What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Relations Specialist II position at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield?
Position Overview: The Public Relations Specialist II will play a crucial role in implementing communications and public relations programs across assigned regions, enhancing corporate image with multiple audiences. This position requires providing support to other areas of the Corporation while serving as a backup media contact and corporate spokesperson within the region.
Responsibilities:
• Develop and maintain strong media relationships, proactively working with reporters, editors, and community leaders to improve corporate image.
• Provide direction to departments producing communications materials for external distribution and review/edit materials for clarity, tone, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor and evaluate news articles to keep management informed of current issues and initiate responses when appropriate.
• Prepare talking points for Customer Service, Marketing, Provider Relations, and other departments for use in response to questions concerning news stories or issues affecting the Corporation and its customers.
• Support internal communications programs and materials impacting employees of the specific region.
• Serve as a backup Public Information Officer on the local incident management team in the event of an incident requiring the implementation of the Corporate Disaster Response and Recovery Plan.
Requirements:
• Eight or more years of experience in communications, news writing, and editing, and/or public relations.
• Bachelor's level education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or related discipline.
• Background in healthcare industry preferred.
• Familiarity with the assigned region and its media markets.
• Ability to work independently and plan/implement multiple communications programs concurrently.
• Demonstrated creative and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to interact with all levels of management, other Plans, and outside professionals.
Responsibilities:
• Develop and maintain strong media relationships, proactively working with reporters, editors, and community leaders to improve corporate image.
• Provide direction to departments producing communications materials for external distribution and review/edit materials for clarity, tone, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor and evaluate news articles to keep management informed of current issues and initiate responses when appropriate.
• Prepare talking points for Customer Service, Marketing, Provider Relations, and other departments for use in response to questions concerning news stories or issues affecting the Corporation and its customers.
• Support internal communications programs and materials impacting employees of the specific region.
• Serve as a backup Public Information Officer on the local incident management team in the event of an incident requiring the implementation of the Corporate Disaster Response and Recovery Plan.
Requirements:
• Eight or more years of experience in communications, news writing, and editing, and/or public relations.
• Bachelor's level education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or related discipline.
• Background in healthcare industry preferred.
• Familiarity with the assigned region and its media markets.
• Ability to work independently and plan/implement multiple communications programs concurrently.
• Demonstrated creative and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to interact with all levels of management, other Plans, and outside professionals.
