Director, Public Relations at Medline Industries, Inc. in Northfield, Illinois

Job Description:

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Corporate Communications, the Director of Public Relations is a senior, people-oriented and proactive leader charged with directing external communications for Medline, including Public Relations (PR) and Public Affairs (PA) initiatives.

As an active member and leader of the Medline Corporate Communications team, identify opportunities and tools to enhance the company's external presence and reputation and help drive mind share that leads to market share.

Lead, guide and manage Medline’s PR/PA teams responsible for the messaging and dissemination of external media information and communication.

Job Description

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the development and execution of all media relations and external communications activities of the team, including social media and thought leadership program.




• Accountable for the development and management of a variety of communications and public/media relations work concerning the organization's programs, initiatives and events.




• Responsible for implementation of strategic communications programs, which include community, social media and media relations.




• Build relationships and work with high-level decision-makers among our customers and national leaders in the healthcare industry.




• Position requires regular interaction with senior leaders across the company to help deliver integrated external communications that support the sales organization and the Company’s strategic priorities.




• Develop and manage a thought leadership program that includes written and speaking engagement tactics and works closely with social media team on the digital execution of the same.




• Ensure teams develop and implement a broad range of multichannel PR campaigns, including trade/B2B/consumer coverage, to align with strategic direction and positioning of the organization and brand.




• Manage the company’s PA and stakeholder relations needs, including monitoring the public climate and recommending programs that reflect the organization's viewpoint.




• Develop and maintain lines of communication with media contacts and other external audience groups. Work with national media and TV/radio producers to enhance Medline’s presence and business opportunity.




• In conjunction with a team of direct reports, will write news releases, backgrounders, talking points, video scripts, media pitches and other material as needed. Provide written material for various channels including Medline.com Newsroom, newsletter and articles.

Management responsibilities include: 

• Typically manages through multiple Managers




• Provide leadership and management to one or more major departments of an operating unit or to a department that has system-wide accountability




• Strategic, tactical and operational planning (12 + months) for the function or department




• Direct budgetary responsibility for one or more departments, functions or major projects/programs




• Interpret and execute policies for departments/projects; develop, recommend and implement new policies or modifications to existing policies




• Hiring staff, recommending pay increases, performing performance reviews, training and development of staff, estimating personnel needs, assigning work, meeting completion dates, interpreting and ensuring consistent application of organizational policies

 

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field.

Certification / Licensure:

• n/a

Work Experience:

• At least 7 years extensive corporate communications and/or Agency experience entailing both traditional and non-traditional communications and mediums.




• At least 4years of experience managing people, including hiring, developing, motivating and directing people as they work.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Hands-on experience managing a highly proactive PR strategy.




• Track-record of success in navigating complicated and strategic communications, PA and crisis management situations.




• Experience and skills in influencing, leading and directing individuals in multiple functional areas.




• Experience presenting to senior management or C-suite with the purpose of influencing company or client decisions




• Demonstrated ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations.




• Experience presenting to and communicating with various audiences (ex. others with differing language, senior management and non-technical audiences).




• Proven ability to work across geographies with an inclusive mindset.




• Excellent analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail and a personal reputation for honesty, integrity and above-reproach ethics.




• Experience collaborating with (internal resources, external resources, both) to develop strategies that meet department goals within budget and established timelines.




• Time management skills such as prioritizing/organizing and tracking details and meeting deadlines of multiple projects with varying completion dates.

PREFERRED JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Work Experience:

• Experience managing external PR agencies.




• Experience working in/with a large, matrixed corporate environment.




• Experience working in/with the healthcare sector.




• Experience representing large organizations publicly through media discussions or appearances.

Benefits - Medline is committed to offering competitive benefits and a variety of choices to best meet the needs of you and your family. For employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week, this includes health and well-being, financial fitness, career development, paid time off and more. Employees scheduled to work less than 30 hours per week can participate in the 401(k) plan, access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERG) and Medline Service Corps. For a more comprehensive list of our benefits, please click here.

Every day, we’re focused on building a more diverse and inclusive company, one that recognizes, values and respects the differences we all bring to the workplace. From doing what’s right to delivering business results, together, we’re better. Explore our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page here.

Medline Industries, LP is an equal opportunity employer. Medline evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

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