PR Specialist I

Mercy Medical Center; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Medical Center is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to inform, enlighten and educate the public about Mercy’s programs and services. The role focuses on fostering strong relationships with the media and supporting crisis communications with clear, accurate messaging.

The position involves drafting communications materials, managing information releases, liaising with media, and supporting community events to advance Mercy's brand and strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent professional and interpersonal skills including the ability to interface with management, media, physicians, employees, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Writes, edits and proofs internal, external, confidential and crisis communications for leadership.
• Provides on-air talent for video/audio projects and coordinates with vendors as needed.
• Develops and implements public relations programs to support Mercy Medical Center's strategy and brand.
• Serves as day-to-day media liaison and manages relationships to support Mercy.
• Writes news releases, fact sheets, media alerts and feature stories.
• Participates in crisis communications and issues management with leadership.
• Maintains media database and builds relationships in the field.
• Produces video projects to support Mercy's programs and services.
• Monitors media coverage and tracks industry trends.

Skills

Public relations

Writing

Media relations

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations/Communications/Journalism

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Work Shift Day Scheduled Weekly Hours 24

Summary

This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by informing, enlightening and educating the public about the programs and services Mercy offers to the community. One of the primary ways this is accomplished is by fostering positive relationships with the media and supporting the media's efforts to relay information clearly and correctly. Additionally, the Public Relations Specialist plays a primary role in crisis communication and issue management by helping to draft communication materials and manage the release of, and response to, sensitive information

Job Description

Job Duties:

• Writes, edits and proofs internal, external, confidential and crisis communications for marketing leadership and staff to improve grammar, flow, clarity and consistency.
• Provides on-air talent for video/audio projects and produces content internally and/or works with outside vendors as appropriate.
• Develops and implements comprehensive public relations programs to support Mercy Medical Center's strategic direction and brand.
• Serves as day-to-day media liaison, managing those relationships to leverage support for Mercy.
• Writes news releases, fact sheets, media alerts, feature stories and other materials.
• Participates in crisis communications and issues management with Management and Administration.
• Develops extensive media database with established relationships in the field.
• Writes and produces video projects to support Mercy programs and services.
• Monitors and tracks media related to Mercy, our competitors and industry.
• Coordinates release of information across other communications channels (social media, internal, etc.).
• Serves as Public Information Officer, as appropriate.
• Provides consultation to leadership on media strategy, messaging, presentation, etc.
• Manages and/or assists with internal and community events.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent professional and interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively interface with management, media, physicians, employees, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Professional Experience

• Strong background and experience in public and media relations required.
• Experience in coordinating external and internal events required.
• Experience in writing/producing for print and broadcast required.
• Experience in journalism, including on-air, a plus.

Education

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years experience in media/public relations.
• Required: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field.

Licensure, Certification, Registration

• N/A

Physical Requirements

• Light: Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently

Pay Rate Type Salary

Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.

Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.