The Director of Public Relations has overall accountability for planning, developing, implementing, and directing a strategic public relations and corporate communications program to position Kaiser Permanente as the preferred health plan and health care provider in Georgia. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, the director leads and directs staff in producing measurable impact and results in positive brand awareness, image, reputation, and employee engagement. The director has significant leadership responsibility and accountability for crisis and situation management; media relations, social and new media management, promotions, and special events. Must be able to counsel and support executives, have knowledge of traditional and new media and ability to analyze and interpret complex information and convert to messages and communications appropriate to the target audience. Must be a highly skilled writer and editor as well as a team player with a high level of integrity. Must be flexible and able to work cooperatively with national and local staff in a fast-paced, integrated communications environment focused on message alignment, results, and efficient use of resources.

Essential Responsibilities:
Develops and manages a strategic public relations program that includes media relations, reputation management, stakeholder communications and corporate communications and employee engagement.

Manages and tracks public relations budget and expenditures, ensuring that funds are used in the most productive, cost-effective way.

Leads reputation management efforts, including managing, monitoring and responding to social media as well as supporting stakeholder engagement.

Develops and oversees a strategic media relations program, proactively working with news media to generate positive coverage, as well as actively assessing and responding to inquiries from reporters.

Serves as a company spokesperson and is a key leader in issues, reputation, and crisis management.

Plans and manages large special public and internal events, promotions, and meetings.

Directs work of Public Relations team and collaborates with other key staff to ensure that messages are aligned, the organization speaks with one voice, and that appropriate leaders, physicians and staff are media/presentation and trained and can deliver messages effectively.

Counsels and supports Region's executives in becoming more effective communicators and in furthering the interests of KP through corporate positioning in the community.

Directs, manages, and evaluates the work of public relations team.

Develops and manages external communications, including brochures, KP.org press room, speeches, position papers, ob-ed pieces, presentations, talking points, key messages, videos, scripts, etc.

Develops processes, guidelines, and templates to ensure that letters, flyers, posters, and other communications produced in various departments are aligned with the brand.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Requirements:
Must be an articulate highly motivated strategic thinker with a commitment to excellence.
Must have demonstrated oral and written communications skills, including ability to counsel executives and to make and to help others make effective speeches, talks and presentations.
Must have proven ability to lead teams, to influence others and to effectively manage people, issues, and relationships in a complex, fast-paced environment.
Must be creative as well as have excellent planning, analytical and budget management skills.
Established relationships with local news media.

Master's degree in related field preferred.