External Communications & Public Relations Strategist_

Job TitleExternal Communications & Public Relations StrategistExemption StatusExemptDepartmentBrand, Mktg and CommsManager TitleBrand ManagerDirect Reportsn/aRequisition #24370Pay & BenefitsEstimated hiring range $79,430 - $97,080 / year, 5% bonus target, full benefits. www.careoregon.org/about-us/careers/benefitsPosting NotesThis role is Hybrid – local to Portland Metro/SW WA. This position will also occasionally need to work evenings and weekends.Job SummaryThis position works closely with the Brand Manager on planning and producing external corporate and partner communications. This role has a heavy emphasis on writing a variety of content materials and serves as a secondary on-the-record spokesperson for CareOregon and its family of brands, supporting the Brand Manager. This position assists the Manager in establishing and maintaining relationships with CareOregon’s stakeholders, including the media, community partners and opinion leaders.Essential ResponsibilitiesPublic Relations+ Research and write materials for external corporate communications aimed at creating favorable points of view among stakeholders, including:+ Writing stories, news releases and other content for mass media+ Managing media relations efforts+ Writing talking points and presentations for company leaders+ Preparing clients for press conference+ Media interviews+ Writing for website and social media content+ Supporting crisis communications responses+ Execute media relations strategies as directed to maintain favorable perceptions of the organization's accomplishments and agenda.+ Assist with public relations activities, including crisis management, as needed.+ Manage the external presentation process, including working with leaders to craft presentations and prepare talking points.+ Study the objectives, policies and needs of the organization to assist in developing public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, and services.+ Confer with other staff to identify trends and key group interests and concerns and to provide advice on business decisions.+ Coach organization representatives in effective communication with the public, media and with employees.+ Prepare speeches, talking points, story writing to further public relations objectives.+ Leverage existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts within business and industry media.+ Arrange public appearances and interviews with CareOregon’s executives to increase awareness and to promote goodwill.+ Build strong relationships with thought leaders to grow organization awareness.+ Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of the community, our members, employees, and public interest groups.+ Manage media inquiries and interview requests.+ Create content for press releases, byline articles and presentations.+ Create content for organizational publications for internal and external audiences, including newsletters and reports.+ Monitor, research and write for multiple websites, including the organizations’ intranet sites.+ Plan, research and produce internal and external corporate communications.Cross Functional Collaboration+ Collaborate with marketing department to develop print and online materials, as well as audio and video for storytelling.+ Collaborate with digital media staff to engage audiences across new media channels, as well as social media strategy and execution.+ Collaborate with the Brand Manager, external agencies, and other branding/marketing/communications staff members on short and long-term planning efforts.+ Collaborate with department leaders to assist in managing the organization’s reputation.+ Work with internal teams and other social agencies to develop programs and communications tools to help address health equity.Analytics+ Develop media tracking analysis using Cision and report out in real-time to executives on relevant business trends that impact CareOregon’s business.+ Monitor, analyze and report on media results.+ Work with digital marketing to report out on social media and intranet usage.Organizational Responsibilities+ Perform work in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision and values.+ Support the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by fostering a culture of open mindedness, cultural awareness, compassion and respect for all individuals.+ Strive to meet annual business goals in support of the organization’s strategic goals.+ Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and other relevant compliance needs.+ Perform other duties as needed.Experience and/or EducationRequired+ Minimum 5 years’ experience in public relations, including the following areas:+ Public relations campaigns at a state-wide level+ Relationship building with stakeholders, the media, and the public+ Acting as company spokesperson+ Compelling storytelling, press releases and speech writing+ Developing PR-related content for social media channels+ Handling potential crisis situationsPreferred+ PRSA Accreditation+ Communications experience at a national level+ Experience supporting public affairs efforts+ Bilingual skillsKnowledge, Skills and Abilities RequiredKnowledge+ Knowledge of the basic concepts of health care – specifically Medicaid and Medicare – and Oregon’s coordinated care model (regon.gov/oha/hpa/pages/ccos-oregon.aspx) . Familiarity managing reports on relevant news to share with the executive staffSkills and Abilities+ Exceptional writing and editing skills+ Solid social media skills to help incorporate proper messaging and understanding into various channels run by the social media leads+ Exceptional attention to detail+ Creativity and problem-solving aptitude+ Ability to pivot quickly and work on multiple projects within multiple departments and lines of business at the same time+ Proactive and able to manage time well+ Respond quickly to requests+ Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders, media, and the public+ Ability to act as a company spokesperson; comfortable and skilled in both broadcast and print media interviews+ Ability to prepare compelling press releases, keynote speeches and promotional material+ Ability to manage the PR aspect of a potential crisis situation+ Ability to execute successful public relations campaigns at both a local and national level+ Excellent communications skills, including the ability to teach, coach and make public presentations+ Proficient in MS Office and Excel+ Familiarity with project management software+ Ability to work well under pressure+ Ability to work with diverse and minority groups while demonstrating empathy+ Ability to learn, focus, understand, and evaluate information and determine appropriate actions+ Ability to accept direction and feedback+ Ability to see, read, and perform repetitive finger and wrist movement for at least 6 hours/day+ Ability to hear and speak clearly for at least 3-6 hours/dayWorking ConditionsWork Enviornment(s): ☒ Indoor/Office ☐ Community ☐ Facilities/Security ☐ Outdoor ExposureMember/Patient Facing: ☒ No ☐ Telephonic ☐ In PersonHazards: May include, but not limited to, physical and ergonomic hazards.Equipment: General office equipmentTravel: May include occasional required or optional travel outside of the workplace; the employee’s personal vehicle, local transit or other means of transportation may be used.#LI-HybridCandidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. CareOregon is committed to building a linguistically and culturally diverse and inclusive work environment.Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.We are an equal opportunity employer. CareOregon considers all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.Visa sponsorship is not available at this time.