Communication Specialist-Int - Hybrid Nashville, TN
About The Position
The Tennessee Department of Health is seeking a contract Communication Specialist for the Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs program. The role leads content creation and community engagement initiatives and develops communication plans aligned with program goals. The successful candidate creates culturally competent digital and printed materials, maintains program websites, develops newsletters and social media campaigns, and measures communications performance. The position also supports community stories, interviews, videography, photography, campaigns, and education projects highlighting program initiatives statewide. The role is part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team and requires flexibility as priorities shift. The position is limited to Tennessee residents and follows Monday–Friday business hours, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CST, for 37.5 hours per week. It is hybrid, with at least one day per week in the office; additional in-office days may be required at the supervisor’s discretion. The first day is in person for laptop deployment and orientation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent reflected in a non-collegiate portfolio.
- Proficiency in Canva and Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel; graphic design samples are required.
- Experience reporting platform metrics.
- Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, digital accessibility standards compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills; writing samples or bylined links should be included.
- Knowledge of cultural competency and sensitivity in health communications.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while working remotely.
- Tennessee residency is required.
Nice To Haves
- 2–5 years of experience in public health, nonprofit, or government communications is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Create and implement a communication plan aligned with program goals and objectives.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts and community partners to design compelling, culturally competent digital and printed materials.
- Update and maintain program websites.
- Create and report on indicators that measure communications performance.
- Develop and implement monthly newsletters, social media campaigns, and public service announcements.
- Create and develop community initiatives, including stories, interviews, videography, and photography.
- Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
- Contribute to campaign development and community education projects that highlight children and youth with special healthcare needs initiatives statewide.
- Work collaboratively within a supportive, multidisciplinary team and demonstrate flexibility when priorities shift.
