Community Relations and Strategic Programs Specialist

oumedicine; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Medical and dental benefits

Job summary

OU Health in Oklahoma City is seeking a Community Relations and Strategic Programs Specialist to lead community outreach initiatives, partnerships, and events that advance OU Health's mission and strengthen community ties across Oklahoma.

The role manages a portfolio of partnerships, serves as a primary external contact, and collaborates with marketing to develop campaigns and content that highlight community impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3+ years in community relations or related field.
• Valid unrestricted State of Oklahoma Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute community outreach programs and events across Oklahoma.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with community leaders, nonprofits, and local influencers.
• Serve as primary contact for external stakeholders and respond to inquiries promptly.
• Manage OU Health's participation in community events, sponsorships, and fundraisers from planning to execution.
• Ensure timely delivery of all deliverables within partnership contracts.

Skills

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Relationship building

Public relations

Creativity and strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM/Database tools

Job description

Position Title

Community Relations and Strategic Programs Specialist

Department

Brand and Growth Marketing

Job Description

The Community Engagement Specialist is member of the OU Health Community team, responsible for independently planning, managing, and executing community outreach programs, sponsorships, partnerships, and events that advance OU Health's mission and strengthen its community relationships across Oklahoma. This role manages an active portfolio of community partnerships, serves as a primary point of contact for external stakeholders, and contributes meaningfully to sponsorship and engagement strategy under general direction.

Essential Responsibilities

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.

• Develop and implement community outreach programs and initiatives to enhance OU Health's reputation and deepen community engagement across Oklahoma.
• Identify key stakeholders - including community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and local influencers - and independently build and maintain relationships that foster positive partnerships.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for community members and partners, addressing inquiries, concerns, and feedback promptly and professionally.
• Manage OU Health's participation in community events, sponsorships, volunteer programs, and fundraisers from planning through execution.
• Ensure full execution of all deliverables within community partnership contracts, managing timelines and partner expectations with minimal supervision.
• Communicate with and execute tactics with existing partners and nonprofits to promote a positive public image for OU Health.
• Work with team leadership to creatively execute a comprehensive sponsorship and donation strategy from conception through implementation.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop and execute community-related content and campaigns.
• Maintain and manage the database of community contacts, partnerships, and collaborations.
• Prepare reports documenting community relations activities and their impact on organizational goals.
• Research best practices and emerging developments in the nonprofit sector, including evidence-based programming in other communities, and bring forward relevant findings to inform team strategy.
• Represent the department as a key community relations point of contact for day-to-day aspects of the healthcare enterprise.

General Responsibilities

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Level II

• Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience Requirements: At least 3 years of experience in community relations, nonprofit work, public relations, or a related field required.
• License/Certification/Registration Requirements: Valid unrestricted State of Oklahoma Driver's License required.

Minimum Qualifications Level III

• Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience Requirements: At least 5 years of experience in community relations, nonprofit work, public relations, or a related field required. Demonstrated experience independently managing a portfolio of community partnerships and leading complex community initiatives required.
• License/Certification/Registration Requirements: Valid unrestricted State of Oklahoma Driver's License required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to independently manage multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholder audiences with professionalism and credibility.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the nonprofit community and landscape, including community dynamics, issues, and resources.
• Proven experience in community engagement, public relations, or nonprofit partnership management.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills to develop innovative community impact and engagement strategies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with database or contact management tools.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends for community events and activations as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

OU Health is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more.
• We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.