Communications Specialist

WHAT: Communications Specialist

WHERE: Grand Junction, CO

START: ASAP, 1-year contract and then full-time conversion

WHEN: 8:00am-5:00pm MT, with some local travel required. Hybrid/on-site model

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications that support the health system's mission, vision, and values.

Essential Functions:

1. Research, write, edit, proofread, and produce straightforward, concise, and engaging content for various audiences and platforms, ensuring consistency of brand, tone, style, and messaging.
2. Achieve desired results on time and under budget.
3. Evaluate and measure communications, keep pace with technological advancements, utilize creativity, and maintain technical accuracy to ensure the quality and effectiveness of campaigns and messages.
4. Work with facility and functional team leaders to execute strategic planning activities for the department and for individual projects.
5. Engage in assigned community relations activities. Facilitates the development of partnerships for focused local community and hospital or facility relations. Organize and execute community relations plans and programs.
6. Research and identify emerging trends, best practices, and opportunities for communications and media relations.
7. Serve as a key contributor to the assigned team or sub-function, utilizing competencies in multiple areas (e.g., building customer loyalty, coaching, communication, contributing to team success, decision-making, and managing work).

Skills:

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences, platforms, and situations.
2. Strong editing and proofreading skills, with attention to detail, grammar, and punctuation.
3. Creative and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop and implement innovative and effective communications and media relations plans.
4. Organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
5. Collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate and improve communications and media relations activities and outcomes.
7. Technical and digital skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and various social media platforms and tools.
8. Media savvy and awareness, with the ability to identify and leverage media opportunities and trends.
9. Cultural competence and sensitivity, with the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse audiences and communities.
10. Professionalism and ethical conduct, with the ability to uphold the organization's reputation and values.

Required Qualifications:

1. 2 years of experience in communications, media relations, journalism, public relations, or related field, with expertise in writing, editing, and creating impactful marketing and/or communications plans.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, English, and/or related field.
2. Experience in healthcare or a related industry.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ongoing need for employees to see and read information, documents, and monitors, identify equipment and supplies, and assess customer needs.
2. Frequent interactions with providers, colleagues, customers, patients, clients, and visitors require employees to both verbally communicate and accurately hear and understand spoken information, needs, and issues quickly and clearly.
3. Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes frequent computer use for tasks such as typing and accessing necessary information.
4. Expected to drive a vehicle which requires sitting, seeing, and reading signs, traffic signals, and other vehicles.