Director of Communications (Cincinnati)

The Director of Communications is tasked with overseeing and guiding the communication strategies and tactics for two franchise brands, FirstLight Home Care and Surv. This role involves developing and executing plans that effectively convey the organization’s messages, brand mission and values to various stakeholders, industry media, and mainstream media. The Director of Communications, will be responsible for managing internal and external communications, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across all channels. The Communications Director will play a primary role in media relations and crisis management, ensuring that both brands grow and maintain a positive public image. This is a hands-on position and requires the ability to work effectively with executive management, cross functional teams and franchisees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that supports organizational goals and enhances brand visibility
• Manage relationships with PR agencies, communications consultants, and external partners.
• Strategically leverage influencers, spokespeople, and brand ambassadors to convey brand messaging and expand brand awareness
• Manage the editorial calendar for internal communications including leadership updates and change management messaging
• Produce weekly franchisee communications and schedule intranet communications
• Write executive communications and review brand level communications
• Manage crisis communication plans, ensure timely responses to emerging issues and engage franchisees as necessary
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communication initiatives, using data to drive continuous improvement
• Monitor and analyze media coverage, industry trends, and competitive activity to provide monthly and quarterly updates for each brand
• Provide communication support for events, product/service introductions and annual conferences including writing and producing general sessions, developing conference themes, and communication strategies and tactics to increase attendance
• Oversee the department budget, managing agency fees, etc.  
• Oversee the production of content for social media, websites, and other digital platforms

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field
• Solid experience in developing and executing internal communications programs 
• Proven experience in media relations and managing communication campaigns
• Proficiency in communication tools and software
• Skilled in creating and delivering presentations
• Capability to work collaboratively with various departments
• 7-10+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with a proven track record of success in leadership roles
• Strong understanding of communications best practices and experience in developing strategic messaging
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences
• Demonstrated experience in crisis management and media relations

TECHNICAL SKILLS & RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES

• Strong familiarity with social media platforms, content management systems, and email marketing tools
• Experience with media monitoring and analytics tools
• Knowledge of SEO best practices to enhance content visibility

SOFT SKILLS & CULTURAL FIT

• Proactive and strategic thinker with a passion for storytelling
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment while managing multiple projects
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a knack for building relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in franchising 
• Advanced degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and analytics platforms to measure engagement and impact

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. For positions requiring travel, employees must have the ability to operate a motor vehicle or navigate public transportation, remain mobile in various environments (e.g., client sites, conference venues), and carry professional materials or equipment while in transit. Travel may be required up to 10%.