GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Specialist, Public & Media Relations supports public relations, communications and storytelling strategies that enhance the power of the Henry Ford Health brand. With the curiosity of a reporter, the specialist is committed to developing relationships with subject matter experts and identifying impactful stories with the potential to generate earned media and other opportunities across a variety of audiences. The specialist pitches stories to media partners; creates and curates press releases, news articles, media advisories, social media, and other digital content; fields media requests in an appropriate and timely manner. Committed to staying up to date on current events, the specialist works to identify meaningful ways Henry Ford Health experts can contribute to local and national conversations and helps the team measure success. The specialist also works regularly with other communications, marketing and consumer experience colleagues to highlight positive news coverage and assist with executive communications. Committed to personal growth and career development, the specialist is passionate about advancing the health and well-being of our community. This position reports to the Manager, Public & Media Relations Strategy.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field – or equivalent.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in public relations, communications, or a related field.
• Exceptional oral, written, and digital communication skills.
• Excellent people skills – works extremely well with a broad cross-section of leaders.
• Must be a critical thinker, able to distill and communicate complex medical and other concepts across broad audiences.
• Must be guided by a passion for storytelling, natural curiosity, and a collaborative “client partner” orientation.
• Able to attend to multiple projects, accounts, and complex issues with an orientation to strategic focus, innovation, creativity and attention to detail and accuracy.

1. Supports public and media relations by developing and implementing strategic, proactive and innovative public relations and storytelling strategies promoting advancements in areas including continued system development projects, research, clinical care, and medical education; community health and mission-based storytelling; philanthropic gifts, and more.
2. Develops and maintains trusted relationships with key internal partners
3. Builds and maintains strong relationships with and knowledge of mainstream and industry media outlets, actively pitches stories in support of key partners
4. Creates and posts engaging and informative press releases, news articles, media advisories and other content
5. Works with communications colleagues to highlight positive news coverage on social media and internal communications
6. Works closely with leaders to track and share metrics for engagement from communications plans and projects, and can assist team in assembling newsletters or other similar content
7. Knows or is willing to learn how to use media distribution and monitoring services
8. Assists with major media and other events as needed
9. Assists with executive communications as needed
   10.Serves on-call after hours and weekends as needed