Director, Marketing and Communications

**📌 Core Information** - **Job Title:** Director, Marketing and Communications - **Company:** Ascension - **Location:** Baltimore, Maryland - **Job Type:** Full-Time - **Date Posted:** April 24, 2025 **🚀 Job Overview** Key aspects of this role include: - Leading consumer engagement and retention strategies for the market and service area. - Collaborating with market leadership to drive business growth and development. - Managing internal and external communications, including brand stewardship and thought leadership. - Overseeing the implementation of marketing strategies and tactics to meet business targets. - Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, opinion leaders, and policymakers to support Ascension's mission. **ASSUMPTION:** This role requires a strategic and results-driven marketing and communications professional with a strong understanding of the healthcare industry and business acumen. **📋 Key Responsibilities** - Serve as the marketing and communications director for the organization, leading consumer engagement, retention, and growth strategies. - Collaborate with market leadership, including the CEO, Chief Strategy Officer, and other leaders across the Ministry. - Support engagement with physicians, joint venture partners, payers, physician co-management boards, and key strategic audiences. - Understand the unique target audiences of the market and service area, including demographics, behaviors, influencers, channels, and value propositions. - Responsible for understanding engagement of target audiences, prospect and lead generation, nurturing, and relationship management. - Project manage, implement, and ensure deadline-driven delivery of all marketing and communications activity in the market. - Steward the Ascension brand with associates within the organization and with external audiences in the market and service area. - Work closely with market leadership to understand the competitive environment, market share/market shift, business targets, growth drivers, opportunities, and rapid response. - Collaborate with colleagues within the Marketing and Communications Function to execute and implement the strategic marketing and communications plan, identify influential channels, and implement tactics. - Responsible for understanding and acting on business KPIs and financial analytics to meet business goals. - Lead internal, associate, issues, and change management, and executive communications for the market, as well as external communications, thought leadership, and earned media. - Build and maintain relationships with internal and/or external colleagues, stakeholders, opinion leaders, and policymakers as needed to support the advancement of Ascension's mission. - Oversee ongoing talent development and team management of the Baltimore-based associates on the Marketing and Communications team. **ASSUMPTION:** This role requires strong leadership, project management, and strategic decision-making skills, with a focus on driving results and meeting business objectives. **🎯 Required Qualifications** **Education:** - High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job-specific experience, with 2 of those years in leadership/management OR - Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job-specific experience, with 2 of those years in leadership/management. **Experience:** - 8-10 years in a leadership role with strategic decision-making responsibilities, team management, and project management, including marketing and/or communication experience (highly preferred). - Healthcare background (highly preferred). **Required Skills:** - Marketing and communications expertise - Strategic planning and execution - Brand management and stewardship - Relationship management and stakeholder engagement - Project management and deadline-driven delivery - Business acumen and KPI analysis - Team management and talent development - Strong leadership and decision-making skills **Preferred Skills:** - Master's level degree - Marketing and communications degree - Experience with healthcare industry trends and best practices **💰 Compensation & Benefits** **Salary Range:** $110,240 - $153,668 per year (Eligible for an annual bonus incentive) **Benefits:** - Paid time off (PTO) - Various health insurance options and wellness plans - Retirement benefits including employer match plans - Long-term and short-term disability - Employee assistance programs (EAP) - Parental leave and adoption assistance - Tuition reimbursement - Community engagement opportunities **Working Hours:** Full-time, 40 hours per week **ASSUMPTION:** The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a role of this level, experience, and location. The benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support the well-being of employees and their families. **📌 Applicant Insights** **🔍 Company Context** **Industry:** Healthcare **Company Size:** 5,001-10,000 employees (Mid-size) **Founded:** 1911 (Ascension was founded in 1911, and St. Vincent Hospital, now Ascension St. Vincent, was founded in 1875.) **Company Description:** Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. In FY2018, Ascension provided nearly $2 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes approximately 156,000 associates and 34,000 aligned providers. