Public Relations Specialist

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Public Affairs: Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic communication plans and public affairs initiatives that promote organizational programs, services, and priorities while supporting Military Health System (MHS) and Defense Health Agency (DHA) communication objectives.
• Public Relations & Content Development: Research, write, edit, and coordinate press releases, news articles, speeches, talking points, briefings, newsletters, and other communication materials, ensuring accurate, consistent messaging across internal and external audiences.
• Media Relations & Public Engagement: Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews and media visits, support press conferences and community outreach activities, and maintain relationships with media representatives, military organizations, healthcare stakeholders, and community partners.
• Communications Project Management: Plan, coordinate, and oversee multiple public affairs projects, communication campaigns, and outreach initiatives, managing schedules, resources, stakeholder input, and deliverables to ensure timely execution and measurable results.
• Digital Communications & Content Management: Develop, review, and coordinate content for organizational websites, intranet platforms, and social media channels, ensuring alignment with established communication strategies, organizational standards, and public affairs requirements.
• Crisis Communications & Leadership Support: Support leadership in developing communication strategies for sensitive, emerging, or high-profile issues, including crisis response, emergency management communications, and matters involving significant public or media interest.
• Stakeholder Coordination, Reporting & Evaluation: Collaborate with DHA, military treatment facilities, public affairs offices, and subject matter experts to coordinate messaging, monitor media coverage, evaluate communication effectiveness, prepare reports, and obtain required approvals before public release.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Ability to pass a federal background check.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in public affairs, public relations, strategic communications, project management, or a combination of these disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communication plans, public affairs campaigns, and community outreach initiatives.
• Experience managing media relations, coordinating press activities, responding to media inquiries, and supporting crisis communications.
• Knowledge of public affairs principles, strategic messaging, media engagement, and communication practices within government, healthcare, or similarly regulated environments.
• Experience developing and editing press releases, speeches, briefings, news articles, and digital communication materials in accordance with Associated Press (AP) Style.
• Proficiency with project management software, digital communication platforms, website content management systems, and social media management tools.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple communication projects, coordinating stakeholders, tracking deliverables, and evaluating campaign effectiveness.

Preferred

• Familiarity with healthcare systems or military communications (highly desirable); PMP certification.

Benefits

• A company that lives its core values, prioritizing integrity, accountability, and excellence
• Paid Time Off (Personal, Vacation, Sick Leave)
• Comprehensive Health Coverage (Medical, Vision, Dental)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options for healthcare and dependent care
• Short Term & Long Term Disability Coverage
• Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Protection
• Employee Wellness Resources & Assistance Programs
• Financial Counseling Programs to support long term planning
• Commuter Benefits for work life ease
• 401(k) with 100% immediate employer matching