Job Summary
The Director of Communications is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and elevating the organization’s reputation through compelling brand storytelling, proactive national media engagement, and effective issues and crisis management. This role oversees all external and internal communications activities, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and a consistent, authentic brand voice. The Director will lead a communications team and collaborate closely with executive leadership, sales, marketing, HR, field operations and partnerships, and others.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:
Strategic Communications Leadership
- Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy that enhances brand reputation and supports organizational goals.
- Build and maintain a cohesive narrative that amplifies Air Methods’ key differentiators to support growth efforts.
- Provide strategic counsel to senior executives on communications opportunities, risks, and positioning.
Media Relations & National Outreach
- Lead national media strategy, including story development, pitching, relationship management, and prominent placements.
- Identify and cultivate strong relationships with top-tier journalists, editors, producers, and influential media outlets.
- Oversee media training for executives and subject-matter experts.
Brand Storytelling
- Drive the creation of compelling content that brings the brand to life across channels, including earned media, owned platforms, and executive communications.
- Ensure consistent messaging and tone across all communications touchpoints.
- Partner with marketing and creative teams to amplify brand visibility.
Crisis & Issues Management
- Lead crisis communications planning, response, and rapid-reaction efforts, including development of statements, FAQs, and executive talking points.
- Serve as a trusted advisor, supporting timely and accurate communications.
- Establish and maintain protocols for mitigating reputational risk.
Internal Communications
- Oversee internal communications strategies that strengthen culture, engagement, and change management.
- Ensure employees are informed, inspired, and aligned with organizational priorities.
Team Leadership
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of communications professionals, fostering excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
- Oversee workload prioritization, professional development, and team performance.
Additional job requirements:
- Regular scheduled attendance
- Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling: 20%
Subject to applicable laws and Air Method’s policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position. All employees must follow Air Methods’ employment practices and policies.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises employees in the Communications and Outreach department. Carries out Supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, selecting, hiring, and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems. For Exempt Managers: Managers that carry out these responsibilities for two or more employees will have significant input in hiring and termination decisions.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; and ten (10) or more years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Master’s Degree in Business (MBA) preferred
- Highly experienced in both tactical and strategic business objectives
- In-depth understanding of the area of responsibility to contribute to a wider range of business issues
- Proven track record pitching and securing national media coverage.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and message-development skills.
- Strong experience in healthcare communications.
- Experience leading and developing a team.
Skills
- Demonstrated success in issues and crisis communications.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of collaboration at all levels.
- Ability to manage budgets and measure results
- Ability to influence and counsel executives.
- Read and interpret data to make business decisions and prioritize actions
- Demonstrates high critical thinking, reasoning skills, and problem solving skills
- Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, ability to multi-task efficiently and meet deadlines
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
- Builds partnerships with related departments or functions to enhance efficiency and execution
- Contributes to business sustained growth through leadership and functional expertise
- Initiates, leads and evaluates implementation for functional programs across major business areas
Computer Skills
- Advanced with Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
