and television representatives.
• Provide oversight of all correspondence, press releases, feature articles and media advisories.
• Maintain an emergency communication plan for crisis situations and inform all appropriate parties on the plan of action during a crisis.

Brand Management

• Define and uphold the organization’s brand identity, ensuring consistent messaging, tone, and visual elements across all communication channels.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to adapt branding strategies as needed.
• Manage brand guidelines and ensure adherence throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with MECA’s various marketing entities to assure effective strategy, outreach efforts or beneficial media opportunities.

External Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate and manage relationships with external partners, stakeholders and industry associations to foster collaboration and enhance the organization’s reputation.
• Represent MECA at industry events, conferences, social and networking opportunities.
• Promote goodwill through publicity efforts such as speeches, exhibits, presentations, tours and relevant question and answer sessions.
• Assist with the composition of materials pertaining to fundraising, government or stakeholder advocacy where historical context or extensive research may by required.

Government Relations

• Composition of materials and/or provision of necessary testimony in support of or against identified state, county or city legislative issues.
• Resource for MECA’s lobbyists; compose relevant materials and assist in fact-finding missions.
• Monitor and analyze policy and regulatory developments that impact the organization and develop appropriate responses and advocacy efforts.
• Attend and provide a report during all MECA Board of Directors meetings.

Digital and Online Presence

• Oversight of MECA, CHI Health Center Omaha, Charles Schwab Field Omaha and The RiverFront digital communication channels, including website, social media and newsletters, to ensure consistent messaging and engaging content.

Crisis Management

• Develop and execute crisis communication plans to effectively manage and mitigate potential reputation risks.
• In support of the President/CEO, act as a spokesperson during crisis situations, providing accurate and transparent information to the media and stakeholders.
• Participate in routine crisis management exercises in conjunction with local law enforcement, community partners and identified leaders to assure an open line of communication with MECA and these entities in preparation for such circumstances.

Internal Communication

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment between external messaging and internal communication efforts.
• Create and manage internal communication plans to keep employees informed and engaged.
• Collaborate in the development and execution of policies, contributing to their formulation and effective integration within the organization.

Other

• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Must work irregular hours.
Other duties may be assigned.

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Qualifications and Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs or a related discipline, from a four-year college or university; and at least five years related experience.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the public.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role with communications, external relations and government affairs.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to align communication efforts with business objectives and policy goals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Extensive experience in media relations, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement and government relations.
• Proficiency in managing digital communication platforms and staying updated with emerging trends.
• Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and allocate resources effectively.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job is typically performed in an office environment.
• There is some exposure to outdoor weather conditions.

• The noise level is usually moderate; and occasionally loud.