Job Description

At Houston Methodist, the Senior (Sr.) Communications Specialist position is responsible for developing proactive hospital and executive communications, leading engaging internal communications strategies and executing external reactive and proactive communications and media relations by effectively cultivating and nurturing media relationships. The Senior Communications Specialist will develop communications strategies to ensure stakeholders achieve goals and meet objectives by producing clear, concise, and engaging content while utilizing editorial skills in writing, proofreading, and editing. The Senior Communications Specialist will build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients including the executive team.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates with hospital leadership, human resources, departmental management, physicians, and stakeholders to conceptualize, develop, and implement internal and external communication initiatives that support the organization and achieve goals.

• Prepares executives, physicians, and other stakeholders to respond to media through the utilization of professional writing styles, and messaging for specific audiences.

• Provides guidance and develops relationships with all audiences, including executives, corporate marketing, corporate public relations, digital or web as appropriate. Collaborates with corporate colleagues on systemwide initiatives.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proactively develops public and media relations strategies and tactics, writes and edits press releases, media alerts, and story pitches to effectively communicate key messages to journalists and drives local hospital/physician reputation. Supports other communications representatives with production; develop questions/scripts and coordinate interviews for key personnel.

• Develops and implements measurable, hospital- or physician-specific communication initiatives that support the organizational strategy. Develops and manages reporting on internal communication performance and assessment of local media reports.

• Writes, proofreads, and edits hospital newsletters and/or magazine articles, crisis communications, special correspondence, promotional materials, and other communication pieces.

• Works to ensure timely and effective content deployment at all times. Meets writing and content development deadlines to ensure quick turnarounds in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates with setting standards and creating best practice guidelines for internal users, and ensures content conforms to established standards.

• Responds timely to inquiries and deadlines and acts as a brand steward, ensuring all messaging, copy and other content is within brand voice and editorial guidelines.

• Develops clear, concise and accurate communications and talking points; fact-checking content prior to leadership review.

• Maintains communication databases and manages internal communications platforms.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensures timely submission of invoices; tracks and adheres to budgets for assigned projects.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proactively seeks opportunities to improve internal communications and media strategy.

• Seeks out innovative trends to address internal and external audiences. Continuously applies learnings and best practices to improve efficiency of content development and deployment process.

• Proactively problem solves when challenges present themselves. Participates in hospital or system committees as needed.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Six years experience related to media relations, copywriting or communications

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Professional writing experience and demonstrated proficiency in proofreading and copy-editing skills, as well as a thorough knowledge of contemporary editorial practices (AP Style) and strong editorial judgment.

• Ability to work under pressure and balance many competing priorities in an organized manger.

• Demonstrated initiative in managing projects and communication with stakeholders.

• Proficiency with Microsoft office applications and other desktop publishing apps.

• Ability to translate health care information to consumer audiences.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently of and cooperatively with team members.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital opened in June 2017 as the eighth hospital in the Houston Methodist system. This 267-bed, 725,000-square-foot, full-service, acute-care hospital offers many of the same services as our flagship hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Also, on the beautiful hospital campus, located at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Texas State Highway 242, are two medical office buildings, which include a Breast Care Center; Cancer Center; infusion center; heart and vascular services; neurology; orthopedics and sports medicine; rehabilitation services; wellness services; an outpatient laboratory; and several other multispecialty physician practices. In January 2022, Houston Methodist The Woodlands opened Healing Tower — a $250 million expansion project that added 106 beds, focused on medical-surgical and women’s services, and provided nine operating rooms. The project also included the expansion of the endoscopy center, emergency department and diagnostic imaging department with an enhanced neurodiagnostic and interventional center.

Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Job Tags

Full time, For contractors, Work experience placement, Local area,

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