Hybrid Associate Director, Internal Communications & Strategy

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington in Seattle is seeking an Associate Director of Internal Communications to lead UW Medicine’s systemwide internal communications strategy and editorial operations. The role manages a team of writers, partners with leaders, and drives messaging across staff, faculty, trainees and students in a hybrid environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, exceptional writing, and a track record in managing complex communications projects within a large health system or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible communications experience, with at least 3 years in a management role leading internal communications strategy and planning.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing internal communications strategies and content.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• An authentic and consistently good listener.
• Experience managing communications projects, editorial processes and review workflows.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, high-change environment, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.
• Strong organizational, analytical and project management skills.
• Experience supporting executive communications and organizational initiatives.
• Strong understanding of digital communications channels, intranet best practices and email communications platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of equity, inclusive language and accessibility standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across teams and organizational levels.
• Sound judgment and ability to handle sensitive and confidential communications appropriately.
• Proficiency with digital communications tools, content management systems and analytics platforms.
• Experience supporting message-driving narratives using video, including writing, editing, and adapting scripts for live presentations, recorded video, and multimedia campaigns.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity and service‑oriented collaboration.
• Ability to occasionally work outside of typical business hours as needed to address urgent situations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement internal communications strategies and plans across UW Medicine.
• Write and edit content across channels including intranet stories, leadership messages, newsletters, emails.
• Lead executive and employee communications initiatives and ensure accessibility and inclusive language.
• Manage day-to-day internal communications operations, including calendars, workflows, and review processes.
• Collaborate with HR, IT, Compliance, and other leaders to coordinate communications.
• Support change management and organizational initiatives.
• Monitor metrics and improve audience engagement and reach.
• Lead and mentor a team of writers and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Writing

Editing

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Strategic thinking

Communication strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field

Tools

Simpplr

SharePoint

Analytics platforms

Marketo

Eloqua

Job description

University of Washington in Seattle is seeking an Associate Director of Internal Communications to lead UW Medicine’s systemwide internal communications strategy and editorial operations. The role manages a team of writers, partners with leaders, and drives messaging across staff, faculty, trainees and students in a hybrid environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, exceptional writing, and a track record in managing complex communications projects within a large health system or