External Communications Specialist III (Media Relations & Public Relations)

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Summary

Responsible for creating and distributing content such as patient newsletters, social media updates, and press releases. Serves as a resource and escalation point for junior Communications Specialists. Assists with monitoring, supports event logistics and community outreach, and ensures all communications adhere to guidelines. Updates the organization's website and provides support during crisis communications. Gathers feedback from patients and staff to improve communication strategies and assists with basic graphic design for educational materials. Mentors junior staff, handles relationships with external vendors, and contributes to budget management.

Essential Functions

Develops and executes multi-tactical proactive and reactive media and communication strategies and plans.

Develops and implements communication strategies and plans that support organizational priorities and stakeholder needs.

Leads the planning and execution of communication campaigns, establishing objectives, identifying target audiences, and evaluating effectiveness through measurable outcomes.

Designs and executes media and external communication strategies and initiatives that strengthen public engagement, awareness, and organizational alignment.

Represents the institution to and interacts with news media daily.

Evaluates communication distribution requirements and recommends proactive and reactive strategy, frequency, channels, and delivery methods to maximize reach and efficiency.

Responds rapidly to emergencies/crises to engage stakeholders, mitigate reputational impact, and craft accurate and appropriate public responses. Selects and manages vendor and production resources, coordinating estimates, timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure high-quality communication products.

Analyzes communication performance metrics and stakeholder feedback, translating findings into actionable recommendations that improve communication effectiveness.

Ensures all communications align with institutional priorities, organizational standards, brand guidelines, messaging frameworks, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Plans and executes communication campaigns, including setting objectives and measuring/analyzing outcomes.

Responds to media inquiries in an urgent/timely manner.

Participates in on-call rotation.

Provides appropriate on-site escorts for media crews in compliance with internal and legal regulations.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field (Required)

One year of relevant education may be substituted for one year of required work experience, or one year of relevant professional-level work experience may be substituted for one year of required education.

Minimum 5 Years of Experience in communications or a related field (Required)

Salary Range: $34.41/hour - $56.82/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility.

The Hospital reserves the right to modify employee schedules as needed.

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.