Public Relations and External Communications Specialist - System Wide

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations and External Communications Specialist - System Wide

🔹 Company: Bon Secours Mercy Health

🔹 Location: Work at Home - Any State

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Healthcare

🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level

🔹 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 and managing media relations to engage with external audiences and stakeholders
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify communication opportunities and objectives
• Proactively seeking opportunities for positive media coverage and organizational storytelling
• Managing press inquiries and tracking media coverage to ensure consistent and accurate messaging

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as 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

✅ 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

✅ Contributes to crisis communications strategies and tactics as needed, providing quick and effective responses to media inquiries

✅ Works with the PR Manager to execute strategic communication plans for major organizational initiatives, events, and leadership announcements

✅ 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

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

ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional travel for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives, with an estimated travel percentage of 10%.

🎯 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 project management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Experience with external communication strategies, media outreach, and storytelling

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
• Accreditation of Public Relations (APR)
• Experience with crisis communications

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation may be required for occasional travel.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $65,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for entry to mid-level PR roles in the United States)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Prescription drug coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (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)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry to mid-level PR roles in the United States. Actual salary may vary based on factors such as experience, location, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Bon Secours Mercy Health is a non-profit healthcare system, operating in seven states and Ireland, with a focus on improving care and enhancing outcomes for patients, residents, and clients.

Company Size: Bon Secours Mercy Health is one of the nation’s 20 largest health care systems, with 48 hospitals, thousands of providers, over 1,000 points of care, and over 60,000 employees.

Founded: Bon Secours Health System and Mercy Health combined to become Bon Secours Mercy Health on September 1, 2018.

Company Description:

• Bon Secours Mercy Health is dedicated to continually improving health care quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness
• The organization holds itself accountable for enhancing care and improving outcomes through robust measurement and reporting processes
• Bon Secours Mercy Health serves communities across seven states and Ireland

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, non-profit healthcare system with a strong focus on community engagement and improving patient outcomes.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for entry to mid-level professionals with a background in public relations, communications, or a related field.

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 an estimated travel percentage of 10%.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior or management role within the Public Relations department
• Expansion into related fields, such as marketing or community relations
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and events

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (Work from Home)

Office Location(s): Any state in the United States

Geographic Context:

• This role can be performed from any location within the continental United States
• The organization has a strong presence in several states, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida
• The role may require occasional travel for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives

Work Schedule: Scheduled weekly hours: 40. Work shift: Days (United States of America)

ASSUMPTION: While this role is remote, occasional travel may be required, and the work schedule is consistent with a typical daytime work schedule.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Talent Acquisition Team
• In-depth interview with the PR Manager
• Background check and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Project management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Understanding of external communication strategies and media outreach

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of the organization's mission and values
• Showcase your ability to work independently and manage multiple projects

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

ASSUMPTION: The application process may take several weeks, and communication from the hiring team may be limited due to the high volume of applicants.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CMS (Content Management System) for website content management
• Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Media monitoring and analytics tools

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required, while experience with other tools and technologies may be preferred but not required.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Compassion
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Collaboration
• Stewardship

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
• Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
• Committed to the organization's mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have strong written and verbal communication skills?
• Are you able to work independently and manage multiple projects?
• Do you share Bon Secours Mercy Health's commitment to compassion, integrity, excellence, collaboration, and stewardship?

ASSUMPTION: Bon Secours Mercy Health values employees who are compassionate, integrity-driven, and committed to the organization's mission and values.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Occasional travel may be required, which could disrupt work-life balance
• The role may involve working on high-profile projects or crises, which can be stressful and demanding
• The work schedule may be flexible, but long hours or weekend work may be required during peak periods
• The organization is large and complex, which can make it challenging to navigate and understand the full scope of the role

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many benefits and opportunities for growth, it also presents potential challenges that candidates should be aware of and prepared to manage.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Public Relations Specialist or Communications Specialist in other industries, but may have a stronger focus on healthcare and community engagement
• Compared to related roles in other industries, this role may have a broader scope and require more frequent travel
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior or management positions within the Public Relations department, or expansion into related fields

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with related roles in other industries, it also has unique aspects that set it apart and present opportunities for growth and development.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic communication plan for a major organizational initiative or event
• Managing a crisis communication strategy in response to a media inquiry or incident
• Creating and distributing press releases, media statements, and other external communications materials

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and tasks associated with this role, and provide insight into the types of projects candidates may work on.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and teams within the organization?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role?
• How does the organization support work-life balance for remote employees?
• What is the typical timeline for the application and interview process?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the expectations for success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills, such as communication skills, project management skills, and experience with external communication strategies and media outreach
• Prepare for the interview by researching the organization and practicing common interview questions and responses
• Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application, if you have not heard back

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