Work Shift
Day
Scheduled Weekly Hours
24
Summary
This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by informing, enlightening and
educating the public about the programs and services Mercy offers to the community. One of the
primary ways this is accomplished is by fostering positive relationships with the media and
supporting the media's efforts to relay information clearly and correctly. Additionally, the Public
Relations Specialist plays a primary role in crisis communication and issue management by
helping to draft communication materials and manage the release of, and response to, sensitive
information
Job Description
Job Duties
- Writes, edits and proofs internal, external, confidential and crisis communications for marketing leadership and staff to improve grammar, flow, clarity and consistency.
- Provides on-air talent for video/audio projects and produces content internally and/or works with outside vendors as appropriate.
- Develops and implements comprehensive public relations programs to support Mercy Medical Center's strategic direction and brand.
- Serves as day-to-day media liaison, managing those relationships to leverage support for Mercy.
- Writes news releases, fact sheets, media alerts, feature stories and other materials.
- Participates in crisis communications and issues management with Management and Administration
- Develops extensive media database with established relationships in the field.
- Writes and produces video projects to support Mercy programs and services.
- Monitors and tracks media related to Mercy, our competitors and industry.
- Coordinates release of information across other communications channels (social media, internal, etc.)
- Serves as Public Information Officer, as appropriate.
- Provides consultation to leadership on media strategy, messaging, presentation, etc.
- Manages and/or assists with internal and community events.
- Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills.
- Excellent professional and interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively interface with management, media, physicians, employees, etc.
- Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
Professional Experience
- Strong background and experience in public and media relations required.
- Experience in coordinating external and internal events required.
- Experience in writing/producing for print and broadcast required.
- Experience in journalism, including on-air, a plus.
Education
- Required: Minimum of 3 to 5 years experience in media/public relations.
- Required: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
Licensure, Certification, Registration
Physical Requirements
Light: Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently
Pay Rate Type
Salary
Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.
Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
