Health Communication Specialist

Ingham County•Lansing, MI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Health Officer-Administration, this role is responsible for planning and leading all external communication activities to promote and enhance the Health Department’s mission and goals. The specialist ensures the branding, integrity, and effectiveness of Health Departmental information and public health messaging. This position coordinates media relations, oversees the Health Department marketing plan, identifies and prepares grant applications, and represents the Health Department at various internal and external meetings as directed.

Requirements

A Master’s Degree AND a minimum of 3 years of experience in public health, communications, public relations, or public policy.
OR A Bachelor’s Degree AND a minimum of 5 years of experience in public health, communications, public relations, or public policy.
Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.
Ability to sit, stand, traverse, lift, carry, push, pull, reach, grasp, handle, pinch, typing, endure repetitive movements of the wrists, hands or fingers.
Continuous stamina (more than 50%) in sitting, typing and enduring repetitive movements of the wrists, hands or fingers.
Regular stamina (21-50% of the time) in standing and traversing.
Periodic stamina (5-20% of the time) carrying, reaching, grasping, handling and pinching.
Little to no stamina (less than 5%) in lifting, pushing, pulling.
Ability to exert 20 pounds or less of force.
Close visual acuity to perform tasks within arm’s reach such as: viewing a computer screen, using measurement devices, inspecting and assembling parts, etc.
Ability to communicate and respond to inquiries both in person and over the phone.
Ability to operate a PC/laptop and to enter & retrieve information from a computer.
Ability to handle varying and often high levels of stress.

Nice To Haves

May serve on the Board of community groups or organizations.

Responsibilities

Leads the development and implementation of the Health Department’s strategic communications plan.
Works collaboratively across the Health Department to develop and execute program communication initiatives.
Utilizes available data and information with situational knowledge to guide strategic plans, recommendations, and decisions.
Develops and implements Health Department marketing strategy.
Identifies distribution channels for target populations aligned with Health Department health equity goals.
Creates and distributes information to promote Health Department services and programs.
Responsible for compliance with accessibility requirements and best practices.
Develops and monitors internal policies and procedures for public information, utilization of social media platforms, and any disseminated or distributed public information.
Manages the creation, editing, approval, and production of Health Department electronic, printed, and social media communications.
Ensures the branding, integrity, and effectiveness of Health Departmental information and public health messaging.
Coordinates and evaluates advertising and promotional materials.
Leads public relations and media communications efforts for the Health Department during routine matters and urgent incidents of public health significance.
Serves as the liaison to senior management for media purposes.
Establishes and maintains positive, effective working relationships with media representatives, other local and state agencies, and other organizations.
Identifies resources for paid media coverage regarding health topics and campaigns.
Plans, organizes, and conducts health communication campaigns in partnership with Health Department leadership to influence behavior and improve health.
Collaborates and works with vendors for communication campaigns, the Health Department website, and social media.
Manages contracts with agency-chosen vendors.
Maintains the Health Department website content and development procedures.
Ensures the integrity and accuracy of information in collaboration with Health Department programs.
Provides training and oversees additional staff updating the website to ensure compliance with Health Department standards.
Monitors and reports on trends and outcomes.
Responsible for compliance with accessibility requirements and best practices.
Collaborates with Innovation and Technology Department to ensure technical maintenance and security management.
Oversees social media efforts for the Health Department across multiple accounts and platforms.
Provides training and oversees additional staff moderating Health Department accounts.
Plans and implements social media content on various platforms in collaboration with Health Department programs.
Monitors and reports on trends and outcomes.
Leads Health Department communications-related grant efforts.
Develops budget proposals and project recommendations for communication activities.
Identifies and prepares grant applications.
Researches grant information and provides related documentation.
Monitors grant due dates and helps create submissions, reports, and forms.
Coordinates Risk Communication Strategies with Emergency Preparedness and Ingham County Emergency Management.
Participates in required Office of Public Health Preparedness activities and training.
May serve as Public Information Officer during emergency responses.
Represents the Health Department at various internal and external meetings.
May serve on the Board of community groups or organizations.
Acts as liaison for committees and represents the Health Department at state and national planning activities.
Responsible for maintaining comfort and facility when communicating with media organizations, coordinating public appearances, and assuring Health Department staff and organization upholding a high level of communication professionalism at all times.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Must adhere to departmental standards in regard to HIPAA and other privacy issues.
During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to, but not limited to, those in his/her job description.