Public Relations Specialist: Network News & Crisis Communications

About the role

Under the guidance of the Director of Public and Media Relations for the HMH Network, the Public Relations (PR) Specialist supports external reputation and thought leadership for tier-one growth service lines and reputation programs at Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH). Responsible for promoting HMH as a leader in patient-centered care and healthcare innovation. Works very closely with cross-functional teams in the Marketing Communications department and the Marketing team director(s) to ensure the success of an agency model and integrated marketing and communications approach. The Public Relations Specialist Network News & Crisis Communications is a strategic, high-impact role dedicated entirely to earned media for the network, breaking news, and network-wide crisis communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage a PR strategy encompassing public and external affairs to promote tier-one growth service lines (e.g., oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, academic medical centers, ambulatory) and reputation programs/services (e.g., behavioral health, children's health, rehab, network brand).
• Collaborate and work effectively in an agency model to provide primary campaign support and amplification through media relations and influencer outreach/engagement; partner with the social media/content team.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with key local, regional, state, and national media representatives and third-party influencers.
• Collaborate with PR team and key stakeholders to support HMH media training and develop media spokespeople.
• Support the PR Director in messaging and narrative development to encompass core/issues/service line-specific messaging and narratives.
• Support public affairs, issues, and crisis management, including proactive planning and preparation for reputational crises, management of issues impacting HMH's reputation, and development and updating of HMH's crisis communication playbook.
• Conduct proactive media relations by monitoring news daily, researching appropriate news angles, writing and editing news releases, and pitching news stories to appropriate editors in a timely manner in step with media deadlines and the daily news cycle.
• Facilitate patient and physician media interviews, and gather appropriate storytelling resources to edit and package in the pitch including photos, video, and video interviews.
• Draft press releases as needed and identify new and innovative storytelling methods to promote the latest happenings across the network, including new physicians, services, innovations, achievements, etc.
• Film and edit video media pitches including the use of photos and graphics.
• Identify compelling stories within the hospital and draft appropriate content for promotion.
• Partner with the network content strategy team on story ideas for HealthU and HMH's social media channels.
• Support the Growth and Network PR teams in responding to all media inquiries promptly, and be on call for media inquiries after normal business hours.
• Provide consultation services to other departments as needed, particularly guidance in managing media inquiries and other articles.
• Draft talking points and speeches for HMH leadership external speaking opportunities.
• Support the Growth PR Director and Network PR team in developing and implementing formal public relations and media plans in concert with organizational marketing goals and strategy, including public and external affairs strategies.
• Produce quarterly media reports that include analytics, media performance over the quarter, and benchmark data against competitors.
• Generate new ideas, challenge the status quo, take risks, support change, encourage innovation, and solve problems creatively.
• Generate pitches and press releases for AI overview search optimization.
• Set challenging and productive goals, be accountable for actions, provide leadership and motivation, provide resources and support, use checkpoints and data to track progress, and set up systems and processes to measure results.
• Develop realistic public relations plans, set goals, align plans with company goals, plan for and manage resources, create contingency plans, and coordinate/cooperate with others.
• Operate within the organization's formal and informal structures, build allies and relationships across departments, use allies to build consensus and create results, be appropriately diplomatic, understand others' roles and perspectives, and sell projects and ideas across the organization.
• Perform other duties and/or projects as assigned; adhere to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or other related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Public Relations or other related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Preferred

• Experience with video/content editing.

Schedule

This position offers a hybrid work schedule.

Pay

Minimum rate of $83,782.40 annually. The posted rate is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of the market-competitive total rewards package. The base compensation determined at the time of offer may differ from the posted rate based on non-discriminatory factors including: labor market data, years of relevant work experience, education and certifications, demonstrated skills and competencies, geographic location, internal equity, and departmental budgets or grant funding. Some jobs may be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate.

Benefits

HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) positions, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.