Public Relations and External Communications Specialist - Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations and External Communications Specialist - Marketing

🔹 Company: Bon Secours

🔹 Location: Any City, Ohio, United States

🔹 Job Type: Remote (Work from Home)

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Remote (Work from home within the continental US)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing external communications strategies to enhance the organization's reputation.
• Crafting narratives, managing media relations, and engaging with external audiences to promote the organization's values, mission, and reputation.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify communication opportunities, objectives, and key messages.
• Working closely with the PR Manager to execute strategic communication plans for major organizational initiatives, events, and leadership announcements.
• Ensuring all external communications align with brand guidelines, corporate voice, and visual standards to maintain a consistent and cohesive public presence.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Writes and edits a variety of external communications materials such as press releases, media statements, briefing documents, speeches, articles, and website content that align with the Ministry’s brand and strategic goals.

✅ Manages and supports PR campaigns by collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify communication opportunities, objectives, and key messages. Proactively seeks out opportunities for positive media coverage and organizational storytelling.

✅ Provides project management on PR and external communications projects, ensuring all materials are developed on schedule and ready for distribution to key external audiences.

✅ Develops content for a range of external communications channels, including media outlets, blogs, social media, public speaking engagements, and corporate communications materials.

✅ Supports media relations efforts by building relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers. Manages press inquiries and tracks media coverage to ensure consistent and accurate messaging.

✅ Contributes to crisis communications strategies and tactics as needed, providing quick and effective responses to media inquiries and ensuring accurate information is shared with external audiences.

✅ Works with the PR Manager to execute strategic communication plans for major organizational initiatives, events, and leadership announcements, ensuring messages are delivered effectively to key stakeholders.

✅ Serves as a subject matter expert for external communication platforms, such as the company website, social media, media outreach, and public speaking opportunities.

✅ Ensures all external communications align with brand guidelines, corporate voice, and visual standards to maintain a consistent and cohesive public presence.

✅ Supports the production of additional external communications materials as needed, including presentations, brochures, event collateral, and video content. Manages vendor relationships where applicable.

✅ Supports leadership meetings and external events, providing communication strategies and content to ensure successful execution and media coverage.

ASSUMPTION: This role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously and managing tight deadlines, particularly during high-stress periods or crises.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (required)

Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience in Public Relations, External Communications, Media Relations, or related field (required)

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Attention to detail
• Creative writing and editing skills
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with media professionals

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
• Experience with external communication strategies, media outreach, and storytelling
• Accreditation of Public Relations (APR)

ASSUMPTION: While a Master's degree is preferred, a Bachelor's degree with relevant experience may be sufficient for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for entry-level PR roles in the US)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Prescription drug coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance with AD&D
• Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
• Paid time off
• Educational assistance

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and occasional travel (up to 10% travel)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the company's budget.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Bon Secours is a healthcare system with a focus on providing compassionate care through exceptional people. They operate in several states and have a strong commitment to their communities.

Company Size: Bon Secours has 201-500 employees, which means applicants can expect a mid-sized company culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Bon Secours was founded in 1901 and has a long history of providing healthcare services in the United States.

Company Description:

• Bon Secours is a not-for-profit Catholic health system sponsored by Bon Secours Ministries of Baltimore, Maryland.
• The organization provides a wide range of services, including acute care hospitals, nursing care facilities, assisted living facilities, and community-based services.
• Bon Secours is committed to providing compassionate care to all members of their communities, regardless of their ability to pay.

Company Specialties:

• Hospital and health care services
• Community-based services
• Nursing care facilities
• Assisted living facilities

Company Website: careers.bonsecours.com/us/en

ASSUMPTION: Bon Secours is a well-established healthcare system with a strong commitment to their communities and a focus on providing compassionate care to all patients.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is an entry-level position within the Marketing & Communications department.

Reporting Structure: The Public Relations and External Communications Specialist reports directly to the PR Manager.

Work Arrangement: This is a remote (work from home) position with occasional travel required (up to 10%).

