Media & Public Relations Director, Boston Ems

Job Description
The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to work in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. The BPHC envisions a thriving Boston where all residents live healthy, fulfilling lives free of racism, poverty, violence, and other systems of oppression. The BPHC sets an expectation that all staff and leadership commit, individually and as part of the BPHC team, to hold ourselves accountable to establishing a culture of antiracism and advance racial equity and justice through each of our bureaus, programs, and offices.
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
Boston EMS is the provider of emergency medical services for the City of Boston and is a nationally recognized leader in the field of pre-hospital emergency medicine. The department leverages the latest advances in both medicine and technology to bring high-quality, compassionate care to the people of Boston.
DUTIES

• Work in alignment and coordination with the Boston Public Health Commission Communications Office and City of Boston Press Team, representing Boston EMS on matters directly and indirectly impacting the department.
• Lead media, Public Relations and press strategy for Boston EMS, serving as a liaison and spokesperson for the department, while developing a pro-active approach to anticipated and unanticipated events.
• Develop a comprehensive subject matter expertise of Boston EMS operations and priorities, as well as local, state and federal topics impacting EMS, preparedness, public safety and public health.
• Work closely with all ranks and areas of the department to understand the multiple and diverse perspectives within the department, to be an informed voice for Boston EMS.
• Strengthen public information officer expertise amongst uniformed ranks, including provision of training programs, scheduling interviews, providing on-scene assistance, and leading post-interview debriefings.
• Coordinate crisis and emergency risk communications, ensuring delivery of timely, accurate information to inform the press and educate the public.
• Lead Boston EMS' language communication access efforts, advancing the department's ability to serve non-English speaking patients and members of the community. Ensure all public messaging aligns with ADA guidelines.
• Develop partnerships with members of the press, maintaining an understanding of the print, broadcast and digital media landscape.
• Develop a communications strategy and schedule for promoting safety, recruitment and operational messaging. Guide the department's social media accounts and website content to align with this strategy.
• Author press releases, advisories, statements and public talking points for priority issues.
• Maintain awareness of local, state and federal policies impacting EMS, supporting BPHC Government Relations on public testimony and messaging, on matters impacting EMS.
• Navigate the complexities of high-profile local and national stories related to the department, advising the department and working with the media to ensure fair and accurate reporting.
• Partner with communications representatives across public safety, public health, healthcare and other city and state partner agencies to ensure active coordination during planned and unplanned events.
• Participate on the BPHC communications team, including regular meetings and supporting BPHC-wide communications efforts and critical needs when necessary.
• Serve in a confidential manner with Boston EMS, Boston Public Health Commission and City of Boston leaders.
• Work to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to promoting health equity, inclusion, and diversity within the BPHC, EMS and community.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
• At least 5-10 years of experience in communications, Public Relations, marketing or another related field.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• BA/BS in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English or other related field such as public health, public policy or public administration is required.
• Experience with print, television, and electronic media and with responding to press inquiries, developing press announcements and advisories, and managing press events.
• Experience in risk communication and marketing campaigns.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to create a welcoming work environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and ability to maintain calm and focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in current and emerging social channels.
• Exceptional written, verbal and digital communication skills.
• Comfortable working under pressure and strict deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills that support activities to improve individual, program, and organizational performance.

Preferred or Plus:

• Experience in or familiarity with emergency medical services, public health, government, and/or health care sectors.
• Direct experience working within a media outlet as a journalist, producer or reporter.
• Experience with the City of Boston and partner agencies, including public safety, public health, healthcare, and city government.

Additional Information
City of Boston Residency Required, A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for., Any position that requires an advanced degree will be subject to education verification, The Boston Public Health Commission is an EEO Employer and all applicants meeting the minimum requirements are eligible to apply
Shift
35 hours per week
9AM to 5PM; Monday to Friday