Plans and oversees public relations efforts in order to meet needs, objectives, and policies of VITAS. Helps to develop media relation programs to include: strengthening current relationships with healthcare communities and others as appropriate and implement strategic media coverage that will enhance the image of and broaden awareness for the organization and its work. Prepares and distributes fact sheets, news releases, photographs, scripts, motion pictures, or tape recordings to authorized field staff who may be interested in learning about or publicizing VITAS activities or message. Performs hands-on media relations/public relations work in collaboration with senior management, including but not limited to: implementing plans, responding to direct media inquiries, researching facts and resources, identifying news sources, and proactively communicating with journalists across media outlets to advance the mission of the organization in line with company’s initiatives as necessary. Inform the VITAS field staff in a respectful and positive way on the role of media relations and develop processes and systems for managing both expectations and work to ensure positive outcomes and strong internal relationships. Manage distribution of press releases for local programs, utilizing mail, e-mail and press release distribution services. Monitor and report results of press release initiatives. Works with VITAS programs and assists in seeking out opportunities and engaging in relationship building for VITAS with community foundations, agencies, faith-based organizations, corporations, government entities, media and other appropriate organizations. Build strong, positive working relationships with management and staff that will lead to a long-term and sustainable infrastructure for strategic media relations. Research and complete award applications Provide media training as needed by field staff. Monitoring major media in VITAS markets. Monitoring and tracking issues relevant to the business. Maintain company archives related to communication materials. Mentors, develops and provides on-the-job training to subordinates to strengthen their current performance and prepare them for future advancement. Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.   QUALIFICATIONS Minimum five years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, journalism or a related field. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word required.  Healthcare experience preferred. Ability to work on various assignments simultaneously. Ability to communicate tactfully, verbally and in writing with department heads, managers, coworkers and vendors to resolve problems and negotiate resolutions. Working knowledge of computers, internet access, and the ability to navigate within an automated systems as well as a variety of software packages such as Outlook, Excel and Word. EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or related field from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent required. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES EOE/AA M/F/D/V