Public Health Communications Specialist

Aptonet; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Aptonet seeks a Public Health Communications Specialist to support the Tennessee Department of Health, with a focus on storytelling, community engagement and content strategy. This contract role leads plan development, partners with experts, and maintains digital and print materials to advance youth health programs.

The role is hybrid in Nashville with 1 in-office day weekly, orients on day one, and runs 12/14/2026–6/30/2027 with potential renewal. Strong writing and design samples encouraged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing or related field, or equivalent portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Build and carry out a communication plan tied to program goals.

Skills

Canva

Microsoft Office

Excel

Content creation

Storytelling

Public health communications

Project management

Remote work

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Journalism/Marketing

Tools

Canva

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

We're looking for a Public Health Communications Specialist to support the Tennessee Department of Health's Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs program. This contract role leads content creation and community engagement, and builds communication plans that move the program's goals forward. If you care about kids and families and you love telling stories that matter, we'd like to hear from you.

Pay: $34 to $36 per hour (W2 contract)

What you'll do

• Build and carry out a communication plan tied to program goals
• Work with subject matter experts and community partners on culturally competent digital and print materials
• Update and maintain program websites
• Track and report on communications metrics
• Produce monthly newsletters, social media campaigns and PSAs
• Lead community storytelling through interviews, video and photography
• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners
• Support statewide campaigns and community education projects

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing or a related field, or an equivalent portfolio
• 2 to 5 years in public health, nonprofit or government communications preferred
• Strong skills in Canva and Microsoft Office, including Excel
• Experience reporting on platform metrics
• Knowledge of WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards, or willingness to learn
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills
• Cultural sensitivity in health communications
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while working remotely

Please include graphic design samples and writing samples or bylined links with your application.

Details

• Tennessee residents only
• Hybrid, at least 1 day a week in office in downtown Nashville. Your first day is in person for laptop setup and orientation.
• Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST (37.5 hrs/week)
• Contract runs 12/14/2026 to 6/30/2027 and may renew each year