Director Systems Engineering

General Summary

The Manager, Internal Communications will develop and implement the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRALAB) internal communications strategies and activities. With the Executive Director of Public Relations and Human Resources, he/she will execute on strategies and related plans to ensure that employees understand SRALAB initiatives and programs. The incumbent will build and maintain collaborative relationships throughout SRALAB to ensure alignment and integration of messaging, including intersecting when applicable with relevant external messaging. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding and knowledge of various internal communication media, change management, methods of advancing culture, executive and all-employee communications and online and in-person communications.

The Manager, Internal Communications will consistently demonstrate support of the SRALAB statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Manager, Internal Communications will demonstrate SRALAB Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and SRALAB Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, -and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Principal Responsibilities

The Manager, Internal Communications will:

1. Independently research, write, edit and oversee internal SRALAB communications for employees at all levels, in all functions and sites of care to include, but not limited to, SRALAB business information, employee benefits, performance management, special events, employee development initiatives, emergency management, employee surveys, announcements, etc.
2. Independently research, write and edit speaking points, employee letters, employee voicemail scripts, presentations and other communications for Human Resources and on behalf of other members of senior leadership, as needed, discerning and reflecting the unique voice of each communicator in all media and customizing for the special needs of SRALAB’s employee population. Modify proactively as business and employee needs evolve over time.
3. Play a key role in setting and achieving internal communication strategies. Develop, socialize, implement, and manage execution of a structured yet nimble annual communications plan and calendar for reoccurring HR and SRALAB initiatives, as well as executing on an ongoing plan for regular communications, both planned and ad hoc as warranted.
4. With the Director of HR and the SRALAB Marketing/Communications function, determine the strategic value of internal communications vehicles and continue, modify or discontinue as needed. Optimize their usage to ensure effective and consistent messages throughout SRALAB.
5. Oversee content and design of key internal communications vehicles, including AbilityLab Matters, SRALAB intranet, with the expressed purpose of increasing readership.
6. Represent SRALAB in negotiations with vendors, as appropriate.
7. Independently manage special projects, including the design, content and execution of employee-related collateral materials, presentations, etc.
8. Establish consistent protocols for employee-related announcements and ensure execution, such as announcements of new employees, emergency notifications/plans, etc. Actively participate in all meetings regarding emergency management issues where employee communication will be required.
9. Perform all other duties that as assigned in the best interest of SRALAB.

Reporting Relationships

1. Reports directly to Director of Human Resources and Executive Director, Public Relations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

1. Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree a plus.
2. Proven expertise typically gained through five to seven years’ experience in the field, with a specific focus on internal communications.
3. Excellent writer and editor; strong presentation skills.
4. Three to five years’ experience working with executive- level leaders in a communications function required.
5. Must adjust rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution and be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
6. Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills.
7. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Required Skills

Required Experience