Job Description

As the largest health system serving Vermont and northern New York, the Chief External Relations Officer ("CERO") will drive the development and implementation of the University of Vermont Health Network\xe2\x80\x99s ("UVMHN\xe2\x80\x99s") comprehensive external relations strategies and programs, including through strategic communications, internal and external engagement, media, social media, strategic community relations and advocacy, all in support of the strategic, operational and business planning activities of the UVMHN. The public relations strategy will align the state and federal policies regarding health care and the public sentiment in support of the UVMHN\xe2\x80\x99s mission, while articulating the value proposition of our services, and support the move to value-based care and population health management.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to build successful relationships across a matrixed organization and have the flexibility, diplomacy, stamina, and resilience to excel in an environment that is nimble, complex, and highly distributed. While experience working within a hospital or health care setting is strongly preferred, UVMHN is open to considering candidates from within the health sciences and those who have exceptional leadership credentials within organizations similar to UVMHN in scale and complexity.

The successful candidate will have an understanding of and appreciation for the significance of UVMHN\xe2\x80\x99s role in the region and will possess an inspiring vision for the Network\xe2\x80\x99s mission, commitment to the pursuit of excellence and dedication to improving the health of the people in the communities served. The CERO is the senior leader responsible for the development and implementation of strategic advocacy and community relations plans at the local, state, and federal levels.

This individual will identify opportunities to advance the organization\xe2\x80\x99s population health goals, focusing on partnerships with key community stakeholders and serves as a public liaison with external groups and partners and oversees external strategic engagement. This person will provide leadership for the development of external relations and advocacy plans, designed to enhance the reputation of the academic medical center and UVM Health Network as a leader in health care delivery in the region, nationally and as an approachable, responsible local partner through organizational message development, reputation management, and ensuring messaging and work plans are aligned across external relations, marketing, communications, community health improvement and development.

This position will provide strategic leadership in the establishment of a proactive and integrated communication program. This role is responsible for implementation of comprehensive internal and external communication strategies that further strengthen the UVMHN brand and elevate awareness of the full scope of the organization\xe2\x80\x99s mission of patient care, teaching, research, and community service among internal, local, and national audiences. The CERO aligns efforts to bolster reputation/relationship management and broaden awareness of UVMHN programs/priorities. This person will collaborate with a large contingent of key internal and external stakeholders including members of the Board of Trustees, Network Operations Group, Network Clinical Leadership Group, and Senior Leadership Teams of partner organizations, while regularly partnering with the UVM Larner College of Medicine and College of Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as with various external consultants or other advisors. This individual will also maintain strong relationships with local and regional community partners, demonstrating an ability to be culturally sensitive in progressive clinical and business development situations.

EDUCATION:

Relevant degree in communications or government relations or related field required.

Relevant advanced degree in communications, marketing, public relations, government relations or healthcare policy preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 10 years of experience in healthcare or related industry with communications, media, public relations and/or government relations.

Minimum 5 years in leadership roles within appropriate industry.

University of Vermont Health Network