Engagement Director/AVP, WF Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Overview

JOB SUMMARY

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is recognized as an international leader in translating scientific discovery into clinical therapies. Physicians and scientists at WFIRM were the first in the world to engineer laboratory-grown organs that were successfully implanted into humans. Today, this interdisciplinary team that numbers about 400 is working to engineer more than 40 different replacement tissues and organs, and to develop healing cell therapies – all with the goal to cure, rather than merely treat, disease.

The Chief Engagement Officer and Associate Vice President is a highly regarded executive as a member of the senior executive management team of WFIRM and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, communication plan design and plan execution for WFIRM.

This position reports to the WFIRM director. In addition, this position will serve as a key liaison between WFIRM and ReMDO.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Chief Engagement Officer and Associate Vice President serves as the engagement, marketing, communication, and philanthropic leader for WFIRM.
• Represents WFIRM in executive forums to ensure representation and ongoing communication of WFIRM research initiatives.
• This individual will provide direct oversight of marketing and communications budgets to ensure positive exposure of WFIRM activities as the leader in Regenerative Medicine.
• This position provides the candidate with the opportunity to engage with a wide range of entities such as ReMDO and other outside stakeholders which provides significant exposure for WFIRM.It provides a highly flexible work environment and the ability to have various levels of autonomy.
• Demonstrates leadership, fostering an environment of collaboration & open communication. Designs and manages execution of work, including delegation, empowering others, removing obstacles, providing resources, coordinating efforts, and monitoring processes.
• Develops an annual strategic marketing and communications plan and prepares budgets to align with the approved plan to enhance WFIRM visibility.
• Communicates effectively with the stakeholders referenced above, keeping those parties informed and involving the appropriate persons and parties in key decisions & strategic planning initiatives, and coordinating with multiple external partners.
• Provides oversight of WFIRM and community events as needed.

Communication

• This position leads a multi-channel strategy for communicating with and engaging a network comprised of thecommunity at large, business leaders, researchers, families, at local, regional and national levels.
• These channels includeprint, videography, e-communications, social media, and web-based tactics . In addition, this position will serve as a touch point to foster relationships both internally and externally. The Chief Engagement Officer and Associate Vice President will provide strategic direction and execution of initiatives to enhance partnership engagement and communication.
• In their leadership capacity, the Chief Engagement Officer and Associate Vice President will be responsible for engagement and management of multiple stakeholders daily, including working with the WFIRM leadership team and Director, as a key representative of WFIRM.

Events

• Provide leadership and direct oversight for events to foster engagement and cultivation of WFIRM and ReMDO stakeholders and donors/prospects.
• Design and implement management function to strengthen existing relationships while maximizing opportunities for engagement.
• Provide guidance to the team and provide general oversight of events, activities, and exposure for WFIRM when and where appropriate.

Outside agencies

• This position is responsible for team management, including REMDO, outside agencies, entities, (Regen hub) and stakeholders.
• This position is responsible for communication to garner visibility for WFIRM as well as keeping donors and donor prospects updated.
• Works closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer for WFIRM (Assistant Director of Philanthropy) and Director of Marketing for WFIRM to ensure marketing, communication and philanthropic strategies align.

Financial oversight

• The Chief Engagement Officer and Associate Vice President is also responsible for preparing and managing a significant resource budget annually to achieve maximum impact for WFIRM.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in marketing, advertising, or communications. Master’s degree in health care management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Ten (10) years healthcare-related experience required, with progressively responsible management experience required.
• Five or more years’ experience in, and knowledge of planning, production, and management of large, small, and high-profile events with diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of traditional and digital marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.
• Familiarity with the intricacies of an academic environment and the complexities of large health delivery systems a plus.
• Experience in philanthropy desired.
• Experience managing multiple large projects with impact across multiple departments.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and vendor resources desired.
• Experience working in an academic medical center and/or health care.
• Familiar with grant writing and research.
• Experience with external agency relationship management, multi-channel communications and integrated budget planning and management.
• Fundraising experience and/or direct experience in the fundraising arena.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Leader with demonstrable leadership ability, relentless follow through, strong interpersonal and effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and proven ability to interact well with diverse leaders.
• Strong commitment to values of excellence, compassion, innovation, integrity, and collegiality.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Organizational behavior and development, ability to prioritize work assignments and meet deadline.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Strong financial management skills.
• Ability and commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to respond quickly in a changing environment.
• Functions effectively under stressful conditions and difficult situations.
• Must have the emotional maturity and ability to create change in an environment where the structure may evolve rapidly and negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of applicable standards and other applicable state and federal regulations.
• Proficient computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Epic (preferred, but not required).
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Significant knowledge of project management practices and methodologies.
• Adaptable and flexible to meet the customer’s needs by providing solutions that match deliverables as well as the audience.
• Ability to deliver results with little lead-time, professionalism, and customer service skills are always necessary.
• Ability to communicate professionally with all levels of leadership in a concise, clear, and timely manner.