Growth Opportunities:

• As the organization grows, there may be opportunities for the incumbent to take on more responsibilities or move into a management role.
• Bon Secours offers educational assistance, which can help employees develop new skills and advance their careers.
• The organization's commitment to providing compassionate care may present opportunities for employees to make a significant impact on the community.

ASSUMPTION: While this is an entry-level role, there are opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (work from home)

Office Location(s): Any City, Ohio, United States

Geographic Context:

• Any City, Ohio, is located in the Midwest region of the United States.
• The area has a mix of urban and rural communities, with a population of approximately 100,000 people.
• The cost of living in Any City, Ohio, is relatively affordable compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and occasional travel (up to 10%)

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement allows for a flexible work-life balance, but the incumbent may need to be available for meetings and deadlines during standard business hours.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Talent Acquisition Team
• In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the PR Manager and other team members
• Background check and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Project management skills
• Creativity and ability to think outside the box
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Understanding of the healthcare industry and Bon Secours' mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Provide specific examples of your communication skills, project management experience, and any relevant experience working in the healthcare industry or with external communications.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Bon Secours' mission and values in your application materials.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, External Communications, Media Relations, Communications Specialist, Marketing, Healthcare, Project Management, Storytelling, Media Outreach, Crisis Communications

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the organization's hiring timeline.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project)
• Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24, or Hootsuite Insights)
• CMS and website management tools (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, or Adobe Experience Manager)

ASSUMPTION: The incumbent may be required to use additional tools and technologies specific to the organization's needs and industry standards.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Compassion: Bon Secours is committed to providing compassionate care to all members of their communities, regardless of their ability to pay.
• Integrity: The organization upholds the highest ethical standards and is committed to transparency and accountability.
• Collaboration: Bon Secours fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration, both within the organization and with external partners.

Work Style:

• The incumbent should be able to work independently and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• The role requires strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with media professionals.
• The incumbent should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and able to manage tight deadlines, particularly during crises.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to providing compassionate care and upholding the highest ethical standards?
• Are you comfortable working independently and managing multiple projects with minimal supervision?
• Do you have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with media professionals?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and able to manage tight deadlines, particularly during crises?

ASSUMPTION: Bon Secours is looking for candidates who align with their mission and values and are committed to providing compassionate care to all members of their communities.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The incumbent may face high stress and fluctuating workloads, particularly during crises or high-profile events.
• The role may require occasional travel (up to 10%), which could disrupt the incumbent's work-life balance.
• The incumbent may need to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines, which could be challenging for some individuals.
• The remote work arrangement may present unique challenges, such as maintaining work-life balance and staying connected with colleagues and stakeholders.

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles for some individuals, they can also be opportunities for growth and development.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other PR and External Communications Specialist roles, this position may have a stronger focus on healthcare and community-based services.
• Bon Secours' commitment to providing compassionate care to all members of their communities sets this role apart from similar positions in other industries.
• This role may offer more opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization compared to similar positions in smaller healthcare systems or non-profit organizations.

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares many similarities with other PR and External Communications Specialist positions, its unique focus on healthcare and community-based services sets it apart from other opportunities in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive crisis communication plan for a hypothetical data breach at a Bon Secours hospital
• Creating a media outreach campaign to promote a new community-based service offered by Bon Secours
• Managing the production of external communications materials for a major organizational initiative, such as the opening of a new hospital or the launch of a new service line

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to give applicants an idea of the types of tasks they may be responsible for in this role and the level of detail and strategic thinking required.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workload and work-life balance for this role?
• How does Bon Secours support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how does the organization help its employees manage these challenges?
• How does Bon Secours measure the success of its PR and external communications efforts?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for someone to succeed in this role?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help applicants better understand the role, the organization, and the expectations for the incumbent.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on communication skills, project management experience, and any relevant experience working in the healthcare industry or with external communications.
• Prepare examples of your communication skills, project management experience, and any relevant experience working in the healthcare industry or with external communications.
• Follow up with the Talent Acquisition Team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.