Senior Communications Specialist-Multiple Openings

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Location: 541 N. Fairbanks, Chicago, IL

Schedule: (applies for all open positions)

- Full-time, Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM
- Hybrid, 2 days in office

The Senior Communications Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting their manager and other Communications team members in creating communications plans and execution of those plans for assigned focus areas. This role is an activation expert and understands how the elements of a communications plan work together for maximum impact. They know the latest thinking and channel options used for communications. Communications Specialists are also expected to have flawless execution of their plans in coordination with other team members. This individual works collaboratively with internal stakeholders in their assigned focus area.

Current Senior Specialist Opportunities

1. Senior Specialist Physician Communications and Special Projects: This hybrid role supports planned projects and publications, along with unplanned messaging needs.

- For Special Projects, this role supports communications strategy, management and execution across multiple projects, including high-visibility communications for all audiences, from senior leaders to other stakeholders.
- For Physician Communications, this role supports communications across all hospitals, including strategy and writing for targeted newsletters and web platforms. It also partners with physician leaders on operational updates, clinical innovation, culture and key initiatives.

2. Senior Specialist Patient Communications : In this role, you will serve as a strategic communications partner to clinical and operational teams across Northwestern Medicine to plan and deliver thoughtful, strategic communications. The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

- Partnering with the Patient Education team, clinical teams and subject matter experts to provide quality, comprehensive and timely review and/or development of patient educational materials and resources, ensuring appropriate health literacy level.
- Facilitating compliance with NM, regulatory and accreditation standards related to patient education in partnership with the Patient Education team.
- Creating and editing clear, concise and accurate patient communications, including patient instructions, managed care and insurance materials, patient letters, disease and condition information, and web copy.
- Applying health literacy, plain language and health equity principles to make patient communications and patient education documents readable, accessible and inclusive.
- Using Microsoft Copilot and other approved AI tools responsibly to support communications planning, writing, editing and reporting.
- Gathering and reconciling client feedback and approvals, using communications expertise and professional judgment to strengthen the final product.
- Managing multiple projects and competing priorities on tight timelines.

Seeking the following background and skill sets

- Health literacy certificate through the Institute for Health Advancement is preferred
- Licensed Registered Nurse in the state of Illinois with 3 years clinical nursing experience or 3 years clinical education experience
- Knowledge of adult learning principles
- Able to read, write and communicate effectively in English
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe applications
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Experience collaborating with clinical teams and subject matter experts is preferred.
- The successful candidate must be a creative, collaborative and self-directed professional.

3. Senior Specialist Leader Communications : This role supports newsletter content development for Northwestern Memorial Foundation’s advisory councils, helping keep members informed, engaged and connected to the organization’s mission and impact.

Responsibilities

Identify and develop story ideas.; Write and edit newsletter content.; Manage editorial planning.; Coordinate with Foundation, clinical and Communications partners to ensure content is timely, relevant and engaging.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field.; Minimum 4 - 6 years of experience in communications, project management or related area.; Excellent project management and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.; Must have exceptional interpersonal skills with a strong customer service orientation.; Highly motivated and proactive, with a “can-do” attitude.; Proven experience working in a team-oriented environment.

Nice to have

Understanding of healthcare industry and academic medical centers.; Master's degree.