Public Relations Strategic Partner

General Summary

Serves as a versatile communications leader, responsible for developing and executing integrated public relations plans that support the health system's strategic priorities, brand reputation, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Determines and implements public relations strategies that align with enterprise goals and support key initiatives across clinical, operational, and community domains.
• Leads and participates in cross-functional planning efforts to ensure alignment and integration across all areas of public relations.
• Crafts clear, compelling messaging for press releases, executive communications, media pitches, public statements, and events.
• Serves as a strategic advisor to internal departments and leaders, providing guidance on public positioning, messaging, and media opportunities.
• Builds strong relationships with external partners, including media outlets, community organizations, and industry groups.
• Manages multi-channel campaigns and initiatives from concept to execution, ensuring timely delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Maintains public sentiment and emerging issues to inform proactive communication strategies.
• Develops metrics for all thought leaders plans, contributes to function’s dashboards, and embraces evidence-based communication planning.
• Supports crisis communication efforts and serves as Public Information Officer on-call.
• Works collaboratively with Marketing & Patient Communications, Internal Communications, Creative Services, and external PR agency to deliver high impact integrated plans.
• Regularly scans internal and external environment for best practices and opportunities; manages issues and opportunities impacting the system’s reputation and brand.
• Ensures compliance with WellSpan brand identity and nomenclature standards across all services, physician practices, and facilities within local system of care, as well as Marketing and Communications.
• Serves as a role model and coach to internal communications specialists and oversees tactical execution.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree Required
• Work Experience: 7 years Communications, Journalism or Public Relations experience, preferably in a large, complex healthcare organization.
• Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities: Excellent written/oral communications, interpersonal and organizational skills; Strong computer skills and willingness to embrace new technology and artificial intelligence; Strong journalistic writing, copyediting and project management skills; Strong relationships with reporters and community organizations; Strong project management and organization abilities; Strong collaborator with the ability to coach and mentor peers.