Manager, Media & Public Affairs

FLSA Status

Exempt

Job Role Summary

The Media & Public Affairs Manager develops, manages and coordinates public relations activities for Eskenazi Health. Responsibilities include managing the media relations strategy, developing ideas for award nominations, attending community meetings, ensuring that projects meet established deadlines, maintaining a media database and producing reports, participating in the development of communications strategy, knowing/understanding established communications goals and objectives and overseeing the development of items consistent with those goals and objectives.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Develops and manages media relations and public affairs activities for Eskenazi Health, and supports agencies by working with hospital administrators and departments in the consultation, planning and implementation of media strategy, programs and events to develop a positive public and community image
• Develop effective working relationships with members of the statewide news media, particularly in Indianapolis and networks with media relations counterparts at other institutions to maintain current knowledge of issues and concerns in the field
• Conceives creative ideas and opportunities for feature articles, award nominations, interviews, presentations, special events and other media-related activities that promote awareness of Eskenazi Health 

• Participates in the development and implementation of communications and PR strategy for the health system

• Serves as the primary Public Affairs & Communications team liaison to trauma, emergency, stroke, EMS, Community Engagement, and burn service lines; engages other team members as necessary to provide complete service to these clients through PR planning 
• Collaborates with and supervises public relations activities for social determinants of health, food & nutrition, Eskenazi Helath’s internship programs, family beginnings/NICU, talent acquisition and pet therapy divisions
• Represents Eskenazi Health on external committees of local and state professional organizations and attends public affairs strategy development and execution meetings as needed
• Prepares communication plans and key messaging for employees and physicians across the health system

• Provides consultation to health system leaders and physicians on communication issues and needs

• Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates Media Relations Strategist, Public Affairs Strategist and Content Strategist and interns, temporary help, and volunteers working in the Public Affairs & Communications area
• Manages the development and production of numerous Eskenazi Health communication tools including the Eskenazi Health Here for You podcast, newsletters, e-newsletters, brochures, annual reports, videos and web sites, etc.
• Works closely with Eskenazi Health physicians to position them as experts and spokespersons in interviews with news media and through community outreach programs
• Manages timelines/deadlines of projects and tracks projects budgets

• Responds to inquiries from news media and coordinates the release of information on a 24-hour basis when on call

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, business, public relations or related discipline required.
• A minimum of five years’ progressive, successful media relations experience required, preferably in a health care setting.
• A minimum of five years’ professional management experience.
• Experience working with Indianapolis news media preferred.
• Valid Indiana driver's license required that meets Eskenazi Health’s driving policy requirements.

Writing Sample Submission

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High levels of accuracy, productivity and good judgment required in developing and maintaining a positive public and community image of Eskenazi Health
• Constant collaboration with the Director of Public Affairs & Communications in the development and coordination of media and public affairs activities for Eskenazi Health
• Detail oriented, solid organizational ability
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, devise own work patterns and prioritize tasks
• Flexible and able to work effectively with physicians, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, department heads, staff, etc. of Eskenazi Health, and affiliated institutions
• Advanced computer skills required, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Lotus Notes; able to conduct Internet and other kinds of research
• Ability to perform routine and special duties/projects as designed
• Knowledge of public relations practices and theories
• Creative, innovative; enjoys conceiving new ideas
• Able to use age-appropriate communication skills