Internal Communications Manager, Hybrid - University of Maryland Medical System

This position is a Hybrid opportunity, and requires in-office time on an as-needed basis. 

The University of Maryland Medical System is a 14-hospital system with academic, community and specialty medical services reaching every part of Maryland and beyond. UMMS is a national and regional referral center for trauma, cancer care, Neurocare, cardiac care, women’s and children’s health and physical rehabilitation. UMMS is the fourth largest private employer in the Baltimore metropolitan area and one of the top 20 employers in the state of Maryland. No organization will give you the clinical variety, the support, or the opportunities for professional growth that you’ll enjoy as a member of our team. 

General Summary

The Internal Communications Manager is responsible for working closely with UMMC and UMMS leaders to provide expertise and direction, using communications platforms to manage the internal communication campaigns and activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, mission-critical internal communications projects. Duties entail supporting organizational strategic goals through writing, editing, and/or acquiring content, working with the System Communications Services staff, site executives and business leaders as needed. Position is a pillar in helping achieve organizational goals related to employee engagement and communicating to workforce in support of optimal compliance, engagement, quality/safety, and patient experience. Position has frequent interaction and visibility with executive leadership and is a key contributor to significant enterprise-wide internal communications initiatives. Individual is a driver of internal brand messaging and seeks avenues to promote concept of “Systemness” among department colleagues and interdisciplinary functions.   

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

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

• Execute strategic vision by creating narratives and key messages for major internal communication campaigns, including coordination of design, production, and distribution schedule to a wider audience. Support logistical execution of leadership and all team member town halls/forums. Partner with corporate and communication leaders to develop strategy and communicate projects.
• Work closely with UMMS/UMMC department leaders and senior management to execute key internal communications projects in support of strategic organizational goals. Responsibilities include drafting leader messaging and highlights for department leaders and senior management at UMMC, developing a communications plan for executive review and managing through completion. 
• Manages on-site internal communications at one or more Member Organization (MO) campuses, working with hospital leadership to help plan strategy and execute plans to meet or exceed affiliate goals, acting as liaison to departmental intranet content managers, updating content on the intranet content management systems (CMS) and adhering to production deadlines for these updates.
• Execute editorial review and content maintenance of MO publications, including uploading edited or new material and making necessary changes as needed. Editorial responsibilities include working with hospital leaders and site owners to make sure content is timely; ensuring content meets all functional and graphic standards, and follows best practices; working with departmental intranet content managers to maintain standards and currency of content; helping to maintain the internal site search engine to make it as easy as possible to find information; and sharing appropriate content with intranet managers at other sites.
• Serves as internal communications local lead for key MO Human Resource projects such as new employee orientation, annual training and the employee satisfaction survey. Responsible for working with system colleagues at all levels to ensure communications are timely, accurate and helpful in terms of meeting HR’s goals and objectives.
• Works closely with all departments to develop productive working relationships and effective communications strategies that emphasize UMMS corporate message and campaigns. Communicates project updates and plans with key stakeholders both internally and externally. Manages deadlines and multiple projects simultaneously. Completes work quickly and with high attention to detail.
• Develop positive cross-functional relationships with Shared Services colleagues. Liaise with Media and Marketing team as required and identify stories/milestones for enhanced internal visibility to drive employee pride and engagement.
• Serves as Public Information Officer for MO Hospital Incident Command Structure, responsible for hospital-wide communication during Epic downtimes, facilities issues, weather events and other related items.
• Maximize communication and efficient management of projects such as new finance programs, employee engagement outreach, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Act as a liaison with community and workforce engagement teams to educate and engage UMMS staff about volunteer opportunities and community outreach.
• Maximize employee engagement opportunities as main internal communications contact for MO workgroups (e.g. Employee Advisory Council, Employee Engagement Committee, etc.).
• Assist and help develop less experienced communications team members.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, Business or a related field is required.
• 7 years of hospital, corporate and/or agency communications experience is required.  
• A minimum of 1 year of experience with at least one web content management system required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and projects concurrently; exceptional organizational skills.
• PC skill in word processing is required, with proficiency in utilizing Word and other Microsoft Office programs required. 
• Understanding and working knowledge of the internet and HTML required. Experience working with one or more web content management systems (CMS) such as Sitecore preferred.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills, including editing skills, are expected.
• Professional demeanor and comfort engaging across all levels, including senior executives.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.