Public Relations Specialist

About This Role

Planning and running strategic communications and high-impact public affairs projects for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is the core of this specialist role. The Public Relations Specialist develops coordinated messaging, communications plans, media relations, crisis communications, digital content, events, community engagement, and performance analysis for diverse internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute public affairs and strategic-communication plans that advance Walter Reed, DHA, Military Health System, and command priorities
• Write and edit press releases, talking points, newsletters, speeches, briefings, articles, web content, social-media posts, and supporting communication materials
• Coordinate media relations by responding to inquiries, arranging and moderating interviews, supporting media visits, and maintaining professional relationships with media outlets
• Develop consistent messaging for internal and external stakeholders and advise leadership on communications for major issues and sensitive matters
• Plan and support press conferences, media briefings, distinguished-visitor activities, community engagement events, and other public affairs activities
• Provide crisis-communications planning and time-sensitive support for issues that may attract national media, senior leadership, or congressional interest
• Monitor and assess media coverage, public perceptions, campaign performance, and stakeholder response and recommend effective communication approaches
• Maintain and update authorized websites, intranet content, and social-media channels and coordinate content with DHA, network, and military treatment facility communications teams
• Compile required weekly communications reports, issue logs, trackers, metrics, and analyses and submit products for Public Affairs Office review before release
• Build cooperative relationships with subject matter experts, media outlets, medical organizations, military and veterans service organizations, federal partners, nongovernmental organizations, and community stakeholders
• Protect HIPAA-regulated information, PHI, PII, and other sensitive information while meeting daily, weekly, and ad hoc deadlines
• Complete required orientation, annual training, security awareness, HIPAA training, and other Government-directed training and comply with all WRNMMC and DHA policies and procedures
• Duties and responsibilities are subject to change if work schedules, locations, and/or priorities change based on Government or program needs

Requirements

• 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 combination of both areas