Communications Manager/Public Information Officer

The Communications Manager/Public Information Officer will be responsible for: planning and managing communication strategies and community relations within IPHA; acting as a lead spokesperson by disseminating accurate and timely information to the public, media, and stakeholders through press releases, public appearances, and other communication channels; and developing and implementing communication campaigns to promote IPHA’s programs, public health initiatives, training, and events.

Key Responsibilities include:

Media Relations:

• Respond to media inquiries regarding public health issues including but not limited to local, state, and national topics.
• Prepare and distribute press releases, media advisories, and talking points.
• Serve as the IPHA spokesperson and prepare IPHA management staff to conduct press conferences and interviews with media professionals.
• Maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effectiveness of IPHA communication strategies.
• Write speeches, press releases, media responses, and public service announcements.

Public Outreach:

• Maintain and oversee IPHA’s newsletters, the annual report to members and funders, and messaging to members and partners.
• Develop and execute public awareness campaigns on critical health topics (i.e., immunizations, community violence, HIV/AIDS, etc) such as health equity, vaccinations, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Create and disseminate educational materials (brochures, website content, social media posts).
• Manage IPHA’s website and oversee social media messaging through content development, follower engagement, social listening, and trend analysis.
• Develop and execute promotional strategies for IPHA conferences, trainings, and events.

Internal Communications:

• Collaborate with associate executive directors for programs, community engagement, training, and public health practice to effectively promote IPHA grants and programs, initiatives and projects through appropriate media channels.
• Collaborate with the business development manager to provide input on the marketing and development of IPHA sponsorship opportunities.
• Coordinate messaging across different departments and levels of staff.
• Collaborate with policy and advocacy director to ensure advocacy messaging aligns with IPHA’s communications plan.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Monitor public health trends and analyze data to inform communication strategies
• Track the effectiveness of communication campaigns and make adjustments as needed

Crisis Communication:

• Develop a crisis communication plan.
• Act as the primary point of contact during public health emergencies like outbreaks or natural disasters.
• Quickly assess information needs and provide accurate updates to the public and stakeholders.
• Manage public perception and address misinformation during crisis situations.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications (required):

Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; AND

Experience: Two (2) years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, public information, editorial, newspaper, magazine, radio, television, public relations social media, digital engagement, advertising or similar work involving collection and dissemination of news and information. Professional experience in public health is desired.

Note: A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, journalism, mass communications, or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

· Demonstrate success with media relations (press releases, press conferences, response to inquiries and breaking news, pitching stories).

• Experience with communications planning and message development.
• Experience with public information campaign development and support (including digital platforms), specifically related to public health or healthcare.
• Ability to develop and execute written publications and materials to share public health/health education information with external partners and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of public health principles, including the incorporation of equity as a priority.
• Experience in message development, strategy and preparation for presentations, interviews, events.
• Demonstrate experience working in a complex environment with several cross-functional teams.
• Success at translating technical information for a lay audience (e.g. clinical guidance, legal health orders).
• Well organized and diligent, able to multi-task and adjust to shifting priorities.
• Experience representing an organization by attending meetings and conferences.
• Ability to supervise the design and production of publicity for program activities.
• Ability to work cooperatively and inclusively with other individuals and/or teams.
• Experience working with diverse populations and partners is preferred.
• Experience supervising staff is preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Communication skills: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Springfield, IL 62704 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Springfield, IL 62704: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $62,000 - $70,000