Director Public Relations

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director Public Relations

🔹 Company: Medical University of South Carolina

🔹 Location: Charleston, South Carolina, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Healthcare, Public Relations

🔹 Date Posted: May 5, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategic public relations initiatives to enhance the visibility and public image of the academic health system.
• Supervising and mentoring the media relations team, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Directing the crisis management sub-team and ensuring preparedness and effective response during emergencies.
• Contributing to MUSC’s internal and external publication channels (The Catalyst, newsletters, etc.).

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and crisis management skills. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public relations and a strong understanding of healthcare and academic institutions.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Represent Communications in the integrated PR planning process, including researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive communication plans (internal and external) that align with the academic health system's goals and objectives.

✅ Lead the media relations team, providing guidance and support to ensure effective media engagement and coverage, analytics and reporting. Manage processes, approve press releases, and public statements and foster relationships with journalists and media outlets to ensure positive coverage for MUSC. Represent the organization as a spokesperson, when needed. Organize and manage PR events, including press conferences and media briefings. Lead media training to prepare subject matter experts and leaders for media interviews and/or public appearances.

✅ Support the development of internal communication strategies through campaign development and processes creation that keep all internal stakeholders informed and engaged. Develop newsletters, intranet (Horseshoe) content, and internal announcements. Manage information shared with employees and key stakeholders, write and approve internal messages and stories, engage subject matter experts to find the right voice to tell the stories. The Director will collaborate closely with the internal communicators across the organization.

✅ Oversee the production of high-quality PR materials including content for various platforms such as social media, websites, and print (newspapers), etc. Ensure all content such as press releases, articles, etc. are accurate, engaging, and aligned with the organization's brand. Create compelling stories, speeches and presentations, ensuring messages are clear, impactful, and aligned with organizational goals.

✅ Direct the crisis management team, ensuring preparedness and timely, transparent, effective response during emergencies.

✅ Support the development, posting, measurement, and reporting of thought leader social media content to enhance the organization's online presence and engagement. Collaborate with the social media manager and team.

✅ Build dashboards to track and analyze communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven improvements. Oversee special communication projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives, as assigned.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong leadership, team management, and crisis management skills. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public relations and a proven track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Experience: 8 years progressive work experience and 3 years management experience

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies.
• Mastery of AP style writing.
• Proven experience in managing communications during high-pressure situations and crises.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to inspire and collaborate with diverse teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Strong understanding of internal communications, social media, government workings (including in SC) and experience working with journalists and media outlets. Relationships with SC media required; national relationships a plus.
• Strong media relations experience and crisis communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms (ie. Meltwater, etc.)

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in PR, communications, crisis communications, with a focus on strategic planning and evaluation.
• Experience in healthcare and academic institutions.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 12 years of experience in public relations and communications. Strong leadership skills and experience in crisis management are essential for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a Director-level role in healthcare public relations in South Carolina)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for on-call and emergency situations

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Director-level role in healthcare public relations in South Carolina. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a comprehensive academic health system dedicated to delivering the highest quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond.

Company Size: MUSC Health is one of the largest academic health systems in the Southeast, with 15 hospitals, more than 350 telehealth sites and connectivity to patients’ homes, and nearly 750 care locations situated in all regions of South Carolina. It has a collective annual budget of $4.4 billion and employs nearly 25,000 team members.

Founded: MUSC was founded in 1824 and is the oldest medical school in the South.

Company Description:

• MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond.
• MUSC Health provides patient care at 15 hospitals, more than 350 telehealth sites and connectivity to patients’ homes, and nearly 750 care locations situated in all regions of South Carolina.
• MUSC is committed to improving the health of the communities it serves through innovative research, comprehensive medical education, and exceptional patient care.

Company Specialties:

• Health care
• Academic Medical Center
• Community Health
• Health care research
• Health care innovation
• Medical science center
• Medical School
• Academic Medical System
• Regional medical center
• Specialized health care
• Primary Care
• Secondary Care
• Tertiary Care
• and Health care advocacy

Company Website: muschealth.org

ASSUMPTION: MUSC is a large and complex organization with a wide range of specialties and services. The ideal candidate for the Director Public Relations role will have experience working in a similarly sized and structured organization and be familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the Director level, reporting directly to the Senior Executive Director Communications and working closely with the Senior Director Enterprise Communications. It is a senior leadership position with significant responsibility for the strategic direction of public relations initiatives across the academic health system.

