Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialist

Position Description:
Network Runners, Inc. is seeking a full-time Public Relations Specialist to support the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Hospital Communications Department. The Public Relations Specialist will lead and support strategic communication initiatives, public affairs projects, media relations, stakeholder engagement, internal and external messaging, digital communications, and crisis communications in support of Walter Reed, the Military Health System, and DHA communication objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute public affairs and strategic communication plans that promote Walter Reed's mission, services, initiatives, and priorities to internal and external audiences.
• Write and edit press releases, talking points, newsletters, speeches, briefings, web content, social media content, feature stories, and other communication products using clear, accurate, audience-appropriate messaging.
• Coordinate media relations by responding to inquiries, arranging and moderating interviews, coordinating media visits and press engagements, and maintaining effective relationships with news media and communications organizations.
• Develop messaging, communication plans, operations plans, community relations plans, and supporting products designed to produce measurable communication outcomes.
• Monitor, analyze, and assess media coverage, public perception, campaign effectiveness, and stakeholder feedback and recommend methods to improve awareness, understanding, and support for MHS/DHA programs and initiatives.
• Plan and execute press conferences, media briefings, community engagement activities, distinguished visitor support, and other public affairs events.
• Support leadership with crisis communication strategies, plans, and time-sensitive response recommendations for emerging issues, unfavorable media incidents, and matters that may attract national media or Congressional interest.
• Update and support Walter Reed internal and external websites and social media platforms and coordinate content dissemination with Military Treatment Facilities, DHA Public Affairs, NCR communications organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in strategic communications, access-to-care, emergency management, DHA, NCR, and other Public Affairs meetings as required.
• Generate editorial ideas, develop news pegs and story angles, conduct interviews, and produce balanced communications products from multiple sources including military and civilian staff, patients, visitors, and subject matter experts.
• Compile recurring external communication reports, maintain issue logs and trackers, and submit communication products for Public Affairs review and approval before release.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders and Military Treatment Facility stakeholders on major issues, communication themes, messaging, public affairs risks, stakeholder engagement, and community relations.
• Coordinate with DHA and MTF communications and marketing teams to ensure consistent dissemination of Military Health System and DHA messages and obtain stakeholder feedback as appropriate.
• Build and maintain cooperative relationships with medical organizations, military service organizations, veterans service organizations, Federal organizations, non-governmental organizations, and regional stakeholders supporting military health missions.
• Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously, prioritize competing requirements, and meet daily, weekly, and ad hoc suspense requirements in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Education / Experience / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in public affairs, project management, or a combination of both disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to tailor complex information and key messages to diverse audiences using written, oral, digital, and social media communication methods.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
• Proficiency with project management tools and software and digital communication platforms.
• Knowledge of strategic communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques and the ability to select appropriate communication tools for varied audiences and levels of engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders at all organizational levels and with external organizations and media representatives.
• Strong interviewing, facilitation, prioritization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required Tier II non-critical sensitive background investigation and Common Access Card (CAC) for access to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and DHA systems.
• Ability to complete required Department of War/Defense Health Agency onboarding, security, privacy, HIPAA, and other mandatory training and to execute the required DHA non-disclosure agreement prior to beginning work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with healthcare systems or military communications is highly desirable.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.

Type of Job: Full Time
Salary: Competitive Salary
Attractive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, HSA/FSA, LTD/STD, PTO, Federal Holidays (eligibility may vary based on employment status)
Work Location:
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20889. Work is performed on-site Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays and Government-directed closures. Occasional support outside normal duty hours may be required for contingency plan activations or exercises.

Company Description:
Network Runners, Inc. is an Information Technology Solutions Company providing innovative IT solutions and organizational support within the Department of Defense and the civil sector. Our largest presence is in the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, DHS/USCG, DHS/S&T, and USSTRATCOM, where we provide Information Technology and Organizational Support solutions. Today, NRI's experienced and highly qualified team members support customers in multiple locations nationwide. We are recognized for our value, ingenuity, and mission focus. Headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, NRI is an established CMMI Maturity Level 3 and ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 20000-1, ISO/IEC 27001, and ISO 14001 certified Women-Owned Small Business.
Network Runners, Inc. (NRI) is an equal opportunity employer. NRI prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, ethnic or national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. NRI conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.