Chief Communications Officer

Reporting to the Dean, and closely coordinating with Columbia University Medical Center's Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and Columbia University's Office of Communications, the Mailman School's CCO will be a key member of the School's
senior leadership team and will develop an integrated strategic communications
strategy. S/he will continuously collaborate with school leadership, lead the creation of a central narrative and strategic communications platforms, and then develop, manage and leverage multiple communications channels to reach multiple audiences, both external and internal, for achievement of communications, branding and marketing goals.

Specific duties include:

Communications Strategy and Leadership

Providing leadership and expertise to assist the Dean and senior team in defining and articulating the School's vision, points-of-view, areas of strength and uniqueness.

Leading the creation of effective strategic messaging that distinguishes the School as a thought leader and innovator on public health issues that are priorities for the Dean and senior team. These messages should resonate with key stakeholder groups, e.g., academic; national and international press; peer institutions; Board of Overseers; corporations; the general public domestically and abroad; potential funders; prospective students; and current faculty, students and staff.

Acting as a trusted advisor and strategist to the Dean and other members of the senior team on opportunities, issues, and crises, towards optimizing outcomes. Making the school the go-to source for media and other stakeholders looking for public health information, insight and perspective.

Work closely with the Associate Dean for Institutional Advancement to develop strategies, activities and materials to support fundraising initiatives.

Communications Operations

Leading a communications team responsible for proactively managing and amplifying the
School's external media and other relations, internal communications, and website, as well as aggressively and creatively branding and marketing the School and its initiatives and programs.

Creating and overseeing implementation of a publications and thought leadership plan, which may include the Dean's e-newsletter and Columbia Public Health Magazine.

Serving as the School's primary media relations leader, acting as a spokesperson for the
school and lead relationship-builder for proactively garnering media coverage
that shapes public discourse and enhances the School's reputation.

Developing a suite of multi-purpose marketing materials that articulate the Schools programs, strengths, capabilities, and strategic initiatives and builds our brand recognition.

Working in concert with the Office of the Dean, assist in preparing speeches, briefings, articles, editorials, and other materials that communicate the Dean's vision.
In collaboration with the Office of Information Technology which provides technical infrastructure and support, ensuring that the School's website serves as a high-functioning, interactive and exciting hub for information about, and engagement with, the School.

Oversee the communication for selected School events, including the monthly Grand Rounds and Public Health Film series, as well as numerous special events.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required and Master's degree preferred, with 10+ years senior
management experience in public relations, marketing and/or journalism. Proven professional success in planning, developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy and managing budget and staff to do so.

Positive, highly personable style with a strong ability to lead and build teams and networks within and beyond the home institutions. Orientation to work collaboratively with colleagues in other areas of the School and University. Track record of having successfully led through a period of transformation and growth within a highly complex
environment. Agility to flex plans and actions as needed to deliver excellence.

Passion for the public health vision and mission of the Dean for the Mailman School.