Director of Public Relations & Strategic Communications

Catholic Health System Long Island; Melville (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Professional growth culture

Job summary

Catholic Health is seeking a Director of Public Relations, Media & Communications to shape and protect the reputation of St. Catherine's and St. Charles Hospital.

Lead storytelling across earned media, social channels, and internal communications in collaboration with Corporate Communications to ensure aligned messaging. The role focuses on patient experiences, physician insights, and clinical excellence, with oversight of media strategy and internal engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 8–10+ years in public relations, media relations, or communications, healthcare experience preferred.
• Exceptional storytelling and writing skills.
• Strong media relationships and proven success securing earned media coverage.
• Experience managing crisis communications and sensitive issues.
• Experience developing and executing internal communications strategies that engage employees.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations, including HIPAA, as it relates to communications.
• Ability to translate complex issues for diverse audiences across platforms.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary media contact for St. Catherines and St. Charles Hospital, proactively building relationships with local, regional, and healthcare media outlets.
• Develop and execute media strategies that enhance visibility, credibility, and trust.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment; coordinate responses with Corporate Communications.
• Escalate sensitive or high-risk issues and support crisis communications with leadership.
• Partner with local community relations to promote campus and community events.
• Identify, develop, and promote patient and physician stories reflecting mission and impact.
• Oversee content creation for press releases, feature stories, blogs, and digital channels.
• Direct social media strategy with corporate digital marketing for engagement and brand.
• Support internal communications to engage employees and leaders as thought leaders.

Skills

Exceptional storytelling

Media relationships

Crisis communications

Internal communications

Social media strategy

Collaboration across teams

HIPAA knowledge

Healthcare issues knowledge

Clear communication strategies

Executive counsel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations/Communications

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Catholic Health is seeking a Director of Public Relations, Media & Communications to shape and protect the reputation of St. Catherine's and St. Charles Hospital.

Lead storytelling across earned media, social channels, and internal communications in collaboration with Corporate Communications to ensure aligned messaging. The role focuses on patient experiences, physician insights, and clinical excellence, with oversight of media strategy and internal engagement.