Public Relations Specialist (Bethesda)

Public Relations Specialist Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Public Relations Specialist to support a company in Bethesda, MD . This full-time opportunity offers top-of-market compensation, guaranteed 3% annual raises, and additional performance and Christmas bonuses. The selected candidate will support public affairs and communications initiatives, manage media relations, coordinate high-profile visits and events, and develop timely, accurate communications for diverse audiences.

Please note: This position is expected to begin in December. Candidates must be willing to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) in advance to confirm their commitment to the opportunity. A Tier II Non-Critical Sensitive background check will be required.

Public Relations Specialist Responsibilities:

• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, talking points, newsletters, and other public affairs communications.
• Coordinate media relations activities, arrange interviews, and support media engagement initiatives.
• Provide support for crisis communications planning, messaging development, and response coordination.
• Plan and execute public relations events, including press conferences, media briefings, and other communications-related activities.
• Update and maintain external webpages and social media platforms multiple times daily to ensure content remains accurate, timely, and relevant.
• Prepare and distribute an average of two communications reports per week, summarizing relevant activities, coverage, and updates.
• Coordinate and support approximately four Distinguished Visitor (DV) visits per month, including scheduling, logistics, communications, and stakeholder coordination.
• Collaborate with leadership, subject matter experts, and internal stakeholders to develop consistent, audience-focused messaging.
• Manage communications schedules, editorial calendars, event logistics, and competing deadlines.
• Ensure all communications are accurate, professionally presented, and aligned with organizational messaging and public affairs requirements.
• Apply HIPAA requirements and Protected Health Information (PHI) safeguarding principles throughout communications development, review, and distribution.

Public Relations Specialist Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in public affairs, public relations, or project management.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills, with experience developing press releases, talking points, newsletters, and other public-facing materials.
• Experience coordinating media relations, arranging interviews, and supporting crisis communications planning.
• Experience planning and executing events, press conferences, media briefings, or executive visits.
• Familiarity with managing external websites and social media platforms in a professional communications environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines, reports, events, and stakeholder requests.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with leadership, media representatives, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desired.
• Understanding of HIPAA requirements and the appropriate handling and safeguarding of PHI.
• Ability to successfully complete a Tier II Non-Critical Sensitive background check.
• Willingness to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) before the anticipated December start date.