Director, Media Relations and Public Affairs

Atlanticare Regional Medical Center • Egg Harbor Township, NJ

377d

About The Position

The Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs is the main point of contact for AtlantiCare's relationship with local, regional and national media outlets to create exposure for brand awareness and media presence. Primary responsibilities include responding to media inquiries, leading/organizing the on-call media relations system, hosting media visits, serving as a company spokesperson, pitching stories, researching/coordinating speaking engagements for senior leaders to elevate the AtlantiCare brand, hosting press conferences and broadcast tapings and/or publication production. The Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs is also responsible for crisis communications which includes developing a framework and strategic plan for crisis communications, advising on public relations and/or media issues and coaching leaders, physicians and/or staff for appropriate media responses. This role is responsible to annual review and refinement of crisis communications plan, and regular training and briefing of key leaders. This position serves as a liaison to the general community and internal and external customers by developing relationships with customers, local communities, board members, government and other stakeholders. The Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs assists with other marketing & communications activities typically where the media is present, including special events and community/public affairs and events. The role works closely with other members of the Marketing & Communications team to position AtlantiCare's brand in the media and public. Also works with other business units as it pertains to specific media or crisis issues (Risk, Legal, Customer Experience, Quality, Patient Safety).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in English, Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration/Affairs or related field required
• Master's degree preferred
• 15 years of relevant work experience can be accepted in lieu of a degree
• Valid NJ driver's license required
• 8-10 years of experience in public relations, journalism and/or government affairs preferably in healthcare or non-profit
• Excellent working knowledge of media relations and possess media contacts
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Responding to media inquiries
• Leading/organizing the on-call media relations system
• Hosting media visits
• Serving as a company spokesperson
• Pitching stories
• Researching/coordinating speaking engagements for senior leaders
• Hosting press conferences and broadcast tapings and/or publication production
• Developing a framework and strategic plan for crisis communications
• Advising on public relations and/or media issues
• Coaching leaders, physicians and/or staff for appropriate media responses
• Annual review and refinement of crisis communications plan
• Regular training and briefing of key leaders
• Developing relationships with customers, local communities, board members, government and other stakeholders
• Assisting with marketing & communications activities where media is present

Benefits

• Potential for exposure to the hazards and risk of the hospital environment
• Flexibility of hours including weekends, evenings and on-call duties
• Some travel required

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees