Communications Specialist

Summary

This is an entry-level professional role. Identifies stories and assists with written materials for JHM electronic, print, web, video, and media outlets. Stories include but are not limited to research news, feature stories about institutional initiatives and programs, and faculty profiles. Develops and maintains relationships with faculty, staff, and members of the local and national media to provide media relations services to advance public awareness of Johns Hopkins Medicine’s mission and achievements. Assists in planning, developing collateral material for, and implementing media relations events, including but not limited to press conferences, symposia, and town halls. Supports the media analytics program to track and measure media placements and impact.

Education

College degree in life sciences, science writing, journalism, or communications required

Demonstrated experience implementing effective external and internal communications plans and strategies; experience in working with news media; and knowledge of academic medical center culture and organization. Depending on the area of focus, demonstrated experience with scientific and technical writing may be necessary. Effective use of communication tools, including print, Web, media relations, electronic media, and other e-communication tools; AP Style and ability to apply institutional style standards consistently. Familiarity with media tracking services and databases preferred.

This position requires flexibility and availability to travel to Baltimore City for on-call assignments and media escort duties, occasionally on short notice.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of experience in journalism, media relations, or public affairs, preferably for a university, is required. Requires demonstrated experience working successfully on deadlines and designing and implementing communications plans and strategies. Demonstrated experience in implementing effective external and internal communications plans and strategies, and in editing/writing high-quality publications, is required.

Requires strong communication skills and proven ability to precisely and objectively communicate information; give and receive clear messages; ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment; effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects at once; meet demanding deadlines; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; sound judgment and discretion; and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Ability to take direction. Experience working with news media is strongly preferred.

Salary Range: $26.51/hour - $43.76/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility.

The Hospital reserves the right to modify employee schedules as needed.

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.