Public Affairs Program Director

Banner Health; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Banner Health seeks a senior public relations professional in Phoenix, AZ. The role leads media engagement, government relations and reputation programs with a focus on proactive and reactive communications across key stakeholders. It is a full-time hybrid position requiring some in-person work at the Phoenix Corporate Center.

You will shape Banner Health's voice, counsel executives, and drive strategic campaigns that protect and enhance the organization's trust and credibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
• 7–10 years healthcare PR orArizona-focused public affairs experience.
• Strong knowledge of mass communications and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Directs regional public affairs strategies in AZ and annual plan alignment.
• Counsels leaders on strategic communications and reputation goals.
• Leads community engagement plans, sponsorships and campaigns in AZ.
• Supports Government Relations with materials and external communications.
• Oversees budget, goals, training and performance in PR activities.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Job description

Primary City/State: Phoenix, Arizona

Department Name: Public Relations

Work Shift: Day

Job Category: Marketing and Communications

Great careers are built at Banner Health. There’s more to health care than doctors and nurses. We support all staff members as they find the path that’s right for them.

This role is the primary point of contact for proactive and reactive communications with key influencers — including media, government officials, business community leaders, patient advocacy organizations, and nonprofits — ensuring Banner's voice is consistent, credible, and impactful.

This is a full time Hybrid position. Candidates must reside in Arizona as it will require some in-person work at our Phoenix Corporate Center. Within Banner Health Corporate, you will have the opportunity to apply your unique experience and expertise in support of a nationally-recognized healthcare leader. We offer stimulating and rewarding careers in a wide array of disciplines. Whether your background is in Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Legal, Managed Care Programs or Public Relations, you'll find many options for contributing to our award-winning patient care.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position serves as a cornerstone of Banner Health's reputation strategy, owning a dedicated and dynamic body of work that spans media engagement, government relations, issues management, and public relations as integrated pillars of a comprehensive program. This role is the primary point of contact for proactive and reactive communications with key influencers — including media, government officials, business community leaders, patient advocacy organizations, and nonprofits — ensuring Banner's voice is consistent, credible, and impactful. From on-call issues management and crisis communications to strategic PR campaigns and government relations support, this position plays a critical role in shaping and protecting Banner Health's reputation across the audiences that matter most. This is a dedicated program and pillar within the team, reflecting Banner's commitment to transparent, proactive, and strategic engagement with the communities and stakeholders we serve.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Manages assigned relationships through consultation and regional stakeholders. Provides counsel and selected content support to Banner corporate and entity leaders related to strategic communications and reputation enhancing activities.
• Directs overall development of regional public affairs strategies in AZ, working with senior leaders to develop and implement an annual comprehensive plan that is directly tied to community trust, enhanced reputation and organizational strategic initiatives.
• Responsible for contribution of local trust, reputation and earned media goals.
• Supports Government Relations team through collaboration, strategic input on organization initiatives, and the development of communication materials, Works within the organization to tell a better, more complete community benefit story with external audiences.
• Ensures the timely development and execution of community engagement plans, chamber sponsorships, and other Arizona-focused campaigns and projects to assure goals are achieved.
• Plans, develops and defends budget recommendations, work goals, measurements, and training requirements necessary to provide both quality and accountable service.
• Executes duties and assignments as directed in compliance with corporate guidelines and objectives.
• Maintains open and complete communications of issues with leaders and corporate management. May support the defining, development and execution of strategic system-wide communications and campaigns.
• This position provides leadership in building the Banner brand externally, with a focus on educating key stakeholders on the value of the Banner Health organization. This position has freedom to determine how best to accomplish functions within established marketing parameters. This position will interact with C-suite level individuals, along with the facilities’ leadership teams. In addition, this position will interact with the marketing/PR shared services team as well as various other corporate services departments. The individual will also interact with external leaders and community organizations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess a strong knowledge of public relations and communications as normally obtained through the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business Administration, Marketing or related field. Skill level as typically evidenced through seven to ten years healthcare PR or Arizona-focused public affairs experience in a large organization. Must possess a significant knowledge of mass communications and stakeholder engagement, with a distinct understanding of Arizona communities, local organizations, and the state’s political climate. Previous experience dealing with the media and representing an organization at events, meetings and speaking opportunities. Excellent communication skills Must demonstrate the ability to deal effectively with conflict and manage relations that balance system needs and entity priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience in healthcare public relations strongly preferred. Prior experience with community engagement programming in Arizona strongly preferred. Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

EEO Statement: EEO/Disabled/Veterans

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We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefit package for all benefit-eligible positions. Please visit our Benefits Guide for more information.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans Banner Health supports a drug-free work environment.

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