Pinkston
Director, Healthcare Communications
The Director, Healthcare Communications, is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing high-impact communications strategies for healthcare clients, including public health and mission-driven organizations. This individual brings a wealth of direct experience in media engagementserving as a spokesperson, press secretary, reporter, or senior advisorand is adept at navigating complex, regulated healthcare environments to achieve client objectives. The Director plays a vital external and internal role, serving as a senior client advisor, coach, team leader, and media expert. The Director ensures excellence in strategy, message development, media relations, crisis navigation, and team development. Success in this role will require furthering the public's understanding of healthcare policies in line with current federal priorities and policy directives. Status: Exempt Salaried Work Location: Falls Church, Virginia Travel: 5-10% Role Responsibilities (Pitching/writing, media intel, client relations) Lead the strategic vision, planning, and execution of communications programs for healthcare-focused clients, including public health organizations Serve as senior communications advisor to client leadershipguiding interview preparation, message development, media briefings, and overall media strategy Act as spokesperson or designated media representative for clients as needed or coach others in these roles Leverage experience as a reporter, press secretary, or other similar role to anticipate media narratives, identify reputational risks, and guide client responses Develop and direct crisis communications plans and manage rapid response to protect client reputations in sensitive situations Provide innovative insights on public health messaging, government relations, and community engagement relevant to healthcare Oversee account teams, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with client expectations, contract terms, and organizational best practices Direct media relations strategy, cultivating relationships with top-tier trade, consumer, and policy media; lead pitching efforts for major announcements and thought leadership Train and mentor staff in advanced interview preparation and public affairs strategy Partner with firm leadership for business development, including proposal presentations and pitching new business Ensure compliance with relevant regulations when communicating about healthcare topics (HIPAA, etc.) Foster a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and shared success within account teams
The Director, Healthcare Communications, is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing high-impact communications strategies for healthcare clients, including public health and mission-driven organizations. This individual brings a wealth of direct experience in media engagementserving as a spokesperson, press secretary, reporter, or senior advisorand is adept at navigating complex, regulated healthcare environments to achieve client objectives. The Director plays a vital external and internal role, serving as a senior client advisor, coach, team leader, and media expert. The Director ensures excellence in strategy, message development, media relations, crisis navigation, and team development. Success in this role will require furthering the public's understanding of healthcare policies in line with current federal priorities and policy directives. Status: Exempt Salaried Work Location: Falls Church, Virginia Travel: 5-10% Role Responsibilities (Pitching/writing, media intel, client relations) Lead the strategic vision, planning, and execution of communications programs for healthcare-focused clients, including public health organizations Serve as senior communications advisor to client leadershipguiding interview preparation, message development, media briefings, and overall media strategy Act as spokesperson or designated media representative for clients as needed or coach others in these roles Leverage experience as a reporter, press secretary, or other similar role to anticipate media narratives, identify reputational risks, and guide client responses Develop and direct crisis communications plans and manage rapid response to protect client reputations in sensitive situations Provide innovative insights on public health messaging, government relations, and community engagement relevant to healthcare Oversee account teams, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with client expectations, contract terms, and organizational best practices Direct media relations strategy, cultivating relationships with top-tier trade, consumer, and policy media; lead pitching efforts for major announcements and thought leadership Train and mentor staff in advanced interview preparation and public affairs strategy Partner with firm leadership for business development, including proposal presentations and pitching new business Ensure compliance with relevant regulations when communicating about healthcare topics (HIPAA, etc.) Foster a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and shared success within account teams