Communications Lead

IHA; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MercyOne Health System is seeking a Communications Lead to provide leadership and direction for internal communications across the Des Moines region. You will connect communication needs with system strategies, owning internal communications and engaging clinicians, leaders, and staff.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, initiative, and the ability to handle fast-paced changes while protecting the organization’s mission and values. A Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Experience leading robust internal comms programs.
• Ability to align with organizational strategy and values.
• Proven ability to engage clinicians and leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal communications across MercyOne system.
• Develop and manage communications plans, talking points, and content.
• Coach senior leaders on messaging and engagement.
• Maintain internal channels (newsletters/intranet).
• Collaborate with marketing/MarComm and system offices for consistency.

Skills

Strategic comms

Cross-functional teamwork

Executive communications

Writing & editing

Internal communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing/public relations/journalism

5+ years strategic communications experience

Tools

SharePoint intranet

Job description

Communications Lead

Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Communications Lead! As a Communications Lead at MercyOne you will provide leadership and established direction for internal communications across our Regional Health Ministry. You will work as a liaison to connect communication needs with system strategies, owning internal communications. You will work with a passionate team of marketing and communications colleagues, senior leaders and doctors to engage colleagues and advance our Vision. The ideal candidate thinks strategically, takes initiative, dives deep into details and is energized by juggling priorities. The successful candidate for this role embraces ambiguity, changing tides, and is adept at handling fast-moving situations while anticipating questions and reactions. Lastly, the right candidate should be self-motivated.

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

Day Shift

What You’ll Do

• Work closely and collaboratively across teams to elevate local communications activations (including events, sponsorships and celebrations) and support local departments, service lines and foundations.


• Partner with various stakeholders across the system, evaluating, influencing and providing strategic consult and hands‑on support to ensure MercyOne’s voice is authentic and consistent.


• Advance and protect our Mission, Vision, and Core Values to internal audiences and beyond.


• Optimize internal system‑wide messages per local channels and knowledge to achieve the organization’s strategic priorities


• Work alongside peers to manage and contribute to MercyOne’s internal communications infrastructure, including common platforms.


• Partners with local and Trinity Health System Office MarComm team members as well as stakeholders throughout the system to create compelling communications that inspire and drive desired behavior.


• Craft local internal messages within the MercyOne brand voice to nurture MercyOne’s culture, drive engagement and instill confidence and trust among colleagues and clinicians.


• Write and edit communications plans, talking points, fact sheets, contributed stories, presentations, web and intranet content, video scripts, award nominations, and other communications materials.


• Support and coach senior leaders in building awareness, understanding of and connection to key MercyOne’s Mission, Values, strategies to advance our Key Results.


• Serve as a liaison to the senior leadership team to cascade need to know information to the correct audience in the most appropriate channel.


• Maintain and deploy internal communication channels including newsletters and intranet.


• Continuously ideate and innovate


• Live by our Misson, Values and cultural Beliefs and showcase these MercyOne foundations in your daily work

General Requirements

• Proven experience executing robust communications programs in alignment with marketing and communications strategies


• Experience working with a cross‑functional team.


• Experience building culture and supporting cultural change.


• Experience working in m365, including SharePoint intranet.


• Ability to anticipate potential reputational issues and exercise high judgment, particularly in narrow time frames.


• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to think and communicate clearly, formulate a clear point of view on complicated issues, and create a concise and well written narrative.


• Proven ability to build relationships with executives and leaders.


• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced work environment, readily adapting to continually changing priorities, and optimizing feedback and performance.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a knack for crafting concise and visual supported messages to support key strategies to leaders, colleagues and providers.


• Outstanding interpersonal, project management and prioritization skills.


• A collaborative, open attitude and a history of working in cross‑functional teams.


• Commitment to improving daily and successfully adapting to changes.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, journalism or a related field; or equivalent career experience.


• 5+ years’ experience in strategic communications or public relations -- either for a company or an agency -- as well as experience working firsthand with executives.

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system! At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.

Ministry/Facility Information

MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa’s largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest’s largest referral centers. With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa’s largest employers. Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System circle of care. Visit MercyOne on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter!

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person‑centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.