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 151 hospitals and more than 50 senior living facilities – in 21 states and the District of Columbia, while providing a variety of services including physician practice management, venture capital investing, investment management, biomedical engineering, facilities management, clinical care management, information services, risk management, and contracting through Ascension’s own group purchasing organization. **Company Specialties:** Ascension specializes in providing compassionate, personalized care to all, with a focus on those most in need. The organization offers a wide range of services, including acute care, primary care, urgent care, and specialty care, as well as post-acute care and senior living services. **Company Website:** healthcare.ascension.org **ASSUMPTION:** Ascension's mission, vision, and values guide all aspects of the organization's operations, with a focus on delivering high-quality, compassionate care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. **📊 Role Analysis** **Career Level:** Executive (Director-level role) **Reporting Structure:** This role reports directly to the Market Executive and works closely with other market leaders, including the Chief Strategy Officer and other leaders across the Ministry. **Work Arrangement:** On-site, full-time position based in Baltimore, Maryland. **Growth Opportunities:** - This role offers the opportunity to work closely with market leadership and contribute to the strategic direction of the organization. - With Ascension's focus on growth and expansion, there may be opportunities for career advancement within the organization. - The role also provides the chance to develop and mentor team members, fostering a culture of growth and development. **ASSUMPTION:** This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization's marketing and communications efforts and contribute to its overall success. **🌍 Location & Work Environment** **Office Type:** Ascension's office environment is professional and collaborative, with a focus on fostering open communication and teamwork. **Office Location(s):** Ascension's headquarters are located in St. Louis, Missouri, with regional offices and facilities throughout the United States. The specific office location for this role is in Baltimore, Maryland. **Geographic Context:** - Baltimore, Maryland, is the largest city in the state and is located on the Chesapeake Bay. - The city is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and diverse neighborhoods. - Baltimore has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm, humid summers. **Work Schedule:** The work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, with the possibility of occasional weekend or evening work as needed to meet project deadlines or attend events. **ASSUMPTION:** The work environment at Ascension is supportive and collaborative, with a focus on fostering open communication and teamwork. The organization values diversity and inclusion, and encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives to the table. **💼 Interview & Application Insights** **Typical Process:** 1. Online application submission 2. Phone or video screening 3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager 4. Final interview with key stakeholders or panel 5. Background check and offer extension **Key Assessment Areas:** - Marketing and communications expertise - Strategic planning and execution - Brand management and stewardship - Relationship management and stakeholder engagement - Project management and deadline-driven delivery - Business acumen and KPI analysis - Team management and talent development - Strong leadership and decision-making skills **Application Tips:** - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. - Be prepared to discuss your marketing and communications strategies and how you've executed them in previous roles. - Research Ascension's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit and alignment with the organization's goals. - Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and Ascension's growth plans to demonstrate your interest and engagement. **ATS Keywords:** Marketing, Communications, Strategic Planning, Brand Management, Relationship Management, Project Management, Business Acumen, Team Management, Leadership, Healthcare, Ascension **ASSUMPTION:** The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's marketing and communications expertise, strategic planning skills, and leadership abilities, as well as their cultural fit with Ascension's mission and values. **🛠️ Tools & Technologies** - Marketing and communications software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Hootsuite, Buffer) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project) - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs) - Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) - Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) **ASSUMPTION:** The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for marketing and communications professionals and can be learned or improved upon with relevant training and experience. **👔 Cultural Fit Considerations** **Company Values:** - Compassion: We care for and about those we serve. - Excellence: We strive to provide exceptional care and service. - Integrity: We act with honesty and transparency in all we do. - Dignity: We treat our patients, visitors, and colleagues with the utmost respect. - Stewardship: We are responsible for using our resources wisely, for the good of our patients and the community. **Work Style:** - Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on open communication and active listening. - Results-driven and focused on meeting business objectives and KPIs. - Adaptable and responsive to change, with a willingness to learn and grow in the role. - Strong leadership and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage and mentor team members. **Self-Assessment Questions:** 1. How do your personal values align with Ascension's core values? 2. Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated exceptional leadership and decision-making skills in a marketing or communications project? 3. How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, opinion leaders, and policymakers to support an organization's mission? 4. Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change or challenge in a marketing or communications project, and how you responded to ensure its success? **ASSUMPTION:** Ascension values candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and values, as well as a commitment to delivering exceptional care and service to patients and the community. **⚠️ Potential Challenges** 1. **Market dynamics:** The healthcare market is dynamic and competitive, with constant changes in regulations, reimbursement models, and consumer behavior. The successful candidate must be able to adapt to these changes and develop innovative marketing and communications strategies to maintain market share and drive growth. 2. **Stakeholder management:** Ascension has a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, providers, payers, and community members. Balancing the needs and expectations of these diverse groups can be challenging, and the successful candidate must be able to navigate these relationships effectively. 3. **Team management:** The role requires overseeing a team of marketing and communications professionals, with the need to balance individual development with team goals and objectives. The successful candidate must be able to motivate and manage team members effectively, fostering a culture of growth and development. 4. **Work-life balance:** The role may require occasional weekend or evening work to meet project deadlines or attend events, which can be challenging for candidates with personal or family commitments. **ASSUMPTION:** Ascension is committed to supporting the well-being of its employees and offers a range of benefits and resources to help them balance their work and personal lives. However, the nature of the role may require occasional flexibility to meet business needs. **📈 Similar Roles Comparison** 1. **Marketing Director (Healthcare):** This role is similar to the Director, Marketing and Communications role, with a focus on driving marketing strategies and tactics to meet business targets. However, the Marketing Director role may have a broader scope, including responsibility for market research, market segmentation, and pricing strategies. 2. **Communications Director (Healthcare):** This role is similar to the Director, Marketing and Communications role, with a focus on managing internal and external communications, brand stewardship, and thought leadership. However, the Communications Director role may have a more narrow focus, with less responsibility for market analysis, consumer engagement, and business development. 3. **Business Development Director (Healthcare):** This role is similar to the Director, Marketing and Communications role, with a focus on driving business growth and development through strategic partnerships, market expansion, and new service line launches. However, the Business Development Director role may have less responsibility for marketing and communications strategies, consumer engagement, and brand stewardship. **ASSUMPTION:** Each of these roles requires a unique set of skills and experiences, with some overlap in responsibilities and required qualifications. Candidates should assess their strengths and interests to determine the best fit for their career goals. **📝 Sample Projects** 1. **Market segmentation and targeting project:** Develop a market segmentation and targeting strategy to identify and engage high-value patient segments, improving consumer engagement and retention. 2. **Brand refresh project:** Lead a brand refresh initiative to update Ascension's visual identity, messaging, and tone of voice, ensuring consistent and compelling communication across all channels. 3. **Campaign launch project:** Plan, execute, and measure the success of a multi-channel marketing campaign to promote a new service line or facility, driving patient acquisition and market share growth. **ASSUMPTION:** These sample projects are designed to illustrate the types of initiatives the successful candidate might lead or contribute to in this role. The specific projects and their scope will depend on the organization's priorities and business objectives. **❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview** 1. Can you describe the organization's marketing and communications strategy for the next 1-3 years, and how this role fits into that plan? 2. How does the organization support the professional development and growth of its marketing and communications team members? 3. Can you provide an example of a successful marketing or communications campaign the organization has launched recently, and what made it effective? 4. How does the organization measure the success of its marketing and communications efforts, and how does this role contribute to that process? 5. Can you describe the team structure and dynamics of the marketing and communications department, and how this role fits within that structure? **ASSUMPTION:** These key questions are designed to help the candidate understand the organization's marketing and communications strategy, team dynamics, and growth opportunities, as well as their fit within the role and the organization's long-term goals. **📌 Next Steps for Applicants** To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the provided link: https://jobs.ascension.org/us/en/job/AHEAHUUS392833EXTERNALENUS/Director-Marketing-and-Communications 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role, emphasizing your marketing and communications expertise, strategic planning skills, and leadership abilities. 3. Prepare for phone or video screening, in-person or virtual interviews, and final interviews with key stakeholders or panels, focusing on your marketing and communications strategies, brand management and stewardship, relationship management and stakeholder engagement, project management and deadline-driven delivery, and business acumen and KPI analysis. 4. Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview, expressing your interest in the role and asking any remaining questions about the position or the organization. 5. If selected for the role, complete the background check process and any additional onboarding requirements. **⚠️ Disclaimer** This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.