Public Affairs Coordinator

Major Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation and execution of internal and external communications strategy and messaging in alignment with the organization’s business goals and objectives.
• Collaborate across functions to advance our digital-first communications strategy and other key initiatives.
• Serve as a communications resource for internal stakeholders and news media to help assess requests, gather information, and coordinate responses.
• Craft communications materials, including talking points, messaging documents, content for digital platforms, press releases, background documents, etc.
• Distribute and track metrics for newsletters, announcements, media monitoring, social channels, and other key communications.
• Provide content, copywriting, editing and other day-to-day support for all communication vehicles and channels.
• This position requires adept media relations skills to craft narratives and messages to protect and enhance the reputation of Advocate Health.
• Organizes and writes major project deliverables with accuracy and clarity; presents complex concepts and analytical results in layperson’s language. Strong writing skills and application of AP style writing are essential to the role.
• Write clear and effective external communications products appropriate for each intended audience, which may include media, pitches, blogs, social media copy, correspondence, speeches and remarks, op-eds and video scripts.
• Identify and cultivate productive relationships with members of the news media, with an emphasis on assigned geographical market(s), resulting in positive earned media coverage. 
• Design and develop communications plans to support organization and business goals that also protect and enhance the reputation of Advocate Health and its related brands.
• Understands enterprise strategic plan and aligns projects/programs/campaigns/activities accordingly; manages multiple projects independently, drafts recommendations, customizes processes/outputs to audience.
• Influence others and build consensus amid differing perspectives and approaches to promote the interests of Advocate Health.
• Monitor and measure media for local market, create analysis and actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Be a trusted expert for communications needs in assigned geographical area, understanding the business and media environment and making appropriate strategic recommendations.
• Work cross-functionally within broader team to contribute to and manage communications efforts for assigned internal clients.
• Evaluate and triage media inquiries; make informed recommendations of how the inquiry is best addressed; ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization, when appropriate, utilizing only approved messaging when sharing information externally.
• Support external communications team with priority projects, communications plans and tactics – including on-the-ground support in assigned geographical area – as needed, based on need within the department.
• Collaborate effectively with teammates, senior staff and executives across the organization, operating with a high degree of discretion and diplomacy.
• Create high-quality deliverables, ensuring accuracy and excellence in content and presentation, while meeting tight deadlines.
• Operate with creativity and a persistent approach to problem-solving.
• Keep abreast of media related to customers, competitors and the industry; provide recommendations to leadership around, potential industry issues and/or brand reputation risks, developing reactive action plans and responses as needed.
• In collaboration with external communications leadership, monitor and provide executive summaries and reports for relevant media coverage of Advocate Health and its care delivery brands, customers, competitors and the industry.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• None Required.

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising or other business-related field

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 5 years of experience in Public Affairs, Public Relations, Communications.
• Five or more years of experience in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or other business-related field, including experience recommending and executing comprehensive communications strategies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Excellent oral and written communications, including proficiency in AP style writing; proven track record of channeling the voice and perspective of others in writing.
• Excellent critical thinking and decision-making judgment as well as strong analytical, problem-solving and storytelling skills.
• An understanding of health care delivery and health care dynamics within a large, matrixed, integrated health care system; knowledge of industry trends and best practices in health care communications.
• Deadline oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks and complete work accurately and within a short timeframe
• Strategic thinking
• Problem-solving skills
• Results oriented, openness to feedback and critique with a strong growth mindset.
• Highly adaptable and flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent research and analytical skills; ability to gather and synthesize information, translating complex information into compelling, concise copy.
• Willingness to be flexible within work hours; occasional attendance at evening or weekend work-related activities
• Ability to work independently and/or in collaboration with others, navigating feedback and input from multiple stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, with the ability to ensure accuracy and consistency of deliverables.
• Ability to operate with a high level of tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• On-call responsibility

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• This position requires travel, therefore, will be exposed to weather and road conditions.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Exposed to a normal office environment.
• Position requires some work on weekends and outside of normal business hours. 
• Position requires some local, regional, national and market travel.  
• Must reside in service area of assigned geographical market.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.