Community Engagement Specialist - Healthcare Advocate

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Community Engagement Specialist to join our team at Ocean Beach Hospital and Medical Clinics. This role is responsible for managing public relations efforts, fostering strong relationships with the media, community organizations, and local stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Public Relations & Media Relations:
• Develop and execute public relations strategies that enhance the hospital district's visibility, reputation, and relationship with the community.
• Write and distribute press releases, media pitches, and other communications to inform and engage local and regional media.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, healthcare bloggers, influencers, and other media contacts.
• Coordinate media interviews, hospital tours, press conferences, and other media events.
• Monitor media coverage and track PR metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of public relations campaigns.
• Community Engagement & Advocacy:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, healthcare leaders, local businesses, and public sector stakeholders.
• Represent the hospital district at community meetings, health fairs, conferences, and public events.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for partnerships with local nonprofits, government agencies, and community groups to promote health and wellness initiatives.
• Promote the hospital district's health education programs, preventive care initiatives, and community outreach efforts through public speaking engagements and community presentations.
• Foundation Management:
• Oversee the daily operations of the hospital district's Foundation, ensuring its programs align with the district's healthcare mission and values.
• Develop and manage Foundation programs, such as healthcare scholarships, community health initiatives, volunteer engagement, and fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with the Foundation's Board of Directors to identify strategic priorities and goals related to community health and well-being.
• Track and report on the impact of Foundation programs, ensuring resources are being utilized effectively and transparently.
• Collaborate with hospital staff, leadership, and community partners to align Foundation efforts with broader hospital district initiatives and strategic goals.
• Manage logistics for foundation fundraising events.
• Content Creation & Communications:
• Create and distribute engaging content across a variety of channels, including the hospital district's website, social media, newsletters, and other marketing materials.
• Ensure consistency in messaging across all communications, reinforcing the hospital district's commitment to quality healthcare and community service.
• Manage the hospital district's social media presence to promote health programs, Foundation activities, and community events.
• Provide regular updates to hospital leadership and staff on media coverage, community engagement activities, and the impact of Foundation programs.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• 3 years of experience in public relations, community outreach, or healthcare communications, with a focus on nonprofit or healthcare environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex healthcare information in an accessible and compelling manner.
• Proven experience managing media relations and securing press coverage in the healthcare or nonprofit sectors.
• Knowledge of community engagement strategies, healthcare advocacy, and stakeholder management.
• Experience with nonprofit/Foundation operations, including grant management, community health programs, and fundraising.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including healthcare professionals, local leaders, and the public.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, and other PR tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within a healthcare organization, hospital district, or medical foundation, particularly in rural health outreach.
• Familiarity with local healthcare policies, government agencies, and nonprofit networks in the community.
• Event planning experience, especially related to health education, fundraising, or community wellness initiatives.