Job Summary

Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) seeks a strategic and experienced Senior Director of Communications to lead and advance the Foundation's integrated communications function. Reporting to the President and Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director of Communications is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication, marketing, and public relations strategies that elevate HCF's mission, strengthen donor and community engagement, and ensure alignment with Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) and the University of Utah.

This position provides leadership and supervision for a four-member communications team and oversees all owned communication channels, including the HCF website, social media platforms, electronic communications, annual publications, video storytelling, and donor stewardship communications. The Senior Director of Communications manages the Huntsman Cancer Foundation brand, leads organizational storytelling, supports direct mail fundraising campaigns and event marketing, provides communications support for the Foundation's long-standing partnership with Sigma Chi, and serves as a key liaison to Huntsman Cancer Institute, ensuring cohesive storytelling, brand alignment, and consistent messaging across partner organizations.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Leadership

Develop, implement, and evaluate an integrated communications and marketing strategy that advances HCF fundraising priorities, brand positioning, and organizational goals.
Serve as a senior communications advisor to the President and COO, providing counsel on messaging, positioning, storytelling, and reputation management.
Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of four communications professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with HCF values.
Establish annual goals, priorities, and performance metrics for the communications function.

Brand Management & Storytelling

Serve as the steward of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation brand, ensuring consistent voice, visual identity, messaging, and tone across all communications.
Lead foundation-wide storytelling that highlights donor impact, patient experience, research innovation, and mission outcomes.
Develop long-term narrative frameworks and messaging strategies that support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and institutional priorities.
Ensure alignment with Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah branding and communications standards while maintaining HCF's distinct philanthropic identity.

Marketing, Public Relations & Content Oversight

Oversee editorial strategy, content development, and ongoing management of the HCF website.
Direct social media strategy, including content planning, engagement, growth, integrated campaigns, and performance analytics.
Oversee monthly electronic communications and targeted digital outreach to donors and stakeholders.
Lead planning, development, and production of major annual publications, including donor impact and campaign materials.
Identify and oversee public relations opportunities and messaging for high-visibility initiatives and announcements.

Donor Stewardship & Direct Mail Support

Lead communications strategy and storytelling that support donor stewardship across all giving levels, from annual donors to principal and legacy supporters.
Partner closely with development leadership to support direct mail fundraising campaigns, including message development, storytelling, creative direction, and alignment with broader communications and brand strategy.
Ensure direct mail content reflects donor-centric messaging, reinforces donor intent, and aligns with campaign goals and institutional priorities.
Oversee donor-focused communications such as impact reports, gratitude messaging, campaign updates, videos, and event-related stewardship materials.

Video Production & Multimedia Storytelling

Lead strategy and oversight for video and multimedia content that supports fundraising, donor stewardship, campaigns, events, and brand storytelling.
Collaborate with internal partners and external vendors to develop high-quality video assets, including impact stories, campaign features, and event videos.
Ensure video content aligns with brand standards, messaging priorities, and distribution strategies across channels.

Event Marketing & Campaign Support

Lead communications and marketing strategy for HCF fundraising events, including promotional campaigns, digital storytelling, video assets, and post-event stewardship communications.
Partner with development and events teams to align marketing strategy, brand presence, and donor experience across all event touchpoints.
Oversee development of event-specific collateral and communications timelines to support participation and revenue goals.

Sigma Chi Partnership Support

Provide strategic communications and marketing support for HCF's partnership with Sigma Chi, supporting joint fundraising, awareness, and engagement initiatives.
Oversee messaging, content development, and storytelling related to Sigma Chi programs and events.
Collaborate with Sigma Chi leadership, internal stakeholders, and development partners to ensure consistent, mission-aligned communications.

Partnership & Liaison Role

Serve as the primary communications liaison between Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Coordinate shared messaging, content approvals, and collaborative communications initiatives.
Work cross-functionally across HCF departments and with external vendors to support organizational priorities.

Operational & Administrative

Manage communications budgets, vendor relationships, contracts, and production timelines.
Use analytics to evaluate communications effectiveness and inform strategy.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, brand standards, and best practices.