Job Summary: The Manager, External Communications & Media Relations will support the creation and execution of various public and media relations efforts to communicate WMCHealth Network’s strategic priorities and elevate the corporate brand’s reputation. WMCHealth is a nine-hospital, eight-campus, academic health system. Reporting to the Senior Director of Network Communications, the individual leading this role is responsible for developing high-quality, impactful communications materials, managing proactive and responsive media outreach, monitoring for news and trends, and ensuring consistent messaging across all external channels. Drive positive media coverage, enhance social media strategy and engagement, and ensure corporate positioning is consistently communicated.

The ideal candidate is a skilled storyteller with strong writing and editing abilities, proven media relations and social media experience, and effective agility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment. This individual will also ensure external communications efforts align seamlessly with the organization’s broader integrated communications approach.

Responsibilities: 

Strategic Planning, Execution & Cross-functional Coordination

• Develop and implement comprehensive external communication plans and tactics that drive results congruent with organizational goals and initiatives.
• Liaise with key internal stakeholders (e.g., clinical directors and care providers, Clinical Operations, Legal, Government & Community Relations, etc.). Identify external communication needs across departments and create targeted strategies to address them.
• Maintain an editorial calendar to manage content across owned platforms.
• Partner with Marketing/Communications colleagues, including regional and service line Marketing/Communications team members, to ensure seamless integration of campaigns across external channels.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables are of the highest quality.
• Work closely with the Manager, Internal Communications, to ensure continuity and consistency of messaging across all communications channels.
• Share updates and progress regularly.

External Content Development & Execution

• Develop narratives that highlight WMCHealth’s clinical excellence; commitment to quality, safety and innovation; community impact; and other strategic initiatives to support leadership, visibility, and corporate reputation externally.
• Write, proofread, edit, format and distribute high-quality, engaging content for press releases, social media, feature stories, blogs, newsletters, fact sheets/infographics, webinars, and more.
• Manage social media content across our various channels and platforms; oversee community management.
• Ensure all content reflects WMCHealth’s brand voice and adheres to style and compliance standards.

Media Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Pitch stories and secure coverage in top-tier and trade publications.
• Serve as a spokesperson and prepare subject-matter experts for interviews and public appearances. Develop briefing documents, talking points, and Q&As.
• Lead media inquiry strategy and coordination. Provide counsel to leadership on media positioning and responses.
• Support for potential after-hours media relations.

Campaign & Event Support

• Plan and execute public relations campaigns to support major announcements, service launches, ribbon cutting ceremonies, and community events.
• Develop media kits, talking points, and briefing documents for leadership and spokespeople at events.

Crisis & Issues Management

• Support rapid-response communications during emergencies or sensitive situations. Escalate issues/crises and provide counsel on readiness and response strategy.
• Ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information across external channels.
• Manage media inquiries around issues to communicate the network’s positioning with accuracy, transparency and timeliness.

Measurement & Reporting

• Track media coverage and campaign performance; provide analytics and assess against key metrics.
• Compile and develop results reports.

• Analyze communication effectiveness; adjust strategies based on feedback and metrics.
• Develop supporting materials, including presentations, talking points, and FAQs.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in public relations, media relations and/or corporate communications, required
• Prior healthcare experience, preferred

Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field, required.

Licenses / Certifications: N/A