Media Relations Specialist

Media Relations Specialist

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

As a member of the Yale New Haven Health Marketing and Communications team and reporting to the Director of Media Relations, this position serves as the primary communications and media relations contact for an assigned hospital and services. The role is responsible for generating earned media coverage, supporting the organization's reputation and advancing strategic communications priorities through proactive media outreach, storytelling and issues management. Responsibilities include developing and executing media relations strategies, managing media inquiries, coordinating interviews and press events and providing communications support to hospital leadership, physicians and staff. The position also serves as a Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergency management activations, crises and other high-profile events, supporting timely and accurate communications with the media, staff and community. This role participates in after-hours, weekend and holiday communications coverage and may be required to respond during emergencies and rapidly evolving situations. In support of its media relations responsibilities, the position develops content for digital, social and internal channels that amplifies earned media coverage, advances organizational priorities and strengthens visibility for the hospital and Yale New Haven Health. EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

• Media Relations
• Lead proactive and reactive media relations efforts for an assigned hospital, services and key organizational priorities.
• Develop and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, media kits and other communications materials.
• Serve as an organizational spokesperson or identify, prepare and support appropriate subject matter experts and leaders for media engagement.
• Coordinate media interviews, news conferences and on-site media while ensuring compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Maintain media lists, coverage reports, press release archives and media activity tracking.
• Contribute to and help manage the department's content calendar, identifying opportunities to generate consistent earned media coverage and align communications activities across service lines and organizational priorities.
• Develop digital and social content that supports and amplifies earned media coverage, thought leadership and organizational priorities.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional and trade media while supporting broader system and national media opportunities as needed.
• Issues Management & Strategic Communications
• Monitor, identify and manage emerging issues and reputational risks, developing communications strategies, key messages, statements and FAQs as appropriate.
• Serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO) and lead media relations activities during crises, emergency preparedness activations and disaster response events, ensuring timely, accurate and coordinated communications with media, staff and the public.
• Participate in after-hours and crisis communications coverage as needed.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to executives, physicians, administrators and staff regarding media interactions and public perception.
• Collaborate with legal, operational and clinical leaders on sensitive communications matters.
• Marketing, Content & Campaign Support
• Partner with Marketing and Communications colleagues to support integrated campaigns and strategic initiatives through earned, owned and shared media.
• Create and edit content for websites, blogs, newsletters, social media platforms and other digital channels.
• Identify compelling patient, physician and organizational stories that support marketing, brand and reputation goals.
• Serve as hospital liaison to Marketing &Communications team, providing regular updates on important developments at the hospital to ensure consistent communications.
• Internal Communications Support & Storytelling
• Contribute content to employee communications and organizational publications.
• Work closely with all content creators in the department to develop feature stories and multimedia content to support public and media relations strategies.
• System & National Media Collaboration
• Partner with communications colleagues across Yale New Haven Health to identify, develop and pitch stories to local, regional and national media outlets.
• Support system-wide media opportunities, executive visibility efforts and thought leadership initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Media Relations and system communications colleagues.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

• Five to seven years of experience in media relations, public relations, communications, journalism or a related field.
• Experience developing media strategies, generating earned media coverage and managing sensitive or crisis communications.
• Exceptional writing, editing and content creation skills across multiple platforms, including digital and social media.
• Healthcare experience preferred.

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Outstanding written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong news judgment with the ability to identify and develop compelling stories that support organizational priorities.
• Proven content creation skills, including writing for media, web, social media, executive communications and thought leadership.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and respond to communications needs outside of normal business hours during emergencies, crisis situations and rapidly evolving events.
• Ability to build relationships and work effectively with executives, physicians, media representatives and colleagues across the organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, media monitoring platforms, content management systems and social media channels.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to influence outcomes across teams and stakeholders.