Public Relations and External Communications Specialist - System Wide

📌 Core Information

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

🔹 Company: Bon Secours

🔹 Location: Any City, Ohio, United States

🔹 Job Type: Remote (Work from Home)

🔹 Category: Medical Practices

🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-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.
• Working closely with the supervisor and other team members to create compelling content and implement tactics.
• Proactively seeking opportunities for positive media coverage and organizational storytelling.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work independently. It also involves managing multiple projects and working under pressure.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Writes and edits external communications materials such as press releases, media statements, briefing documents, speeches, articles, and website content.

✅ 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. 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. Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential.

🎯 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 creative writing and editing skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• 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 a Master's degree is preferred, a Bachelor's degree with relevant experience may be considered. Accreditation of Public Relations (APR) is also preferred but not required.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for entry-level PR roles in Ohio)

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 occasional travel for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives (not to exceed 10% travel)

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

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Bon Secours is a medical practice with a focus on providing compassionate care to its communities.

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

Founded: Bon Secours was founded in 1951, and it has since grown to become a well-established provider of healthcare services in the region.

Company Description:

• Bon Secours is dedicated to providing excellent care through exceptional people.
• The organization values compassion, integrity, and professionalism in its approach to healthcare.
• Bon Secours offers a range of services, including medical, surgical, and rehabilitation care.

Company Specialties:

• Medical Practices
• Healthcare Services
• Rehabilitation Services

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

ASSUMPTION: Bon Secours is a well-established medical practice with a strong focus on providing compassionate care to its communities. The organization values professionalism and integrity in its approach to healthcare.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is an entry-level position, ideal for recent graduates or individuals with up to 2 years of experience in public relations 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 occasional travel for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives (not to exceed 10% travel).

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 focus on professional development can provide opportunities for growth and advancement.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the organization. Employees who demonstrate strong performance and a commitment to professional development may be well-positioned for advancement.

🌍 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 city offers a mix of urban and suburban environments, 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 occasional travel for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives (not to exceed 10% travel)

ASSUMPTION: The remote work environment offers flexibility and the opportunity to work from home. However, this role may require occasional travel for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Creativity and storytelling abilities
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Understanding of media relations and external communications strategies

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume, focusing on external communication strategies, media outreach, and storytelling.
• Tailor your cover letter to the specific role and company, demonstrating your understanding of Bon Secours' mission and values.
• Prepare examples of your writing and communication skills to showcase during the interview.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, External Communications, Media Relations, Storytelling, Communications, PR Specialist, Media Outreach, Crisis Communications

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve several stages, including an initial screening, phone or video interview, and an in-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their communication skills, creativity, and understanding of external communications strategies throughout the process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• CMS (Content Management System) for website updates
• Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the organization. However, strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is essential, as is familiarity with content management systems and social media platforms.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Compassion
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Results-driven
• Adaptable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have strong communication skills, both written and verbal?
• Are you able to work independently and manage multiple projects?
• Do you have experience with external communication strategies, media outreach, and storytelling?
• Are you comfortable working in a remote environment?

ASSUMPTION: Bon Secours values compassion, integrity, and professionalism in its approach to healthcare. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with these values and be comfortable working in a collaborative, results-driven environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
• Working under pressure and in high-stress environments
• Occasional travel for media events, conferences, or community outreach initiatives
• Adapting to a remote work environment and maintaining productivity

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to managing multiple projects, working under pressure, and occasional travel. Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to adapt to a remote work setting.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in that it focuses specifically on external communications and public relations for a medical practice.
• Industry-specific context: The medical practice industry is highly competitive, with a strong focus on reputation management and community engagement.
• Career path comparison: This role can lead to advancement opportunities in public relations, communications, or healthcare administration.

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on external communications and public relations for a medical practice. Applicants should be aware of the industry-specific context and career path opportunities associated with this role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive media relations plan to promote a new medical service or facility
• Crafting a crisis communication plan to address a potential public health emergency
• Creating a series of blog posts or articles to educate the public about a specific medical condition or treatment

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the Public Relations and External Communications Specialist role. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and skills in relation to these projects during the interview process.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most pressing communication challenges facing the organization currently?
• How does this role fit into the broader communication strategy for the organization?
• What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the department or the organization?
• How does the organization support work-life balance for remote employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions can help applicants better understand the organization's communication strategy, growth opportunities, and expectations for the role. Applicants should be prepared to ask thoughtful, relevant questions throughout the interview process.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, focusing on external communication strategies, media outreach, and storytelling.
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of Bon Secours' mission and values and your fit for the role.
• Prepare examples of your writing and communication skills to showcase during the interview.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.

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