Communications Specialist I-Health Action

The Communications Specialist I leads or supports project tasks related to the research, development, implementation, and evaluation of communications campaigns, strategies, and initiatives for health care provider audiences. The Communications Specialist I writes and edits content for communications products in a variety of formats, creates and maintains content calendars, tracks and reports on on communications metrics, and performs environmental scans, audience needs assessments, dissemination and outreach efforts, and other health communications and media program activities as needed. The Communications Specialist I collaborates closely with subject matter experts, multimedia developers, writers, editors, and program managers across many facets of communications programs.

***This position is a hybrid work schedule requiring employee to be on-site at North Bethesda Office 2 days a week.***

***This position requires the candidate to have the ability to pass a background check and obtain/maintain federal agency security clearance and badging credentials is required.***

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develops, executes, and evaluates communication programs and campaigns with minimal support from senior staff.

• Creates dissemination and outreach plans to promote communications products.

• Work closely with strategic communications experts and other content experts to leverage knowledge and resources, thereby ensuring accuracy of messages and materials.

• Reviews and provides feedback on content calendars for traditional and social media channels and for specific communications initiatives.

• Manages social media and e-blast strategies and plans to adhere to project budget and timeline

• Leads and manages the development of resources and education materials for health care providers aimed at improving patient outcomes, working closely alongside SMEs.

• Leads and manages the development and coordination of qualitative interviews, focus groups, surveys, and other formative research that helps gain insights into audience perspectives, needs, and preferences; act as facilitator; analyzes data/themes and reviews and contributes to draft reports based on this research

• Leads and manages the development of promotion materials (e.g., short emails, social media posts, website content) for HCPs and the public on health-related topics such as addiction, diabetes, chronic care management, preventive health education

• Provides direction to the graphic design team on visual elements of promotion materials

• Reviews, contributes to, and approves e-blasts to target audiences

• Tracks, summarizes, and reports on communication program analytics (e.g., email and social media metrics)

• Prepares client-ready written materials (e.g., communications plans and materials; progress reports, PowerPoint presentations) and interfaces with client to communicate information clearly in a manner tailored to the intended audiences

• Maintains communication with clients as needed to ensure smooth operation of assigned activities and deliverables; troubleshoots issues and problems

• Leads discrete project tasks, such as developing reports, presentations, etc.

• As needed, supports business development efforts including proposal development (e.g., drafting proposal documents like technical sections)

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, media, communications, or related field (e.g., English, journalism) with 5+ years of experience work in communications or related field

OR

Master’s Degree in communications or related field (e.g., English, journalism) with 3+ years of experience work in communications or related field

• Certification, or equivalent work experience, in public health, early childhood learning and welfare, or medical topics (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, weight management, digestive diseases) is strongly preferred

Experience:

• Proven ability to develop and execute highly creative strategic communications, media, social media, or public engagement plans or campaigns that demonstrate significant reach and impact among diverse audiences

• Experience crafting evidence-based key messages with input from subject matter experts and stakeholders and delivering those messages effectively and consistently across a range of media platforms and channels

• Experience writing and editing content for dissemination in various formats (e.g., social media posts, talking points, radio and video scripts, press releases, media advisories, blog posts, website content)

• Experience crafting and managing editorial calendars

• Experience working with federal clients on communications contracts strongly preferred

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of marketing/promotion tactics, writing and editing practices to produce engaging content for a range of audiences, media relations, federal plain language principles, best practices in evidence based health communications is required

• Knowledge of early childhood learning and/or chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, digestive diseases, kidney disease, obesity) is strongly preferred

Soft Skills:

• Demonstrates strong collaborative skills—can engage with colleagues to support client activities. Commitment to customer/client service

• Very strong written and oral communications skills

• Ability to handle multiple projects at once while maintaining attention to detail, strong organizational skills

• Ability to produce high-quality deliverables in a fast-paced environment

App Proficiency:

• Microsoft Office Suite (MS-Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

• Working knowledge of email campaign software (e.g., MailChimp, GovDelivery, Constant Contact)

• Proficiency with Google Analytics

• Highly proficient with media monitoring programs such as Hootsuite, Meltwater, Cision

Language:

• English fluency (oral and written)

LOCATION:

• Hybrid remote/onsite schedule at our North Bethesda headquarters preferred; fully remote arrangements may be considered depending on candidate qualifications and project requirements

SECURITY CLEARANCE:

Ability to pass a background check and obtain federal agency security clearance and badging credentials is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation.
• Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy.
• Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone.
• Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.
• Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues.
• Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include a cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) professional references.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.