Dir, Community Relations

Job Summary:

The Community Relations Director is responsible for developing and nurturing relationships between

Erlanger Health System and the broader community deepening the organizations visibility, relevance, and reputation among key external constituencies. This role works at the intersection of engagement and advocacy, overseeing a portfolio of partnerships with schools, churches, nonprofits, civic groups, athletic organizations, entrepreneurs, and local businesses.

The Community Relations Director also plays a critical role in supporting the Erlanger Health Foundation, building relationships with business leaders and community stakeholders that lead to increased sponsorship, participation, and philanthropic partnership. This position oversees a small but strategic team focused on community giving, events, and external visibility.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Community Partnership Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement plan

that aligns with Erlanger's brand values and strategic objectives.

• Cultivate partnerships with the community at large, including local

schools, sports leagues, churches, advocacy organizations, and

nonprofits to increase Erlanger's visibility and trust in the community.

• Represent Erlanger at key civic events, community meetings, and

local gatherings to build relationships and advocate for the systems

role as a health and wellness leader.

Foundation and Business Engagement

• Partner with the Development Director and Foundation team to

cultivate relationships with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs

for the purpose of event sponsorships and philanthropic support.

• Identify and steward corporate and small business partners whose

missions align with Erlanger's values.

• Actively participate in event planning, campaign coordination, and

sponsorship fulfillment to ensure meaningful participation from the

business community.

Event Coordination and Visibility

• Oversee the planning and execution of high-impact community facing

events both signature Erlanger-led efforts and externally

sponsored initiatives.

• Supervise the Event Specialist and Sporting Event Specialist,

ensuring the successful delivery of programs that engage the community and enhance Erlanger's public presence.

• Coordinate closely with the Foundations Events Partner and the

Marketing/Creative teams to ensure brand consistency and logistical

excellence.

Internal Collaboration and Alignment

• Collaborate with members of the Director Leadership Team to

ensure alignment between marketing campaigns, public relations

efforts, development initiatives, and community partnerships.

• Share insights and opportunities with peers to inform outreach,

sponsorship strategy, and storytelling.

• Contribute to quarterly leadership meetings, cross-functional

planning sessions, and systemwide engagement strategy

development.

Team Leadership and Management

• Manage a team that includes:
• Children's Miracle Network & Community Giving Manager
• Event Specialist
• Sporting Event Specialist
• Provide coaching, performance management, and strategic direction

to direct reports to ensure outcomes aligned with organizational and

community goals.

• Foster a culture of visibility, authenticity, responsiveness, and

professional integrity.

Education

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, Community Engagement, Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field

Preferred:

Experience:

Required:

• 5-7 years of experience in community relations, external affairs, business development, or public engagement
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships with community organizations and business leaders
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a public-service mindset

Preferred:

• Experience in healthcare, nonprofit, or philanthropic environments
• Familiarity with fundraising events, sponsorship development, or CRM systems
• Background in multicultural engagement or grassroots organizing

Preferred:

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration

Required:

Preferred:

Department Position Summary:

Erlanger Health System is deeply embedded in the fabric of Chattanooga and its surrounding region serving not only as a provider of clinical care but as a vital community partner. As part of the systems growing, mission-aligned Marketing & Communications team, the Community Relations Director plays a pivotal role in strengthening the organizations visibility, relationships, and reputation across a wide array of community sectors. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, the Community Relations Director serves as Erlanger's bridge to community and advocacy groups, schools, churches, sports teams, civic organizations, and the business community. This position is a key member of the Director Leadership Team, working in partnership with the Development Director, Marketing Director,

Communications Director, Creative Director, and Digital & Web Strategy Director to ensure Erlanger's public engagement strategy is collaborative, community-centered, and brand-aligned.

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