Media Relations Specialist III

Responsibilities

• The Media Relations Specialist III is responsible for strategizing, leading, developing, and implementing a broad range of public relations activities in support of the organization’s mission, vision, values, and priorities.
• The Specialist manages the work of the contracted Public Relations agency and leads the account representative on the projects/programs/initiatives for which L.A. Care is seeking attention.
• The Specialist also manages communication between the organization and media outlets to elevate the organization’s corporate profile and enhance its public perception, serves as the main point of contact for the media, and ensures media relations initiatives are consistent with strategic organization objectives.
• The Specialist collaborates with the social media team, providing content, such as media placements, press releases, news items, and provides input on social media campaigns.
• The Specialist develops and disseminates messaging and executes media campaigns that position L.A. Care as an innovative healthcare leader in Los Angeles, California, and the national healthcare arena and manages multiple writing assignments and deliverables.
• The Media Specialist III acts as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), serves as a resource and mentor for other staff.
• Establish and cultivate relationships with media, including reporters, editors, podcasters, and bloggers, in order to successfully increase the positive profile of L.A. Care.
• Respond to media inquiries by vetting the request and sourcing the appropriate subject matter expert for comment; coordinate and schedule the interviews.
• Proactively pitch media on positive stories about L.A. Care and its programs/projects/initiatives and product lines.
• Proactively seek out story ideas across multiple departments within L.A. Care.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications or Journalism
• In lieu of degree, equivalent education and/or experience may be considered.
• At least 5 years of relevant and increasing responsibility, experience on the list of stated knowledge and skills.

Preferred

• Master's Degree in Communications or Journalism
• Experience within a healthcare organization, nonprofit, or public agency. An understanding of Medi-Cal, Medicare, and related public health programs, and the diverse community L.A. Care serves is a plus.
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
• Bilingual in one of L.A. Care Health Plan’s threshold languages is highly desirable - English, Spanish, Chinese, Armenian, Arabic, Farsi, Khmer, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese.

Benefits

• Financial Impact: Salary and benefits; expenses (research materials, collateral materials that may be outsourced, media list and distribution vendors)
• Salary Range Disclaimer: The expected pay range is based on many factors such as geography, experience, education, and the market. The range is subject to change.
• L.A. Care offers a wide range of benefits including
• - Paid Time Off (PTO)
• - Tuition Reimbursement
• - Retirement Plans
• - Medical, Dental and Vision
• - Wellness Program
• - Volunteer Time Off (VTO)