At Houston Methodist, the Foundation Editor is responsible for developing proactive advancement communications, deadline-driven writing/editorial content, and targeted strategies for assigned internal/external communication needs. This position will develop and edit written work that consistently reinforces the Houston Methodist brand and reputation through messaging tailored to various audiences. The Editor position will utilize strong editorial judgment and skills in writing, proofreading, and editing copy directed toward a variety of audiences and communication channels — optimizing organization, grammar, structure, clarity and style. This position will build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients. The Editor position may be required to translate scientific/medical material into writing that can be understood by broad audiences.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops strong relationships with media/national science media, lead authors and stakeholders.

• Prepares colleagues, physicians, and other stakeholders to respond to media through the utilization of professional writing styles, and messaging for specific audiences.

• Coordinates with marketing leadership to ensure proper alignment on priorities.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Writes, edits and pitches press releases, media alerts, and/or internal communications and coordinates media distribution; supports other communications representatives and the marketing department with production; may develop questions/scripts and coordinate interviews for key personnel.

• Works to ensure timely and effective content deployment at all times; meets deployment deadlines and ensures quick turnarounds in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

• Reviews updates to production copy - publishing/revising authorized changes and escalating others to appropriate authority for consideration.

• Coordinates and facilitates content authorship and reviews with marketing team and outside stakeholders.

• If assigned to website, creates and modifies pages within content management system (Sitecore) and/or other HM websites.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds timely to inquiries and deadlines, as well as aspects of interviews/photo opportunities; helps content producers across the organization to develop strong copy that consistently maintains high standards and an accessible tone.

• Proofs content on assigned production area, as well as conducting both minor and major copy revisions to ensure strong, consistent voice and readability; responsible for overall accuracy of written content.

• Assists with setting standards and creating best practice guidelines for internal users, and ensures content conforms to established standards.

• Ensures all efforts meet editorial standards and consistently provides editorial direction that results in effective media coverage.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes department resources efficiently.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Keeps up with the latest trends in web/media development, sharing those with the team and implementing where appropriate; continuously apply learnings and best practices to improve efficiency of content development and deployment process.

• Strategizes on research media topics; supports other communications representatives and the marketing department; develops proactive research and scientific communications.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Communication, English, Journalism, or related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Four years in a writing and/or editing role

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Effective verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills; excellent interpersonal relationships with key clients, internally and externally

• Ability to work under pressure and balance many competing priorities

• Experience in facilitation that demonstrates flexibility and creativity in managing groups

• Ability to collaborate with management, medical staff, and employees at all levels within the organization

• Ability to work with editorial staff to develop and implement operational procedures to integrate services, ensure quality care and eliminate duplication

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist (HM) is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers.  HM consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, and seven community hospitals throughout the greater Houston metropolitan area.  HM also includes an academic institute, a comprehensive residency program, a global business division, numerous physician practices and several free-standing emergency rooms and outpatient facilities.  Overall, HM employs over 25,000 employees.   Houston Methodist is supported by a wide variety of business functions that operate at the system level to help enable clinical departments to provide the best patient care and service in a spiritual environment.

In 2019 Houston Methodist and its physicians treat more than 6,333 international patients from more than 76 countries. Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services’ consulting and education divisions also provide advisory services and training and development to health care organizations around the world.