Job Description

Director of Communications

About City of Hope,

City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the top in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas.

The successful candidate:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Marketing and Communications, the Director of External Communications leads the strategy and execution of all external communications for City of Hope Atlanta and one outpatient cancer center location at City of Hope Paces Ferry. This role is responsible for ensuring a coordinated, consistent approach across media relations, executive communications, social, influencer engagement, and community presence.

This leader owns the monthly PR plan end to end, bringing together all tactics into a clear, actionable plan and ensuring it is executed in market through internal teams, agency partners, and cross functional stakeholders. Strong project management is critical, as this role is accountable for aligning priorities, managing timelines, and ensuring consistent follow through.

This leader ensures that the City of Hope voice and brand are consistently reflected across all communications while actively contributing to execution. They work closely with their team and agency partners to develop and deliver content, move work forward, and ensure quality and consistency across channels. This includes close partnership with system teams, Business Development, Brand, and Social.

The Director also leads internal communications tied to PR efforts, ensuring clinical and non-clinical teams are informed, aligned, and clear on priorities and their role in execution. The role includes regular reporting on progress and performance, and requires a visible, hands-on presence in market, supporting press conferences, activations, and community events that elevate the brand.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and action oriented, able to connect strategy to execution in a fast-moving environment.

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field OR 3 additional years of experience plus the minimum experience requirement may substitute for minimum education.

Minimum Experience: 10 years of relevant work experience in marketing and communications and 3 years of management experience, including at least 3 years in healthcare marketing communications and proven experience in social media management, digital marketing or related roles.

Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of AP style, excellent written, verbal communication skills, ability to work well with department colleagues, administrators, academic medical professionals, senior leadership.
• Ability to translate complex or technical scientific subjects for a lay audience.
• Problem solving skills, conflict resolution, time management, media relations, ability to work on multiple tasks, ability to work independently, follow instruction and deadlines, instruct and train others, research, interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of SEO principles, keyword search, web analytics and social listening tools.
• Ability to create engaging content including graphics, photography, videos and written posts.
• Excellent proofreading skills with attention to detail in content creation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

This position is eligible for an annual incentive bonus.

Please note: City of Hope is committed to a safe and transparent hiring experience. Please be aware that scammers may attempt to impersonate our organization through fake job postings, emails or interviews.

• Apply only through our official website or trusted partner platforms.
• City of Hope will never request payment or fees at any stage of the hiring process.
• We will not request sensitive personal or financial information prior to the acceptance of a formal offer.
• All communications will come from official @coh.org email addresses.
• Interviews are conducted only through approved, professional channels.
• Be cautious of unsolicited communications, urgent requests or opportunities that seem inconsistent with standard hiring practices.
• If you receive any suspicious communication, please report it to careers@coh.org.