External Communications Specialist

Primary City/State:

Tucson, Arizona

Department Name:

External Communications

Work Shift:

Day

Job Category:

Marketing and Communications

Health care is constantly changing, and at Banner Health, we are at the front of that change. We are leading health care to make the experience the best it can be. We want to change the lives of those in our care – and the people who choose to take on this challenge. If changing health care for the better sounds like something you want to be part of, we want to hear from you.

The position centers on internal communications, including writing and editing stories for CEO bi-weekly and physician executive monthly newsletters, alongside supporting projects such as website content, collateral materials, scripts, and talking points. The role also requires sourcing and editing visual assets — graphics and photography — to complement written content.

Ideal candidates bring a background in business communications, journalism, or professional writing — preferably in healthcare or health sciences — along with proficiency in photography, photo editing, and basic graphic design using Adobe Photoshop and Creative Cloud.

This dynamic, hybrid communications role is based at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson (1625 N. Campbell Ave), operating Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM , with occasional evenings and weekends for special events.

Within Banner Health Corporate, you will have the opportunity to apply your unique experience and expertise in support of a nationally-recognized healthcare leader. We offer stimulating and rewarding careers in a wide array of disciplines. Whether your background is in Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Legal, Managed Care Programs or Public Relations, you'll find many options for contributing to our award-winning patient care.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position creates and maintains positive relationships with external audiences by collaborating with the Banner team to support stakeholder engagement efforts, community events, media outreach and other opportunities which enhance Banner’s profile, drive relevance and build trust in the community. This role is expected to work semi-independently, with oversight and support from senior members of the team. The candidate/jobholder should have prior experience and understanding of the facets of public relations (earned media, content, social media, community engagement, etc.).

CORE FUNCTIONS

1. Serves as a team member on the external communications team and supports senior specialists, managers and directors with storytelling and stakeholder engagement needs.

2. Writing support across media materials and press releases, messaging and talking points, and the development of executive briefs to prep leaders, subject matter experts and physicians for speaking opportunities and media interviews.

3. Leverages best-practice communication methods to actively contribute to the creation and implementation of the external communication strategy.

4. Leads local and state media engagement efforts, actively pitching media to build Banner’s profile in the community. Supports team members with national media and trade media outreach.

5. Coordinates meetings. Supports administrative tasks such as ordering promotional material, aligning with agencies and internal stakeholders. Assists with KPI tracking, internal dashboards and overall measurement of team activities.

6. Leads special projects or initiative teams that need external communications support to ensure success.

7. As needed, emergency communications and issues management efforts with social listening and media monitoring.

8. Incumbents in this position work on projects that are often complex in nature, are primarily digital, and have wide organizational impact. Projects may require evaluation of technology requirements and technical troubleshooting. Incumbents may provide guidance to the Visual Designer and outsourced creative vendors to ensure adherence to brand standards, project objectives and timelines. Works with internal clients and stakeholders to ensure projects meet objectives and expectations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess a strong knowledge of public relations as normally obtained through the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business Administration, Marketing or related field.

Skill level is typically achieved through two to four years’ experience in public relations, communications, and/or marketing.

Effective organizational skills and demonstrated experience in media outreach, creative writing, public relations writing and strong editing.

Sensitivity to public perceptions and their implications/interpretation is required. Effective human relations and communications skills required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Working knowledge of major trends in healthcare. Knowledge and experience with nonprofit marketing communications preferred.

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

EEO Statement:

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.

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