Public Relations and Communications Manager - System Wide

At Bon Secours Mercy Health, we are dedicated to continually improving health care quality, safety and cost effectiveness. Our hospitals, care sites and clinicians are recognized for clinical and operational excellence.

This is a remote / work from home opportunity. Associate must live & work within the continental US.

SUMMARY
The Public Relations (PR) and External Communications Manager is responsible developing and implementing external communications strategies and that enhance and protect the Ministry’s brand and reputation. The PR & External Communications Manager will drive proactive thought leadership strategies and initiatives to promote growth by enhancing brand visibility, manage crisis communication efforts and collaborate with senior leadership to ensure consistent messaging across all external platforms.

The PR & External Communications Manager may support market growth initiatives, B2B, managed care or other external communications initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop and implement external communications strategies, ensuring they align with organizational goals and objectives. Oversees the implementation of proactive PR campaigns to increase brand awareness, engage key audiences and drive positive media coverage.

• Developing and implement proactive thought leadership strategies, positioning the organization as an industry leader through proactive media outreach, speaking opportunities and expert commentary. This responsibility includes identifying trends, fostering relationships with influencers, and securing placements that showcase the company’s expertise and vision.

• Develops and oversees media relations strategies, including establishing relationships with key journalists, influencers, and media outlets. Manages media outreach and acts as the primary point of contact for external communications.

• Leads crisis communications efforts and provides strategic counsel during high-pressure situations. Coordinates rapid responses, manages media inquiries, and ensures messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with organizational priorities.

• Works closely with senior leadership to align external communication efforts with the company’s vision, goals, and public perception. Provides regular updates and recommendations to leadership on PR initiatives and media coverage.

• Oversees the creation of content for various external channels, such as press releases, media statements, speeches, social media, the company website, and public-facing presentations. Ensures messaging is clear, compelling, and consistent across all communication materials.

• Monitors and analyzes media coverage, tracking key metrics and providing reports on the effectiveness of PR efforts. Uses data to refine strategies and identify new opportunities for brand visibility and media engagement.

• Collaborates with other departments (e.g., Marketing, Legal, HR) to ensure that external communications align with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and brand guidelines. Ensures all external communications are consistent with corporate identity and tone.

• Oversees the organization of external events such as press conferences, media briefings, and public speaking engagements. Ensures events run smoothly and deliver on communication goals.

• Supports long-term PR and reputation management strategies, identifying opportunities for proactive media outreach, thought leadership, and community involvement that strengthen the company’s reputation in the industry.

• Manages external vendors and consultants, including media agencies, public relations firms, and other communication professionals, to execute communication campaigns and initiatives.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Licensing/Certification

Accreditation of Public Relations (APR) (Preferred)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (Required)
Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field (Preferred)

Work Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in Public Relations, External Communications, Media Relations, or related field (Required)
Proven experience in a leadership role, managing teams and overseeing external communications strategies (Preferred)

Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:

Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more

• Benefits offerings vary according to employment status

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com