Senior Director Internal Communications

General Summary

The Senior Director-Internal Communications is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive internal communications strategy that aligns with WellSpan's mission, values, and strategic goals. With a passion for storytelling, this role leads a team of internal communications experts and serves as a key partner to executive leadership to build alignment, pride, trust, and ownership across all team member audience segments. The role requires a deep understanding of healthcare environments, change management, and employee engagement in a highly regulated and mission-driven setting. The Senior Director is an exceptional communicator with a proven ability to lead and inspire teams, build strategic relationships, and drive impactful internal campaigns that enhance our national reputation.

• Strategic Internal Communications Leadership
  • Develops and implements a comprehensive internal communications strategy centered around the strategic plan to build the desired culture and ensure all team members understand the strategy, our progress and their contributions.
  • Leads internal communications for major change initiatives such as clinical transformation, digital health adoption, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory changes.
  • Partners with and serves as a strategic advisor to leadership on internal messaging, organizational change, and employee sentiment.
  • Demonstrates a deep understanding of all internal segments: Board members, executives, leaders, clinical team members, physicians & APPS, corporate team members, recruits and retirees.
• Channel Strategy and Optimization
  • Oversees internal communication channels including events, e-newsletters, intranet, internal social media, mobile apps, screensavers/backgrounds, team member flyers/materials, collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint).
  • Manages Empower slide library.
  • Oversees internal editorial content ensuring accuracy, timeliness, impact and brand alignment.
  • Ensures communication is accessible and relevant to a diverse, multi-site workforce including clinical, administrative, and remote employees.
• Measurement and Insight
  • Establishes KPIs/metrics to assess effectiveness, message awareness and feedback loops.
  • Uses data to continuously improve work and demonstrate impact.
  • Regularly scans external environment for best practices in public relations and improvement opportunities.
• Team and Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborates effectively with the other Marketing and Communications leaders to deliver results and create and positive work environment for all.
  • Leads, mentors, and inspires a high-performing in-house creative team fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Manages external creative agencies and freelancers as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• Bachelors Degree Required
• Masters Degree Preferred

Work Experience:

• 15+ years Experience in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations. Required
• 15+ years Communications, Journalism or Public Relations, preferably with experience in a large, complex healthcare organization. Preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior leaders.
• Excellent written/oral communications, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience with digital communication platforms and analytics tools; willingness to incorporate AI into processes.
• Proven leadership and team building skills, strong journalistic writing, copyediting and project management skills.