Nuvance Health- Assoc Public/Community Affairs

Nuvance Health is a network of convenient hospital and outpatient locations – Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Norwalk Hospital< and Sharon Hospital in Connecticut and Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital Center, and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York – plus multiple primary and specialty care physician practice locations including The Heart Center, a leading provider of cardiology care, and two urgent care offices. Non-acute care is offered through our affiliates including the Thompson House for rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, and the Home Care organizations.

Summary:

Create and execute a media and community relations program for Sharon Hospital with the goal of publicizing the health system, its affiliates, and service lines as a premier healthcare organization. Develop and implement Nuvance Health’s overall strategic public and community affairs program in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. Media relations, crisis communications, and community relations. Assist with internal communications locally and system-wide internal communications efforts. News media, promotion, social media and public relations activities in coordination with the AVP of Community, Government and Public Relations including internal and external communications as well crisis management and, when necessary, assist with other activities. Develop and implement special events designed to enhance the hospital’s and affiliates’ image to increase the utilization of hospital and affiliate services and contributions. Work with the AVP of Community, Government and Public Relations to develop working relationships with government officials, agencies, and healthcare organizations to advocate for and advance the concerns of Nuvance Health.

Responsibilities:

* Direct contact with the media. Write and distribute news releases, set-up news conferences, promote story ideas to media, and assist executives or designated spokespeople in preparation for interviews. System Public Information Officer in emergency situations and spokesperson, when necessary.
* Manage tour, film, and photo shoots on location.
* Monitor media and other information outlets and distribute regular updates on news stories, commentaries, or postings that impact operations of the Nuvance Health system, healthcare, or other issues that may concern patient care or delivery of services.
* Ensure key organizational leaders are prepared for media interviews and/or public appearances. Draft remarks, speeches, and key message points. Facilitate media or speaker training in-house and with consultants.
* Community Information/Affairs: Monitor and contribute to the development and implementation of social media communication. Work with AVP of Community, Government and Public Relations to produce videos, blogs, or other media to be added to site in conjunction with the marketing department to promote awareness and increase market share. Work in conjunction with administrators, physicians, and staff to provide content/articles for blogs, video, and other media. Assist in writing award submissions for Nuvance Health and individuals.
* Liaison to outside groups and organizations including local Chambers of Commerce and other business and community groups. Work with AVP of Community, Government and Public Relations to identify and support nonprofit, community service, and other organizations that reflect Nuvance Health’s charitable and community service goals.
* Coordinate comments and concerns from the public and patients regarding services available via the general email account and other media.
* Special Events: Assist with coordination of health fairs, lectures, and other community outreach efforts including lectures at Sharon Hospital. Submit community benefit reports for all community outreach programs.
* Strategic Communications: Assist leadership in development of communications plan to address crisis management needs such as labor negotiations and disasters. Coordinate with AVP of Community, Government and Public Relations to develop key messages, prepare designated spokesperson, or be the spokesperson. Coach employees in communication skills. Coordinate outside vendors.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, a related field OR equivalent experience

One (1) year of experience in public relations, business marketing, or related setting

Digital/Social Media savvy

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

Strong interview and writing experience in a healthcare setting

Demonstrated coordination of communications skills involving multiple people and projects

Knowledge of photography and videography

Flexible, quick learner, with a positive attitude

Location: Sharon Hospital, Sharon, CT

Work Type: Full-Time

Standard Hours: 40.00

FTE: 1.000000

Work Schedule: DAY 1

Work Shift: M-F 8:30am-5pm and some nights, weekends

Org Unit: 1809

Department: Government Relations

Exempt: Yes

Grade: S8

Salary Range:

24.9200 – 46.2800

EOE including disability/veterans

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact Human Resources at

203-739-7330 (for reasonable accommodation requests only). Please provide all information requested to assure that you are considered for current or future opportunities.