PR Specialist I

Mercy Cedar Rapids•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

This position supports Mercy’s patient-centered care philosophy by informing, enlightening, and educating the public about Mercy’s programs and services. It fosters positive relationships with the media and supports accurate communication of information. The Public Relations Specialist also contributes to crisis communications and issue management by helping draft communications and manage the release of and response to sensitive information. The role develops and implements public relations programs in support of Mercy Medical Center’s strategic direction and brand; serves as a day-to-day media liaison; creates written and video content; monitors media coverage; coordinates communication across channels; and advises leadership on media strategy and messaging. The position may serve as Public Information Officer and assists with internal and community events. It also follows Mercy safety guidelines and promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, and injuries.

Requirements

Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
Excellent professional and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interface effectively with management, media, physicians, and employees.
Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
Strong background and experience in public and media relations.
Experience coordinating external and internal events.
Experience writing and producing for print and broadcast.
Three to five years of experience in media/public relations.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience in journalism, including on-air work.

Responsibilities

Write, edit, and proof internal, external, confidential, and crisis communications for marketing leadership and staff to improve grammar, flow, clarity, and consistency.
Provide on-air talent for video and audio projects, produce content internally, and work with outside vendors as appropriate.
Develop and implement comprehensive public relations programs supporting Mercy Medical Center’s strategic direction and brand.
Serve as day-to-day media liaison and manage media relationships to leverage support for Mercy.
Write news releases, fact sheets, media alerts, feature stories, and other materials.
Participate in crisis communications and issues management with Management and Administration.
Develop an extensive media database and establish relationships in the field.
Write and produce video projects supporting Mercy programs and services.
Monitor and track media coverage related to Mercy, competitors, and the industry.
Coordinate information releases across communications channels, including social media and internal channels.
Serve as Public Information Officer, as appropriate.
Advise leadership on media strategy, messaging, and presentation.
Manage and/or assist with internal and community events.
Follow Mercy safety guidelines, carry out job-specific safety responsibilities, and promptly report unsafe conditions, situations, incidents, and injuries.