Public Relations Specialist II

State of Mississippi; Meridian (MS); On-site; USD 44,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

East Mississippi State Hospital (EMSH) in Meridian, part of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, seeks a Public Relations Specialist II. The role develops communications strategies, prepares information materials, and supports media and community relations to promote hospital programs and events.

The ideal candidate has strong writing and editing skills, handles sensitive information with sound judgment, and can build relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 1–2 years of related professional experience preferred.
• Experience in public relations, media relations, communications, marketing, social media management, content development, or community relations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate communication strategies for EMSH.
• Prepare public information materials and support media relations.
• Disseminate accurate information regarding programs, services, and events.
• Liaise with media, community organizations, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Research

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Public Relations Specialist II in 38 - LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MS

State of Mississippi

$43,509.31 - $76,464.89 Annually

Location

38 - LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MS

Full-Time

Job Number

9112-0372-20260930Le

0372 - MH-EAST MS STATE HOSPITAL

Opening Date

09/30/2026

10/7/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Agency Minimum Salary

$43,509.31

$76,464.89

About the Agency

East Mississippi State Hospital (EMSH), located in Meridian, Mississippi, is a state-operated psychiatric hospital under the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. EMSH provides comprehensive behavioral health services and supports recovery through a continuum of inpatient and specialized programs, including services across multiple units and locations. EMSH is committed to delivering safe, high-quality care, supporting patients and families, and partnering with communities to promote mental health and wellness.

The Public Relations Specialist II performs professional-level public relations and communications work for East Mississippi State Hospital. This position is responsible for developing and coordinating communication strategies, preparing public information materials, supporting media and community relations, and assisting with the dissemination of accurate and timely information regarding hospital programs, services, initiatives, and events. The position handles assignments that may be complex, sensitive, or high-profile and requires sound judgment in determining appropriate communication methods and messaging. The Public Relations Specialist II may serve as an agency liaison with media outlets, community organizations, governmental entities, and other external stakeholders while supporting the hospital’s overall public image and communication objectives.

What you’ll need to be Successful

To be successful in this position, the Public Relations Specialist II must be an effective communicator with strong writing, editing, research, organization, and interpersonal skills. The employee must be able to manage multiple communication projects, exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information, and represent East Mississippi State Hospital in a professional and positive manner. Success also requires creativity, adaptability, attention to detail, responsiveness, and the ability to build productive relationships with internal departments, media representatives, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 1-2 years of experience. Hiring agency prefers:Bachelor’s degree and one to two years of related professional experience. A bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, Business, or a closely related field is preferred. Experience in public relations, media relations, communications, marketing, social media management, content development, community relations, or a related field is preferred. Experience within healthcare, behavioral health, government, or another highly regulated organization is also desirable.

Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201