Sr. Manager, Labor Relations Communications

• Department: External Communications
• Schedule: Full Time Monday - Friday 8am-5pm CT
• Location: Remote

As the Senior Manager of Labor Relations Communications you will be responsible for developing and executing communications strategies and plans tied to Labor Relations, and helping to manage these issues each step of the way. You will work closely with teams and leaders throughout Ascension and advise stakeholders on labor issues, big and small, to minimize reputational risk. You’re an excellent communicator and writer, problem solver and program manager, and are knowledgeable on labor regulations. You’re experienced in successfully building relationships with key stakeholders across disciplines and functions, at both the system level and in-market, to ensure you’re providing communications support for any potential labor scenario that arises. You will report directly to the Senior Director of Issues Management.

• Working with the Senior Director of Issues Management and other external communications teams, develop communication plans and processes that support our Labor Relations activities
• Be a key communications contact for teams throughout Ascension in helping to manage labor issues as they arise, including gathering facts, identifying vulnerabilities, solving for problems, creating solutions, executing effectively, etc.
• Help prepare our senior leaders and stakeholders with the necessary playbook materials to support communications surrounding a labor issue, including media statements, talking points, Q&A’s, and emails

• Recognize and help navigate public affairs issues when they have a Labor Relations component
• Escalate issues internally, knowing how to effectively brief up and summarize an issue to senior leadership in simple concise language with clear recommendations and no gaps in logic
• Work with PR agencies to support communications efforts as needed, including media and social media monitoring
• Monitor and report on Labor Relations initiatives and activities.
• Help develop and manage data based KPIs for your programs, tied to strategic, operational and advocacy objectives
• Ensure that all communications reflect the Mission, Vision and Values of Ascension as a healing ministry of the Catholic Church
• Maintain flexible availability and responsiveness both during and outside of normal work

• Requires a calm and experienced Labor Relations communicator, one with experience engaging with key stakeholders internally and externally, providing excellent verbal and written communications, as well as critical thinking and decisive judgment.
• Ideally the candidate will have a background in healthcare or another services industry, and external communications practices and standards. Must be able to work successfully in a stressful, fast-paced environment

• Eight to ten years of communications leadership, with demonstrated success in labor communications
• A strong understanding of labor regulations and an excellent ability to manage relationships with labor unions
• A passion for building relationships and a commitment to promoting a positive work environment
• Experience building Labor Relations Communications protocols, playbooks, and scenario plans
• Strong ability to tailor your communications style, strategy, and tactics to audiences with varying levels of sophistication to tell a clear and compelling story
• Proven experience working and collaborating across organizational disciplines and functions
• Outstanding writing skills and experience working with and writing for senior executives in communications is necessary, coupled with a strong understanding of the local, national media and political landscape

• High School diploma equivalency with 3 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 2 years of cumulative experience OR 7 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required. 3 years of leadership or management experience preferred.