PURPOSE STATEMENT: 

Hybrid Opportunity: 3 day in office; 2 day remote

The Senior Director of Communications is responsible for developing and leading a strategic, integrated communications function that advances Acadia Healthcare’s reputation, brand, and purpose. This highly visible role will support executive leadership, partner across service lines, and manage a high-performing communications team to elevate the company’s voice, increase engagement with key stakeholders, and contribute to the company's strategic growth, employee engagement, and change management efforts. 

This role will be evaluated against specific outcomes that position Acadia as a national leader in quality behavioral health care, elevate and protect the company’s brand, drive purpose and transformation internally, and foster a high-performance culture across the marketing and communications organization. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Position Acadia as a Leader in Quality Care & Outcomes

• Develop and implement an integrated clinical value communications strategy aligned with government relations, quality priorities, and business development efforts.  

• Partner with operations, marketing, and HR teams to support the launch and internal engagement strategy for the company’s clinical-focused initiatives. 

2. Elevate the Brand of Acadia and Our Affiliated Facilities

• In collaboration with Marketing and Business Development, lead the creation and execution of Communications Plans for all service lines 

• Build and maintain relationships with national and industry media outlets to expand Acadia’s thought leadership and media presence. 

• Ensure external alignment of Acadia’s mission, vision, purpose, and values through placements in key publications and measurable increases in brand awareness and share of voice. 

• Serve as key leader driving communications strategies and responses to crisis incidents, coordinating with Legal, Operations, and other stakeholders to mitigate reputational risk. 

• Provide executive communications support to designated leaders, including preparation for key speaking opportunities and proactive media positioning. 

• Lead relationship management of outside public relation agencies; provide clear guidance on delivers and then effectively manage time and budgets against them  

• Oversee strategy and content for Acadia’s owned channels—including corporate website, intranet, and social media. 

• Partner with service line leaders to launch a quarterly thought leadership webinar.  

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications plans for facility openings and closures, ensuring alignment across brand, sales, legal, IT, and local stakeholders.  

• Lead development and execution of internal town halls to build awareness, engagement and trust among employees.  

3. Deepen Employee Engagement & Connection to Purpose

• Develop and execute internal communications strategies that support cultural and organizational transformation—including the successful relocation of the corporate headquarters. 

• Collaborate with HR to deliver measurable improvements in internal communications scores.  

• Implement and track a communications performance plan focused on measurable KPIs and continuous improvement. 

• Partner with HR to co-activate Acadia’s employee value proposition (EVP) to accelerate hiring and improve retention. 

4. Lead as One Acadia Team

• Serve as a key culture carrier and collaborative leader within the Marketing & Communications team and the broader organization. 

• Actively model Acadia’s leadership norms and values and contribute to the recruitment and retention of top talent. 

STANDARD EXPECTATIONS: 

• Complies with organizational policies, procedures, performance improvement initiatives and maintains organizational and industry policies regarding confidentiality.  

• Communicate clearly and effectively to person(s) receiving services and their family members, guests and other members of the health care team. 

• Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintains them over time. 

• Encourages and builds mutual trust, respect and cooperation among team members. 

• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.  

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (Master’s preferred). 

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications or public affairs, including at least 3 years in a leadership capacity. 

• Proven success in brand positioning, media relations, crisis communications, and employee/internal communications. 

• Experience developing communications strategies in support of healthcare, behavioral health, or mission-driven organizations preferred. 

• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and executive messaging skills. 

• Adept at navigating matrixed organizations and cross-functional stakeholder management. 

• Strong project management and performance measurement skills; able to work toward defined outcomes and adjust as needed. 

• Passion for purpose-driven work and ability to authentically activate a company’s mission and values. 

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:  

​​Manages a Department​