Communications Specialist III

Career Level: Communications Spec 3 Contract position

Job Code:


Specific Responsibilities
• The Media and Public Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting the strategic development and tactical execution of complex external communications, primary focused around public relations activities, required to promote the mission, strategic imperatives, and business objectives of the Diagnostics division
• Tactical public relations support includes press release, media pitch, video news release script, talking point and byline article development; editorial calendar management and pitch recommendations; interview preparation; multimedia projects; media event planning; media coaching; presentation development; tradeshow support; media kit preparation; internet-based communications; social media initiatives; and tracking and reporting
• Supports the Director, Media and Public Relations, with global communication alignment and consistency of key messaging within the division and across Siemens Healthcare, as well as with collaborating with sector-level media relations department and division in the development, coordination, and execution of both division-specific and sector-wide media relations activities
• Works with the director to develop press release pipeline and placement strategy. Serves as the primary contact for press release vetting, development, and approval process, and is responsible for the day-to-day management of release pipeline and placement
• Assists with capturing, organizing and communicating results to divisional and sector-wide company stakeholders
• Operates in alignment with divisional Communication department, functional departments, and Healthcare media relations budgets.
• Regularly interfaces with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory, legal, quality assurance, business unit heads, global and regional marketing, product marketing communications, strategic brand management, employee communications, sector media relations, and vendors to help support ongoing PR activities, as well as align and optimize resources
• Assists with media coaching activities and developing spokesperson communications where needed.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements
On a day-to-day basis, this individual will be responsible for the following types of activities:
• Assisting with the creation and execution of division PR-led communication materials and activities
• Collaborating with global and regional marketing, marketing communications managers and Healthcare Media Relations to develop and distribute press releases, trade, and related media materials.
• Works with trade and consumer media, outside agencies and consultants
• Provides input into the quality and effectiveness of communications strategies and materials, and assists with cascading successes within the organization
• Helps maintain highly structured framework to capture and organize all external communications activities and campaigns for easy reference and reporting
• Works closely and collaboratively with Creative Services, Marketing, Marketing Communications, Siemens Communications, and Healthcare Media Relations to ensure that resources are optimized and messaging is consistent
• Assists in the promotion of the company's image and corporate reputation through the development and support of key company messaging, branding, corporate social responsibility programs, and reputation management activities.
• In alignment with the director, provides professional counsel on selection of the most effective communication medium or tactic to meet specific business objectives

Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Media Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related discipline required. Master’s degree a plus.

Knowledge and Experience
• Five to eight years of experience in a communications role, with at least two years in public relations, along with successful demonstration of exceptional verbal, writing, editing, and proofreading skills required. Advanced degree may be substituted for experience where applicable. Ability to quickly comprehend complex business management issues and specialized market conditions.
• Knowledge of healthcare, medical devices or life sciences strongly preferred, including demonstration of significant knowledge of diagnostics industry, organization’s business practices, and products.
• Experience with information technology and social media vehicles strongly preferred.
• Experience in trade and/or consumer media relations preferred
• Able to prioritize work with minimal direction and simultaneously handle multiple tasks and assignments under tight deadlines. Project management experience preferred.
• Must possess positive attitude and strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including solid coaching skills. Ability to communicate effectively across all areas and levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute towards the development of effective global communication strategies in support of company business objectives

Direction of Others
• Provide guidance and training as needed to multiple stakeholders. Possesses leadership and/or role model qualities.

Key Working Relationships
• Internal contacts including Siemens Healthcare media relations team, marketing communications, marketing, executive and functional leadership. External contacts: trade and consumer media, outside agencies