Reporting Structure: The Director Public Relations will report directly to the Senior Executive Director Communications and work closely with the Senior Director Enterprise Communications. They will supervise and mentor the media relations team and direct the crisis management sub-team.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with flexibility for remote work during emergencies or as needed. The Director Public Relations may be required to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to manage crises and other urgent situations.

Growth Opportunities:

• This role offers the opportunity to grow and develop leadership skills in a complex and dynamic organization.
• The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of public relations initiatives across the academic health system and make a significant impact on the organization's reputation and success.
• There may be opportunities for career advancement within the communications department or the broader academic health system.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong track record of success in public relations and a proven ability to lead and manage teams. They will also have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Medical University of South Carolina's main campus is located in Charleston, South Carolina, with additional facilities and care locations throughout the state.

Office Location(s): The Director Public Relations will be based at the main campus in Charleston, with the possibility of working remotely during emergencies or as needed.

Geographic Context:

• Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina and the county seat of Charleston County. It is located on the Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean.
• The city has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
• Charleston is known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It is a popular tourist destination and home to a growing tech industry.

Work Schedule: The Director Public Relations will typically work a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexibility for on-call and emergency situations. They may be required to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to manage crises and other urgent situations.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and able to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines. They will also have a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system in a coastal city.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Leadership and team management skills
• Crisis management experience
• Writing and editing skills
• Media relations experience
• Understanding of healthcare and academic institutions
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with crisis management and media relations in a healthcare setting.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system.
• Showcase your leadership and team management skills, as well as your ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Be ready to provide examples of your writing and editing skills, as well as your experience with strategic planning and execution.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Crisis Management, Media Relations, Strategic Planning, Content Creation, Internal Communications, Team Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Social Media, Writing, Editing, Leadership, Communication Strategies, Analytics, Collaboration, Digital Communication, Healthcare, Academic Health System, Crisis Communications, Media Relations Experience

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong track record of success in public relations and a proven ability to lead and manage teams. They will also have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Meltwater
• AP Stylebook
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Crisis communication software and platforms
• Social media management tools

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have experience with digital communication tools and platforms, as well as a strong understanding of AP style writing and crisis communication best practices.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Compassion
• Stewardship

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Results-driven
• Adaptable and flexible
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of success in public relations, with a strong focus on strategic planning and execution?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and able to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines?
• Do you have experience working in a similarly sized and structured organization and are familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system?
• Are you able to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization?
• Do you have a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system in a coastal city?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be a strong cultural fit for MUSC, with a proven track record of success in public relations and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role may require irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to manage crises and other urgent situations.
• The role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong leadership, team management, and crisis management skills.
• The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public relations and a strong understanding of healthcare and academic institutions.
• The role may require travel to other locations within South Carolina as needed to manage crises and other urgent situations.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and able to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines. They will also have a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system in a coastal city.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Director of Communications or Public Relations role in a large academic health system, but with a focus on crisis management and media relations.
• Unlike other roles in the field, this position requires a strong understanding of healthcare and academic institutions, as well as experience working with journalists and media outlets in South Carolina.
• This role offers the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of public relations initiatives across the academic health system and make a significant impact on the organization's reputation and success.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have extensive experience in public relations and a strong understanding of healthcare and academic institutions. They will also have a proven track record of success in crisis management and media relations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive communication plan for a major crisis or emergency situation
• Managing a team of media relations professionals to secure positive coverage for the academic health system in local, regional, and national media outlets
• Creating and implementing a social media strategy to enhance the organization's online presence and engagement
• Writing and editing speeches, presentations, and other communication materials for senior leadership and subject matter experts

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have extensive experience in public relations and a strong understanding of healthcare and academic institutions. They will also have a proven track record of success in crisis management and media relations.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workday for this role and how it may vary during crises or other urgent situations?
• How does the organization support work-life balance for employees in this role?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in an academic health system, and how does the organization address these challenges?
• How does the organization approach crisis management and communication during emergencies?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the communications department and the broader academic health system?
• How does the organization support collaboration and communication across different departments and locations?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and able to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines. They will also have a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system in a coastal city.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the MUSC job portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your experience with crisis management and media relations in a healthcare setting.
• Prepare a portfolio of relevant work, including writing samples, media coverage, and other examples of your public relations experience.
• Be ready to discuss your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in an academic health system, as well as your ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.