Public Relations Specialist

MIRACORP INC•Bethesda, MD

9d•$50,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

MIRACORP is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to lead strategic communication initiatives and manage high-impact projects supporting Military Health System (MHS) and Defense Health Agency (DHA) communication objectives. This hybrid position is based at DOD DHA Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and is contingent upon contract award. The specialist will develop and evaluate communications plans, create content for internal and external audiences, manage media relations, coordinate outreach, oversee multiple communication projects, and support leadership on sensitive or high-profile issues. The role also involves coordinating with DHA, military treatment facilities, public affairs offices, and subject matter experts; monitoring media coverage; assessing communication effectiveness; preparing reports; and obtaining approvals before public release.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Ability to pass a federal background check.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, project management, or a related field.
At least five years of professional experience in public affairs, public relations, strategic communications, project management, or a combination of these disciplines.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communication plans, public affairs campaigns, and community outreach initiatives.
Experience managing media relations, coordinating press activities, responding to media inquiries, and supporting crisis communications.
Knowledge of public affairs principles, strategic messaging, media engagement, and communication practices in government, healthcare, or similarly regulated environments.
Experience developing and editing press releases, speeches, briefings, news articles, and digital communication materials in accordance with Associated Press (AP) Style.
Proficiency with project management software, digital communication platforms, website content management systems, and social media management tools.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple communication projects, coordinating stakeholders, tracking deliverables, and evaluating campaign effectiveness.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the Military Health System (MHS), Defense Health Agency (DHA), military treatment facilities, or healthcare communications.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic communication plans and public affairs initiatives supporting MHS and DHA communication objectives.
Research, write, edit, and coordinate press releases, news articles, speeches, talking points, briefings, newsletters, and other communication materials.
Manage media inquiries and coordinate interviews, media visits, press conferences, and community outreach activities.
Maintain relationships with media representatives, military organizations, healthcare stakeholders, and community partners.
Plan and oversee public affairs projects, communication campaigns, and outreach initiatives, managing schedules, resources, stakeholder input, and deliverables.
Develop, review, and coordinate content for websites, intranet platforms, and social media channels.
Support leadership in communication strategies for sensitive, emerging, high-profile, crisis, or emergency-management issues.
Collaborate with DHA, military treatment facilities, public affairs offices, and subject matter experts to coordinate messaging.
Monitor media coverage, evaluate communication effectiveness, prepare reports, and obtain required approvals before public release.