Communication Specialist, FT

Van Diest Medical Center (VDMC) is an award-winning team, named Best Place to Work in 2023 and 2024 by The Daily Freeman-Journal. VDMC has also been recognized as a 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, marking the second consecutive year of this achievement. Additionally, VDMC has been named a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplaces INDUSTRY winner for its people-first workplace culture.

About the role

The Communications Specialist coordinates external and internal communications, establishing positive associations with the public and mass media on behalf of Van Diest Medical Center.

Responsibilities

• Create company literature and other forms of communication (e.g., press releases, media content, newsletter content, social media content, website content).
• Work closely with staff and physicians to gather content for organizational channels.
• Create and design marketing and promotional materials, both print and electronic.
• Develop and maintain the VDMC website.
• Copy, edit, proofread, and revise communications.
• Build and manage social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) on behalf of VDMC.
• Develop effective communication strategies to promote VDMC.
• Manage internal communications (memos, newsletters, hospital-wide emails, etc.).
• Organize initiatives and assist in planning events on behalf of VDMC.
• Collaborate with marketing professionals to produce copy for advertisements or articles.
• Assist in communicating strategies or messages from senior leadership.
• Coordinate and execute a comprehensive marketing and branding program.
• Ensure the integrity of hospital representation at all times (e.g., proper use/placement of logo).
• Assist in developing joint promotional and/or educational activities with the community.
• Support, promote, and communicate the mission, vision, and value statement of VDMC.
• Facilitate effective and positive communication with VDMC and its public.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• BS/BA in Public Relations, Communications, or relevant field.
• Experience in copywriting and editing.
• Experience in graphic design and creative layout.
• Solid understanding of project management principles.
• Working knowledge of MS Office, Adobe, Canva; experience with photo and video-editing software is an asset.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.
• Outstanding organizational and planning abilities.
• Proficient command of English.
• Experience in web design and content production is a plus.
• Previous marketing and public relations experience required.

Qualifications

This position requires superior communication skills (verbal and written) and exceptional planning and organizational capabilities. A college degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a similar field is required.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (flexible), with minimal hours outside this schedule for various events.