Strategic Media Relations Specialist

National Media Awards Foundation; Halifax; On-site; CAD 43,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

IWK Health in Halifax is seeking a Media Relations Specialist to proactively identify storytelling opportunities and respond to media requests. The role collaborates with leaders, external partners, and reporters to shape communications strategies and protect the organization’s reputation.

The incumbent will develop media materials, manage the media centre web content, and provide media training and coaching to spokespeople, with duties including issues management and on-call support.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree such as a Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or journalism required.
• Minimum of three years of experience within a communication environment with a focus on media relations required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to translate complex ideas into simple messages for a variety of audiences.
• Experience in issues management and public affairs an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs, and media monitoring tools is required.
• Superior communication skills including verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of electronic communications (social media).
• Knowledge of website platforms, and Content Management Systems (CMS).
• Competency in other languages an asset.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with leaders, physicians, staff, researchers and volunteers to identify and respond to media relations opportunities.
• Engages with external partner organizations to promote information sharing and strong working relationships.
• Develops key communications pieces and prepares written content such as fact sheets, briefing notes, and newsletter stories.
• Leads the development of media releases, public service announcements and media statements.
• Manages the media centre section of the IWK website.
• Pitches stories and builds relationships with reporters and media outlets to enhance the IWK’s reputation.
• Monitors local, national and social media to identify trends or issues that could impact IWK.
• Produces daily media monitoring report and monthly media analysis report.
• Manages and tracks incoming media requests, flags sensitive issues and identifies spokespeople.
• Supports media relations on-call functions and issues management responses.
• Delivers media training, provides coaching and counsel to spokespeople and leaders.
• Notifies relevant parties prior to media coming on site and escorts media to interviews

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Communication skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Social media

Attention to detail

Issues management

Language skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or journalism

Tools

Microsoft Office

CMS

Media monitoring tools

Job description

IWK Health in Halifax is seeking a Media Relations Specialist to proactively identify storytelling opportunities and respond to media requests. The role collaborates with leaders, external partners, and reporters to shape communications strategies and protect the organization’s reputation.

The incumbent will develop media materials, manage the media centre web content, and provide media training and coaching to spokespeople, with duties including issues management and on-call support.