External Communications Specialist

Assist with the development of measurable proactive and reactive external communications tactics and execute the tactics in collaboration with the rest of the external communications team. 

Support reputation and external communications leadership in recommending and executing tactics that identify and cultivate meaningful recognition opportunities that will reaffirm Advocate Health’s leadership role in areas of differentiation within the health industry, driving the influence of Advocate Health as a key national voice in the industry. 

Collaborate with reputation and external communications leadership to create communications plans, often as part of integrated marketing campaigns, that support organization and business goals but also protect and enhance the reputation of the Advocate Health and related brands. 

Track and provide recommendations to leadership around emerging trends, potential industry issues and/or brand reputation risks, developing reactive action plans and responses as needed. 

Identify, draft and execute content creation tactics as part of approved communications plan, including but not limited to, consumer communications, news releases, pitches, blogs, opinion editorials, talking points, annual reports, thought leadership articles, etc.   

Under the direction of reputation and external communications leadership, identify and cultivate critical relationships with trade reporters, key local, regional, national media outlets and influencers to facilitate relationship building resulting in positive earned media coverage. 

In collaboration with reputation and external communications leadership, monitor and provide executive summaries and reports of media related to customers, competitors and the industry. 

Support reputation and external communications team with priority projects, communications plans and tactics as needed based on need within the department. 

In collaboration with reputation and external communications leadership, work cross-functionally to craft communications plans that influence the thinking and behavior of key audiences and thoughtfully promote Advocate Health and its family of brands.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

None Required.

Education Required:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising or other business-related field, or bachelor’s degree combined with relevant experience.

Experience Required:

3+ years of experience in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or other business-related field, including experience recommending and executing comprehensive communications strategies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Ability to develop communications and public relations strategies and tactics and effectively communicate recommendations to external communications leadership, under the guidance of external communications leadership 

A flair for creating persuasive content and communicating effectively (and differently) depending on the medium. 

Proactive, independent and takes initiative with consistent follow through. Results oriented. 

Superior time management skills, with capability of working with and meeting deadlines. Ability to handle tasks and complete work accurately and within a short timeframe. 

Ability to think critically, seek understanding of complex concepts, work to synthesize information, and create clarity to support sound decision-making.  

Strategic thinker with a ability to work in a team environment on initiatives that drive business results. 

Thrives in a fast-paced environment, having a change mindset and comfortable navigating ambiguity.   

Strong interpersonal communications skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with others.  

Excellent oral and written communications and relationship development skills. 

Manage timelines, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of communication activities.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Position requires some work on weekends and outside of normal business hours.   

Position requires some local, regional, national and market travel.