Communications Specialist - Nashville, TN/Hybrid

STI; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The Tennessee Department of Health is seeking a contract Communications Specialist for the Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs program. The role leads content creation, community engagement, and communication plans aligned with program goals.

The ideal candidate has a passion for children and youth and is skilled in dynamic communication, with strong writing and storytelling abilities; hybrid work is available in Nashville.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or equivalent portfolio.
• 2–5 years in public health, nonprofit, or government communications preferred.
• Proficiency in Canva and Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel; graphic design samples required.
• Experience reporting platform metrics.
• Knowledge of WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling; include samples or bylined links.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity in health communications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while working remotely.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement a communication plan aligned with program goals.
• Collaborate with experts and partners to design digital and printed materials.
• Update and maintain program websites.
• Create and report on indicators measuring communications performance.
• Develop monthly newsletters and social media campaigns.
• Develop community initiatives including storytelling, videography, and photography.
• Build relationships with internal and external partners.
• Support campaign development and statewide education projects.

Skills

Content creation

Public health comms

Writing & editing

Storytelling

Project management

Canva

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Equivalent portfolio

Tools

Canva

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Nashville, TN/Hybrid
12+ Months
The Tennessee Department of Health is currently seeking a contract Communication Specialist for the Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs program. This role will lead content creation and community engagement initiatives and drive impactful communication plans aligned with program goals. The ideal candidate is passionate about children and youth and skilled in dynamic communication.

Communications Specialist

Nashville, TN/Hybrid
12+ Months
The Tennessee Department of Health is currently seeking a contract Communication Specialist for the Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs program. This role will lead content creation and community engagement initiatives and drive impactful communication plans aligned with program goals. The ideal candidate is passionate about children and youth and skilled in dynamic communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement a communication plan aligned with program goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and community partners to design compelling and culturally competent digital and printed materials.
• Update and maintain program websites.
• Create and report on indicators that measure communications performance.
• Develop and implement monthly newsletters, social media campaigns/public service announcements, etc.

Community Engagement

• Create and develop initiatives involving the community, including stories, interviews, videography, and photography.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
• Contribute to campaign development and community education projects that highlight children and youth with special healthcare needs initiatives statewide.
• Work collaboratively within a supportive, multidisciplinary team and demonstrate flexibility when priorities shift.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field OR the equivalent reflected in a non-collegiate portfolio.
• 2-5 years of experience in public health, nonprofit, or government communications preferred.
• Proficiency in Canva and Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel. Graphic design samples required.
• Experience reporting platform metrics.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, digital accessibility standards in compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508, ensuring that online content is accessible to individuals with visual and other disabilities.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills (please include writing samples or bylined links).
• Knowledge of cultural competency and sensitivity in health communications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while working remotely.

Additional Details

• Tennessee Residents Only
• Monday-Friday, Standard Business Hours (8:00AM-4:30PM CST) - 37.5 hours per week
• Hybrid with some in-office meetings required quarterly or more often, at supervisor discretion. Travel to Nashville-based central office is non-reimbursable.

Position is renewable annually on 6/30 per state fiscal calendar.