Mgr Strategic Communications | Strategic Communication| Full-Time| Days

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Strategic Communications

🔹 Company: UF Health

🔹 Location: Gainesville, FL, USA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

🔹 Category: Strategic Communication

🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing strategic communications initiatives and core internal communications programs
• Serving as communications lead for key projects and supporting executive leaders
• Directing the work of strategic communications staff and providing team leadership
• Managing department needs and guiding the team in the director's absence
• Supporting issues management and serving as lead for internal/corporate issue response

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organizational skills, project management experience, and strong communication abilities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in strategic communications and experience working in a corporate or academic communications environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage strategic communications initiatives and core internal communications programs and tools

✅ Serve as communications lead for key projects and support executive and management-level leaders

✅ Manage department needs and guide the team in the director's absence

✅ Direct the work of strategic communications staff in a significant portion of their regular internal communications responsibilities

✅ Serve as team lead and/or provide oversight of team members for key projects and provide full supervision of one or two communications interns each semester

✅ Support issues management and serve as lead for internal/corporate issue response in the director's absence

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of strategic communications, project management, and team leadership skills. The ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively with various stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a relevant area; master's degree preferred

Experience: Minimum of five years of communications experience, preferably in a hospital/health care setting

Required Skills:

• Project management experience
• Proven track record in strategic communications and promotions planning
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Ability to lead collaborative project teams and provide team leadership
• Experience working in a corporate or academic communications environment
• Knowledge of communication tools and platforms

Preferred Skills:

• Supervisory experience
• Experience in issues management
• Familiarity with healthcare industry-specific communications

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in healthcare communications and supervisory roles will be strongly considered for this position. Relevant experience in corporate or academic communications environments is also valuable.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (based on industry standards for a manager-level position in strategic communications in the healthcare industry in Gainesville, FL)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with some flexibility for project demands)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on the candidate's employment status.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Hospitals and Health Care. UF Health is a world-class academic health center in Florida, encompassing hospitals, physician practices, colleges, centers, institutes, programs, and services across northeast and north-central Florida.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. UF Health represents the shared vision and commitment to patient care excellence of more than 22,000 employees of the University of Florida Health Science Center and UF Health Shands health care system.

Founded: 1958. UF Health has a rich history and a strong reputation for providing high-quality healthcare services and advancing medical research.

Company Description:

• UF Health is a comprehensive academic health center offering a wide range of healthcare services, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty care centers
• The organization is committed to providing patient-centered care, conducting innovative research, and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals
• UF Health is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities through excellence in patient care, education, and research

Company Specialties:

• Hospital and health care services
• Medical education and research
• Specialty care and treatment
• Community health and wellness initiatives

Company Website: http://www.ufhealth.org

ASSUMPTION: UF Health is a large, complex organization with a wide range of departments and services. This role may involve working with various stakeholders across the organization, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Managerial. This role is responsible for managing strategic communications initiatives, leading project teams, and supporting executive leaders.

Reporting Structure: This position reports directly to the Director of Strategic Communications and may have supervisory responsibilities for communications staff and interns.

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, with some flexibility for project demands. The role may require occasional work outside of regular business hours to meet project deadlines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a director-level position within the strategic communications department
• Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of healthcare communications and project management
• Possibility to work on high-profile projects and initiatives that impact the organization's strategic goals

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the strategic communications field. Candidates with a strong desire to learn and advance their careers will find this position appealing.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a hybrid work arrangement possible for the right candidate

Office Location(s): 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA

Geographic Context:

• Gainesville is a mid-sized city in north-central Florida, with a population of approximately 130,000 people
• The city is home to the University of Florida, which contributes to its vibrant and diverse culture
• Gainesville offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor recreation, arts, and entertainment

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with some flexibility for project demands)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working in an on-site environment and have the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders in person.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the strategic communications team
• Final interview with the director of strategic communications
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Project management experience and skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Understanding of strategic communications and healthcare industry-specific communications
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in strategic communications, project management, and team leadership
• Provide specific examples of your accomplishments in previous roles to demonstrate your qualifications
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the organization to show your interest and engagement

ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Project Management, Team Leadership, Healthcare Communications, Internal Communications, Issue Management, Corporate Communications, Writing, Editing, Proofreading, Collaborative Teams, Stakeholder Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the number of applicants and the organization's hiring timeline. Applicants should be prepared to provide specific examples of their qualifications and experiences during the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have experience with a variety of communication and project management tools, as well as the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Patient-centered care
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Excellence in education and research
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Work Style:

• Results-driven and goal-oriented
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record in strategic communications and project management?
• Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-based environment?
• Do you have strong communication skills, both written and verbal?
• Are you able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines?
• Do you share UF Health's commitment to patient-centered care, collaboration, and excellence?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be a strong cultural fit for UF Health, with a commitment to the organization's values and a desire to contribute to its mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Working with various stakeholders across the organization, with diverse needs and expectations
• Adapting to changes in project scope or priorities
• Meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards
• Navigating a large, complex organization with a wide range of departments and services

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be able to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively, communicate clearly and persuasively with various stakeholders, and adapt to changes in project scope or priorities as needed.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Strategic Communications Manager or a Communications Project Manager in other organizations, but may have additional supervisory responsibilities and a focus on internal communications
• In the healthcare industry, this role may have unique challenges and opportunities related to communicating complex medical information and navigating regulatory requirements
• Career paths for this role may include advancement to a director-level position within the strategic communications department, or transition to a related role in another department or organization

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have experience in strategic communications and project management, with a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of the healthcare industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive internal communications plan to improve employee engagement and alignment with organizational goals
• Managing a team to create and distribute a series of targeted communications to address a specific issue or crisis
• Collaborating with stakeholders across the organization to develop and launch a new brand or rebranding initiative

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have experience managing strategic communications projects and teams, with a track record of successful outcomes and positive impact on organizational goals.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role support the strategic goals of the organization and the strategic communications department?
• What are the key challenges facing the strategic communications department, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and stakeholders within the organization?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the strategic communications department and the organization as a whole?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be curious and engaged, with a desire to understand the organization's strategic goals and the role's place within them.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in strategic communications, project management, and team leadership
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the organization to show your interest and engagement
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the position

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