Strategic Public Affairs Lead – Military Health System

Fidelity Partners; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Fidelity Partners, an Inc. 5000 USA company, seeks a Public Relations Specialist for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

You will lead strategic communications, craft messaging, manage media relations, and support crisis communications while coordinating with DHA and national stakeholders. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in communications or related field and at least five years in public affairs or project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in public affairs, project management, or a mix of both.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple high‑priority projects, deadlines, stakeholders, and ad hoc suspense requirements in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with project‑management and digital‑communication tools and knowledge of strategic communication methods, media relations, and social‑media practices.
• Experience in healthcare systems, military communications, federal public affairs, or a regulated, high‑visibility environment is highly preferred.
• Project Management Professional certification is preferred but not required.
• Strong relationship‑building, interviewing, prioritization, time‑management, analytical, and consensus‑building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute public affairs and strategic‑communication plans aligning with DHA, Military Health System, and command priorities.
• Write and edit press releases, talking points, newsletters, speeches, briefings, articles, web content, and social media content.
• Coordinate media relations, respond to inquiries, arrange interviews, support media visits, and maintain media relationships.
• Advise leadership on communications for major issues and sensitive matters with consistent messaging for internal and external stakeholders.
• Plan and support press conferences, media briefings, VIP activities, and community engagement events.
• Provide crisis‑communications planning and timely support for issues attracting national media or congressional interest.

Skills

Written and oral communication

Project management

Media relations

Strategic communication

Stakeholder management

Digital communication tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Relations/Project Management or related field

Tools

Project management tools

Digital communication tools

Job description

Fidelity Partners, an Inc. 5000 USA company, seeks a Public Relations Specialist for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

You will lead strategic communications, craft messaging, manage media relations, and support crisis communications while coordinating with DHA and national stakeholders. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in communications or related field and at least five years in public affairs or project management.