Public Relations and External Communications Specialist - Marketing - Job Opportunity at Bon Secours Mercy Health

Cincinnati, US
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 7, 2025
Remote
USD 45,000 - 55,000 per year based on entry-level healthcare communications roles in Cincinnati market, with potential for higher compensation given the organization's national scope and comprehensive benefits package

Benefits

Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage providing financial protection and healthcare access typically valued at $15,000-20,000 annually
Prescription drug coverage reducing out-of-pocket medication costs by 70-80% on average
Flexible spending accounts enabling pre-tax healthcare and dependent care expenses, saving 20-30% on eligible costs
Life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment coverage providing financial security for beneficiaries
Employer-matched retirement savings contributions enhancing long-term wealth building with potential 3-6% company matching
Generous paid time off policies supporting work-life balance and personal well-being
Educational assistance programs enabling professional development and career advancement through tuition reimbursement

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic external communications content including press releases, media statements, and executive speeches that directly impact organizational reputation and market positioning
Lead proactive media relations campaigns and stakeholder engagement initiatives that drive positive brand visibility and market growth opportunities
Manage complex PR projects from conception to execution, ensuring timely delivery of communications materials that support business objectives and regulatory compliance
Create multi-channel content strategies spanning digital platforms, traditional media, and executive communications that amplify organizational messaging and thought leadership
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key media contacts, industry influencers, and stakeholders to enhance organizational credibility and market presence
Execute crisis communications protocols and rapid response strategies that protect organizational reputation during challenging situations and maintain stakeholder confidence
Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic communication planning for major initiatives, ensuring alignment between corporate strategy and external messaging
Serve as subject matter expert for digital communication platforms and external engagement strategies, driving innovation in organizational storytelling and audience engagement
Ensure brand consistency across all external communications touchpoints, maintaining corporate identity standards that reinforce market positioning and organizational values
Support executive events and leadership communications through strategic content development and media coordination that enhances organizational visibility and influence

Requirements

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

Communications Data Analysis Ability to Work Independently Microsoft Office Associate Communications Associate Engagement Attention to detail Collaboration Critical thinking Cross Functional Collaboration Teamwork Active listening Relationship building Creative thinking Creative Writing Editing Time Management Managing multiple projects

Certifications

Accreditation of Public Relations (APR) (preferred)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Healthcare communications is experiencing unprecedented demand as organizations navigate complex regulatory environments, patient advocacy movements, and digital transformation initiatives that require sophisticated external messaging strategies. The rise of healthcare consumerism and patient-centered care models is driving increased investment in public relations and external communications roles, with organizations recognizing the critical importance of reputation management in competitive healthcare markets. Digital-first communication strategies are becoming essential in healthcare PR, with organizations requiring specialists who can manage multi-channel campaigns across traditional media, social platforms, and emerging digital channels to reach diverse stakeholder audiences. Crisis communications expertise has become increasingly valuable in healthcare organizations due to heightened public scrutiny, regulatory compliance requirements, and the need for transparent communication during public health emergencies and organizational challenges.

Role Significance

Typically part of a 5-10 person communications team within a large healthcare organization, with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across marketing, clinical operations, and executive leadership teams.
This specialist role represents an important entry-to-mid level position within the external communications hierarchy, with significant responsibility for brand reputation and stakeholder engagement, indicating substantial organizational trust and impact potential.

Key Projects

Multi-market reputation management campaigns for healthcare services and clinical excellence initiatives Crisis communications response for regulatory compliance issues, clinical incidents, or community relations challenges Executive thought leadership campaigns positioning organizational leaders as healthcare industry experts Community engagement initiatives supporting local health outcomes and organizational mission alignment Strategic communications support for mergers, acquisitions, or major organizational announcements

Success Factors

Developing exceptional writing and storytelling abilities that can translate complex healthcare topics into compelling narratives for diverse external audiences including media, patients, and community stakeholders. Building strong media relationships and industry networks that provide opportunities for positive coverage and thought leadership positioning in competitive healthcare markets. Mastering crisis communications protocols and rapid response capabilities that protect organizational reputation during challenging situations and regulatory scrutiny. Understanding healthcare industry dynamics, regulatory requirements, and clinical operations to create authentic and compliant external communications. Demonstrating strategic thinking and business acumen to align communications efforts with organizational goals and market positioning objectives.

Market Demand

High demand driven by healthcare industry expansion, increased focus on patient engagement and community relations, and the critical importance of reputation management in competitive healthcare markets

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Creative writing and editing capabilities are essential for developing compelling healthcare narratives that resonate with diverse audiences while maintaining clinical accuracy and regulatory compliance. These skills directly impact organizational reputation and stakeholder engagement effectiveness. Media relations and relationship building abilities are crucial for establishing credibility with healthcare journalists and industry influencers, providing opportunities for positive coverage and thought leadership positioning in competitive markets. Crisis communications expertise is vital in healthcare environments where regulatory scrutiny, patient safety concerns, and community relations challenges require rapid, accurate, and strategic response capabilities. Project management and multi-tasking skills are essential for managing complex communications campaigns, meeting tight deadlines, and coordinating across diverse stakeholder groups in fast-paced healthcare environments.

Beneficial Skills

Healthcare industry knowledge and clinical familiarity enhance credibility and enable more effective communication of complex medical topics to external audiences. Digital marketing and social media expertise expand communication reach and enable innovative storytelling approaches across emerging platforms. Data analysis capabilities support measurement of communications effectiveness and ROI demonstration for strategic planning and budget justification. Bilingual communication skills provide competitive advantage in diverse healthcare markets and expand audience reach for community engagement initiatives.

Unique Aspects

Remote work opportunity within a traditional healthcare organization demonstrates progressive approach to talent acquisition and employee flexibility, rare in healthcare communications roles.
Support for multiple external communications teams provides exceptional breadth of experience across reputation management, crisis communications, and market growth initiatives.
Mission-driven healthcare environment offers meaningful work supporting community health outcomes and organizational values alignment.
National healthcare system scope provides exposure to complex multi-market communications challenges and enterprise-level strategic initiatives.

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior specialist level within 2-3 years, with management opportunities available within 4-5 years given strong performance and healthcare industry expertise development

Potential Next Roles

Senior Communications Specialist with expanded portfolio responsibility and team leadership opportunities Public Relations Manager overseeing comprehensive external communications strategies and junior staff Corporate Communications Director managing enterprise-wide reputation and stakeholder engagement initiatives Healthcare Marketing Communications Manager integrating PR with broader marketing and patient engagement strategies

Company Overview

Bon Secours Mercy Health

Bon Secours Mercy Health is one of the largest Catholic health systems in the United States, operating hospitals and care facilities across multiple states with a mission-driven focus on compassionate care and community health improvement.

As a major national healthcare system, the organization holds significant market presence in its regional markets and maintains strong reputation for clinical excellence and community service, providing substantial platform for communications professionals.
The Cincinnati location places this role within a major healthcare market with significant media presence and stakeholder complexity, offering excellent opportunities for professional development and industry networking.
Mission-driven healthcare environment emphasizing compassionate care, community service, and collaborative teamwork, with strong emphasis on work-life balance and professional development opportunities typical of established healthcare systems.
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