Public Affairs and Relations Manager     

Job Code: 29151    

Position Summary

The Public Affairs and Relations Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining strong, positive relationships with key constituencies including elected officials, civil servants, business leaders, members of the media and the greater community. Responsible for managing and executing public relations strategies to enhance the hospital's image, foster strong community relationships, and effectively communicate Kootenai Health's mission, values, and achievements. Provides strategic advice to senior leadership, and advocates on behalf of Kootenai Health to promote and protect the organization’s interests at local, state, and federal levels. Researches and advises Kootenai Health (KH) leaders on legislative affairs and interactions with the media. Informs key constituencies regarding KH’s position and the impact of legislative decisions on health care in Idaho. Manages KH’s speakers’ bureau.

Responsibilities

•    Responsible for developing and maintaining strong, positive relationships with key constituencies including federal, state and local elected officials, lobbyists, advocacy groups, civil servants, business leaders, members of the media and the greater community

•    Develops and maintains knowledge of issues that are important to KH as well as legislative processes and practices

•    Advocates for KH on matters of importance to organization operations and health care

•    Researches and advises select KH leaders on elected officials’ courses of action, voting records and policy priorities

•    Works to increase positive awareness of KH’s services, enhance KH’s reputation with key audiences and foster a feeling of respect and trust for KH

•    Promotes understanding of KH services, policies and practices, as well as the health care industry

•    Develops, executes, and manages, a proactive public affairs plan that supports KH’s vision, strategic plan, brand and marketing priorities in order to build and maintain a strong reputation for KH; includes government relations, media relations, issue management, information dissemination and strategic communications

•    Works with state and regional partners such as the Idaho Hospital Association (IHA) and Northwest Hospital Alliance (NWHA), to educate and advocate for issues important to health care organizations, providers and patients

•    Collaborates with internal departments to develop policies and positions on key issues affecting Kootenai Health

•    Plans and participates in events, conferences, and meetings that enhance Kootenai Health’s visibility and influence among policymakers and industry leaders

•    Organizes site visits and tours for government officials and other key stakeholders

•    Provides regular updates and briefings to senior leadership and the Board of Directors on government affairs activities

•    Maintains and develops positive, professional relationships with local, regional, and select national media outlets to encourage positive, accurate coverage of news stories involving Kootenai Health and as appropriate, health care in Idaho

•    Facilitates and coordinates all media requests and interviews, including identifying appropriate subject matter experts and assisting with the development of key messages

•    Works with the Director to identify news stories that support KH’s marketing priorities, identify subject matter experts and work with reporters to achieve placement of such stories

•    Writes and distributes press releases that adhere to AP style

•    Writes newsletter, magazine, newspaper and online articles to support KH’s marketing and communications plans

•    Develops and distributes internal communications to keep staff informed and engaged, including the employee newsletter

•    Plans, coordinates, and participates in community outreach events and other public events to promote Kootenai Health

•    Manages KH’s speakers’ bureau by working with the Director to identify public speaking opportunities to support KH marketing priorities; researches public speaking opportunities, identifies speakers, schedules presentations, provides needed support, and maintains a calendar of completed, upcoming and opportunities for speaking engagements

•    Develops and implements crisis communication strategies and manages communication during emergencies

•    Assists in the development and implementation of select public relations and marketing strategies to support the hospital’s goals and initiatives

•    Plans, writes, and maintains original content on all social media channels, and appropriately manages incoming messages and comments to support Kootenai Health’s marketing priorities as identified by the director of communications and marketing

•    Monitors online reviews, comments, and mentions of Kootenai Health across various platforms

•    Responds to online reviews and feedback in a professional and timely manner

•    Develops and implements strategies to enhance and maintain a positive online reputation

•    Completes all required training and maintains the skills needed to serve as a public information officer in crisis situations

•    Works closely with the internal Communications & Marketing reports to the Director, and works closely with C-suite executives

•    Has a high level of responsibility and authority, working with a driven and high-functioning team

•    Performs other related duties as assigned

•    Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field 

•    Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals

•    Competent to meet age specific needs of the unit assigned

•    Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function

Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in public affairs, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related discipline required

•    Minimum 5 years’ work experience in public affairs, public relations, or a related field

•    Excellent written and oral communications, including public speaking 

•    Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with teams at all levels of the organization

•    Proficient in Microsoft programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Office and Excel

•    Demonstrated leadership, program management, and critical thinking 

•    Ability to travel throughout Idaho, primarily in Kootenai County and Boise

•    Demonstrated skills in working collaboratively, courteously and tactfully with difficult situations and/or people to identify issues and solve problems

•    Public Information Officer, PIO, training preferred

Working Conditions

•    Must be able to lift and move up to 10lbs

•    Must be able to maintain a standing and/or sitting position 

•    Travel required on a regular basis to assigned work sites

•    Typical equipment used in an office job

•    Repetitive movements