*POSITION SUMMARY* The Public Relations Lead is responsible for developing and managing innovative, cost-effective public communications strategies for Health First and its affiliates. With a primary focus on proactive and reactive public, media relations and external communications, this role establishes and nurtures strong, consistent media relationships, coordinates communications for key events and initiatives, and serves as a media liaison. The Public Relations Lead proactively generates story ideas, responds to media inquiries quickly and accurately, and monitors news and social media landscapes to identify potential crisis situations before escalating. The Public Relations Lead collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing and communications, operations, and executive leadership, to align public relations strategies with organizational objectives and maintain Health First’s reputation for timely and transparent communications. *PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITES * 1. Develops press releases, backgrounders, fact sheets, proactive media pitches, and articles for various communication channels. 2. Ensures utmost confidentiality when handling sensitive information, including patient and PHI details. 3. Responds promptly to media inquiries and maintain availability on an on-call basis for urgent matters. 4. Coordinates interviews and photo shoots involving Health First associates and media representatives. 5. Distributes, place, and track media coverage to ensure maximum visibility and impact. 6. Supports crisis communication efforts by developing and executing comprehensive strategies to manage reputational risks. 7. Utilizes information technology, market research, and digital tools, including media monitoring services, to enhance public relations strategies. 8. Oversees content creation and management for published materials. 9. Develops and execute comprehensive public relations campaigns in partnership with internal teams to support strategic organizational objectives. 10. Collaborates on website content creation and maintenance, including managing the “In the News” section of the intranet. 11. Assists the Sr. Video Specialist with videography and photography needs as necessary. 12. Measures and reports on the effectiveness of public relations campaigns and adjust strategies as needed. *MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * * Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Marketing. * Work Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in marketing, advertising, public relations, media relations, or related field. * Licensure: None * Certification: None * Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: o Strong orientation toward achieving personal, departmental, and corporate objectives. o Project management experience preferred. o In-depth knowledge of marketing principles and strategies. o Ability to lead a small team to achieve specified goals and objectives. o Excellent writing (primarily Associated Press Style), editing, and interviewing skills. o Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, and Adobe Suite. o Proven media relations skills across print, radio, broadcast, web, and social media. *PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS* * Work Experience: Ten (10) years in healthcare or academic medicine environments. * Certification: Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). * Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: o Extensive experience with print and broadcast media. o Published writing experience, including feature articles, Op-Eds, and advertorials. o Expertise in writing video scripts. *PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS* * Majority of time involves sitting or standing; occasional walking, bending, and stooping. * Long periods of computer time or at workstation. * Light work that may include lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds with or without assistance. * May be exposed to inside environments with varied temperatures, air quality, lighting and/or low to moderate noise. * Communicating with others to exchange information. * Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks. * Workspace may vary from open to confined, onsite, or remote. * May require travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter; may require use of personal vehicle. *ABOUT HEALTH FIRST* At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together, we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve. **Job:** **Marketing* **Organization:** **Health First Shared Svcs Inc* **Title:** *Public Relations Lead - Marketing and Communications* **Location:** *Florida - Brevard County-Rockledge* **Requisition ID:** *077213*