Senior Communications Specialist

Christiana Care Health Services•Wilmington, DE

About The Position

The Senior Communications Specialist is a strategic communications professional responsible for advancing ChristianaCare’s reputation, visibility and growth through proactive media relations, integrated communications planning and compelling storytelling. Working as a member of the dynamic and collaborative External Affairs Communications Team, this role will provide communications counsel and execution in support of clinical service lines and strategic growth initiatives. The Senior Communications Specialist will partner with leaders, clinical experts, marketing colleagues and other key stakeholders to develop and implement communications strategies that elevate ChristianaCare’s impact, support organizational priorities, strengthen trust with the communities we serve and position ChristianaCare as a forward-looking leader in health care. This role requires a strong news sense, excellent writing and editing skills, sound judgment, strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex clinical, operational and organizational priorities into clear, engaging and audience-centered communications. The Senior Communications Specialist will identify and shape opportunities for earned media, thought leadership, executive visibility, internal alignment and integrated storytelling across multiple channels. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications and public relations professional to make a meaningful impact on the reputation of a nonprofit health system while helping to tell the story of innovation, clinical excellence, access, equity and service to the community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum 10 years of public relations, communications, journalism, media relations or related experience.
Candidates with a degree in public relations, communications, journalism, English, marketing or a related field are preferred.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications and public relations plans that support organizational priorities.
Experience in media relations, including story development, pitching, spokesperson preparation, interview coordination and media response.
Experience writing and editing news and feature content, press releases, statements, talking points, speeches, presentations, website copy, social media content and other communications materials.
Experience working with executives, physicians, clinical experts or other senior-level subject matter experts.
Health care communications experience preferred, including experience supporting clinical programs, service lines, hospitals, ambulatory care, population health, research, innovation or related areas.
Experience using measurement, insights and data to guide communications planning and evaluate communications effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic communications partner to leaders of assigned clinical service lines and strategic growth initiatives.
Develop and implement integrated communications plans that support service line priorities, organizational strategy, reputation goals, patient and community engagement, and growth objectives.
Promote accurate, timely health information to the communities served by ChristianaCare.
Lead proactive media relations efforts, including identifying newsworthy stories, developing media strategies, writing press releases and pitches, preparing spokespeople, coordinating interviews and responding to media inquiries.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional and national media, with particular focus on health care, business, consumer, community and trade media opportunities.
Translate complex clinical, research, operational and strategic topics into clear, accurate and compelling communications for diverse audiences.
Develop written communications, announcements, press releases, bylined articles, media statements, talking points, Q&As, presentations, speeches, intranet and website copy, social media content and other materials to support a wide variety of communications needs.
Partner with Marketing, Digital and Creative Services, Editorial, Social Media, Government Affairs, Philanthropy, Operations and other internal teams to ensure communications are aligned, integrated and effective.
Identify opportunities to elevate ChristianaCare leaders and subject matter experts through thought leadership, speaking opportunities, awards, editorial content, interviews and other visibility strategies.
Provide communications planning and support for new programs, expanded services, partnerships, access initiatives, care model innovations and other strategic priorities.
Use data, insights and measurement to inform communications strategies, evaluate results and continually improve effectiveness.
Monitor health care, media, community and competitive trends to identify communications opportunities, risks and emerging areas of public interest.
Ensure all communications reflect ChristianaCare’s mission, values, brand voice and commitment to serving the community with compassion, excellence and innovation.
Collaborate as a key contributor in the Department of External Affairs Communications Team.

Benefits

Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, etc.
Two retirement planning offerings, including 403(b) with company contributions
Generous paid time off with annual roll-over and opportunities to cash out
12-week paid parental leave
Annual membership to care.com
Access to backup care services for dependents through Care@Work
Retirement planning services
Financial coaching
Fitness and wellness reimbursement
Discounts through several vendors for hotels, rental cars, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets and much more!