Public Relations and External Communications Specialist - Marketing

📌 Core Information

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

🔹 Company: Bon Secours Mercy Health

🔹 Location: Work at Home - Any State

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Remote

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote (Work from Home)

🚀 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 and stakeholders.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify communication opportunities, objectives, and key messages.
• Proactively seeking opportunities for positive media coverage and organizational storytelling.
• Providing project management on PR and external communications projects, ensuring all materials are developed on schedule and ready for distribution.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong written and verbal communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

📋 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, managing deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities.

🎯 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 written and verbal communication skills
• Strong creative writing and editing skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proven project management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with media relations and external communications strategies

Preferred Skills:

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

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in using social media platforms and familiarity with content management systems may be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 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: Scheduled weekly hours: 40. Work shift: Days (United States of America). This role may require occasional travel for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level PR roles in the US. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and the organization's internal compensation structure.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Bon Secours Mercy Health operates in the Healthcare industry, with a focus on providing compassionate, quality care to patients and communities.

Company Size: Bon Secours Mercy Health is a large organization with over 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Bon Secours Health System and Mercy Health combined in 2018 to form Bon Secours Mercy Health, creating one of the nation’s 20 largest health care systems.

Company Description:

• Bon Secours Mercy Health is dedicated to continually improving health care quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• The organization serves communities across seven states and Ireland, with 48 hospitals, thousands of providers, over 1,000 points of care, and over 60,000 employees.
• Bon Secours Mercy Health is recognized for clinical and operational excellence and holds itself accountable for enhancing care and improving outcomes for patients, residents, and clients.

Company Specialties:

• Hospitals and health care services
• Community outreach and engagement
• Crisis management and communication

Company Website: bsmhealth.org

ASSUMPTION: Bon Secours Mercy Health is a large, established organization with a strong focus on community engagement and patient care. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is an entry-level to mid-level position in the Public Relations and Communications field, offering opportunities for growth and development.

Reporting Structure: The Public Relations and External Communications Specialist reports directly to the PR Manager and collaborates with various internal stakeholders, including leadership, marketing, and clinical teams.

Work Arrangement: This is a remote, work-from-home position with flexible hours, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Senior PR Specialist or PR Manager role
• Expansion into specialized areas of PR, such as crisis communication, market growth, or B2B communication
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives, gaining valuable experience and exposure

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a strong foundation in public relations and external communications, with ample opportunities for growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (Work from Home)

Office Location(s): Any state in the continental US

Geographic Context:

• The continental US offers a wide range of living and working environments, from urban to rural settings.
• Working remotely allows for flexibility in choosing a living and working environment that best suits individual preferences and needs.
• The role may require occasional travel for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives.

Work Schedule: Days (United States of America). The role requires a flexible schedule, with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

ASSUMPTION: Working remotely offers a high degree of flexibility and autonomy, but also requires strong self-motivation, time management, and communication skills.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Talent Acquisition Team
• Phone or video interview with the PR Manager
• Final in-person or video interview with the PR Manager and other team members
• Background check and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Creativity and strategic thinking
• Project management and organizational skills
• Familiarity with media relations and external communications strategies
• Alignment with the company's mission, values, and culture

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
• Provide specific examples of your communication, project management, and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the organization's mission, values, and culture in your application materials.
• Prepare questions to ask during the interview to show your interest in and understanding of the role and organization.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, External Communications, Media Relations, Storytelling, Project Management, Marketing, Communications, Healthcare, Nonprofit

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

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Content management systems (CMS)
• Media monitoring and analytics tools
• Project management software (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the organization's internal systems and processes.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Compassion
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Collaboration
• Stewardship

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
• Self-motivated and independent
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with the company's mission and values?
• How do you approach working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to achieve common goals?
• How do you manage your time and priorities effectively when working independently from home?

ASSUMPTION: Bon Secours Mercy Health values candidates who are passionate about their mission, committed to excellence, and eager to collaborate with a diverse team of professionals.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, managing deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities.
• Occasional travel may be required for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives.
• The role may involve working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• The work environment may be fast-paced and stressful at times, requiring strong coping skills and resilience.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be managed effectively with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Junior PR Specialist or PR Coordinator role in other organizations, with a focus on external communications and media relations.
• Compared to other roles in the industry, this position offers a competitive salary range, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth and development.
• Career paths in Public Relations and Communications can vary widely, depending on the organization's size, industry, and specific role requirements.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a strong foundation in public relations and external communications, with ample opportunities for growth and development within the organization and the broader healthcare industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a media relations campaign to promote a new healthcare initiative or service line
• Crafting a crisis communication plan to address a potential reputational threat or crisis situation
• Creating a comprehensive communication strategy for a major organizational event or leadership announcement

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from proactive storytelling and media outreach to crisis management and strategic planning.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most pressing communication challenges facing the organization currently, and how would this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does this role fit into the broader communication strategy and goals of the organization?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role and the broader organization?
• How does the organization support work-life balance for remote employees?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and organization, and can help you make an informed decision about the opportunity.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://wd5.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/easyservice/BonSecoursMercyHealthCareers/job/Work-at-Home---Any-State/Public-Relations-and-External-Communications-Specialist---Marketing_R236113-1
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role, emphasizing your communication, project management, and strategic thinking skills.
• Prepare questions to ask during the interview to show your interest in and understanding of the role and organization.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position.

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