Public Relations Specialist: Network News & Crisis Communications

Hackensack Meridian Health•Iselin, NJ

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the guidance of the Director of Public and Media Relations for the HMH Network, the Public Relations (PR) Specialist supports external reputation and thought leadership for tier-one growth service lines and reputation programs at Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH). Responsible for promoting HMH as a leader in patient-centered care and healthcare innovation. Works very closely with cross-functional teams in the Marketing Communications department and the Marketing team director(s) to ensure the success of an agency model and integrated marketing and communications approach. The Public Relations Specialist Network News & Crisis Communications is a strategic, high-impact role dedicated entirely to earned media for the network, breaking news, and network-wide crisis communications. This position will offer a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or other related field.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in Public Relations or other related field.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Nice To Haves

Experience with video/ content editing

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Director of Media and Public Relations, develop, implement, and manage a PR strategy encompassing public and external affairs to promote tier-one growth service lines (e.g., oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, academic medical centers, ambulatory) and reputation programs/services (e.g., behavioral health, children's health, rehab, network brand).
Collaborate and work effectively in an agency model to provide primary campaign support and amplification through media relations and influencer outreach/engagement. Partnering with the social media/content team is necessary.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with key local, regional, state and national and state media representatives and third-party influencers.
Collaborate with PR team and key stakeholders to support HMH media training and develop media spokespeople.
Support the PR Director in messaging and narrative development to encompass core/issues/service line-specific messaging and narratives.
Support public affairs, issues, and crisis management, including but not limited to proactive planning and preparation for reputational crises, management of issues impacting HMH's reputation, and the development and updating of HMH's crisis communication playbook.
Proactive media relations by monitoring news daily and researching appropriate news angles, writing and editing news releases, and pitching news stories to appropriate editors in a timely manner in step with media deadlines and the daily news cycle.
Facilitate patient and physician media interviews, and gathering appropriate storytelling resources to edit and package in the pitch including photos, video, video interviews.
Draft press releases as needed and identify new and innovative storytelling methods to promote the latest happenings across the network, including new physicians, services, innovations, achievements, etc.
Film and edit video media pitches including the use of photos and graphics.
Identify compelling stories within the hospital and draft appropriate content for promotion.
Partner with the network content strategy team on story ideas for HealthU and HMH's social media channels.
Support the Growth and Network PR teams in responding to all media inquiries promptly, and be on call for media inquiries after normal business hours. Provide consultation services to other departments as needed, particularly guidance in managing media inquiries and other articles.
Draft talking points and speeches for HMH leadership external speaking opportunities.
Support the Growth PR Director and Network PR team in developing and implementing formal public relations and media plans in concert with organizational marketing goals and strategy, including public and external affairs strategies.
Produce quarterly media reports that include analytics, media performance over the quarter, and benchmark data against competitors.
Generate new ideas, challenge the status quo, take risks, support change, encourage innovation, and solve problems creatively.
Generate pitches and press releases for AI overview search optimization.
Set challenging and productive goals, be accountable for actions, provide leadership and motivation, provide resources and support, use checkpoints and data to track progress, and set up systems and processes to measure results.
Develop realistic public relations plans, set goals, align plans with company goals, plan for and manage resources, create contingency plans, and coordinate/cooperate with others.
Operate within the organization's formal and informal structures, build allies and relationships across departments, use allies to build consensus and create results, be appropriately diplomatic, understand others' roles and perspectives, and sell projects and ideas across the organization.
Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.