Public Relations Manager

Mary Free Bed is a not-for-profit, nationally accredited rehabilitation hospital serving thousands of children and adults each year through inpatient, outpatient, sub-acute rehabilitation, orthotics and prosthetics and home and community programs. With the most comprehensive rehabilitation services in Michigan and an exclusive focus on rehabilitation, Mary Free Bed physicians, nurses and therapists help our patients achieve outstanding clinical outcomes. The growing Mary Free Bed Network provides patients throughout the state with access to our unique standard of care

Mission Statement

Restoring hope and freedom through rehabilitation.

Employment Value Proposition

At Mary Free Bed, we take pride in our values-based culture:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our Commitment to providing an inclusive environment for patients, families, staff, and community, through embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R.
• Focus on Patient Care. A selfless drive to serve and heal connects all MFB employees.
• Clinical Variety and Challenge. An inter-disciplinary approach and a top team of professionals create ever-changing opportunities and activities.
• Family Culture. We offer the stability of a large organization while nurturing the family/team atmosphere of a small organization.
• Trust in Each Other. Each employee knows that co-workers can be trusted to make the right decision for our family, patients, staff, and community.
• A Proud Tradition. Years of dedicated, quality service to our patients and community have yielded a reputation that fills our employees with pride.

Summary Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is seeking a dynamic and experienced Communications and Public Relations Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communication plans that enhance our brand reputation and effectively communicate our organization's message to internal and external audiences. The ideal candidate will be a creative thinker with strong writing skills, media relations experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This role is the communications conduit between the extraordinary services delivered at Mary Free Bed and the general public. This employee identifies and packages compelling stories to share with reporters, bloggers and multiple audiences.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to promote brand, programs, and services. Align communication plans with organization objectives to support overall strategic initiatives.
• Create detailed media plan for multiple levels of coverage including local, state and national.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers. Proactively pitch stories, manage media inquiries, and secure coverage in relevant publications.
• Collaborate internally to identify subject matter experts and assist in media training for leaders.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality content, including press releases, blog posts, newsletters, and speeches. Ensure all content is consistent with our brand voice and messaging.
• Develop and manage crisis communications plans. Act as a spokesperson during crises, ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of information.
• Plan and execute public relations events, press conferences, program launches, location openings, partnerships, and other promotional activities. Coordinate logistics, media attendance and post-event follow-up.
• Oversee communication content strategy, including livestreams.
• Ensure all communication materials are aligned with Mary Free Bed brand guidelines. Working closely with marketing team members to develop campaigns
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of communication and public relations efforts. Use data and insights to refine strategies and demonstrate ROI.
• Collaborate with counterparts across the system to develop nationwide brand awareness through media.
• Embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, by:

Treating everyone with dignity and respect

Opening more doors to opportunities for underrepresented cultures

Growing talent and people

Evaluating and eliminating disparities

Taking action against injustices, bias and racism

Honoring our differences and how to collaborate

Educating staff, patients and the communities we care for

Restoring Hope and Freedom, together

Customer Service Responsibilities

Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behaviors as well as encourages, coaches, and monitors the same in team members. This individual should consistently promote teamwork and direct communication with co-workers and deal discretely and sensitively with confidential information.

Responsibilities in Quality Improvement

Contribute by identifying problems and seeking solutions. Promote patient/family satisfaction where possible; participates in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.

Essential Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in related communications, public relations, or a similar role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing media relations and securing coverage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Experience with crisis communication and media spokesperson duties.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Skills to lead a team while planning, executing, and evaluating strategies.
• Previous healthcare experience is a plus.
• knowledge of social media platforms and current trends and platforms.
• Working knowledge of SEO/SEM and implications with traditional media.

Physical Requirements for Essential Job Qualification

Levels:

• None (No specific requirements)
• Occasionally (Less than 1/3)
• Frequently (1/3 to 2/3)
• Majority (More than 2/3)

Remain in a stationary position: None

Traverse or move around work location: Frequently

Use keyboard: Frequently

Operate or use department specific equipment: Frequently

Ascend/Descend equipment or ladder: None

Position self to accomplish the Essential Functions of the role: Occasionally

Receive and communicate information and ideas for understanding: Majority

Transport, position, and/or exert force: None

Up to 10 pounds: _____

Up to 25 pounds: _____

Up to 50 pounds: _____

Up to 75 pounds: _____

More than 100 pounds: _____

Other weight: Up to___ pounds _____

Other: None

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, you must request accommodation in writing, within 182 days after you know or should know of the need for accommodation.

Mary Free Bed is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristic.