Public Relations Specialist

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and evaluate strategic communications and public affairs plans supporting Walter Reed, MHS, DHA, and Military Treatment Facility (MTF) priorities.
• Develop messaging, communications plans, community relations initiatives, and supporting products for internal and external audiences, with an emphasis on measurable results.
• Write, rewrite, and edit press releases, news and feature articles, talking points, newsletters, speeches, briefings, web content, social media content, and other communications products in accordance with AP Style.
• Develop news angles and balanced, multi-source articles through research and interviews with military and civilian staff, patients, visitors, and subject matter experts.
• Coordinate media relations activities, including responding to media inquiries, scheduling and moderating interviews, arranging media visits, and maintaining relationships with media organizations.
• Support leadership with strategic counsel, executive messaging, crisis communications planning, and time-sensitive responses to emerging issues and unfavorable media incidents.
• Coordinate with DHA Public Affairs, DHA Headquarters strategic communications teams, NCR stakeholders, MTF communications teams, and other Public Affairs offices to ensure consistent messaging and dissemination of critical information.
• Develop and coordinate communications plans with subject matter experts and stakeholders to communicate MHS/DHA programs, policies, services, initiatives, and priorities.
• Support internal and external websites and social media platforms, including developing, reviewing, coordinating, and updating digital content.
• Review locally produced communications products to ensure consistency with Walter Reed, MHS, and DHA messaging and communications objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field.
• Five (5) + years of experience in public affairs, strategic communications, project management, or a combination of related functions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques, including selecting appropriate communication tools for varied audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear, audience-appropriate messaging.
• Demonstrated experience developing written, oral, digital, and social media communications products.
• Strong knowledge of AP Style and professional news and feature-writing practices.
• Experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, stakeholders, and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Experience developing and executing communications plans, public affairs initiatives, or community relations programs.
• Strong media relations and stakeholder engagement skills, including conducting interviews and coordinating with internal and external organizations.
• Proficiency with project management tools and digital communication platforms.

Preferred

• Experience supporting healthcare, military, federal government, or other high-visibility public-sector communications.
• Familiarity with the Defense Health Agency (DHA), Military Health System (MHS), Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), or military public affairs environments.
• Experience supporting crisis communications and high-visibility or time-sensitive media issues.
• Experience developing executive-level speeches, briefings, talking points, and strategic messaging.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)