Public Relations Coordinator (Hybrid Remote, Waterloo/Mason City)

Position Purpose:

This strategic communications colleague will advance our Mission of transforming the health of our communities. As the Public Relations manager, you will think big and help develop strategic campaigns, build media and influencer relationships and create content which engages consumers. You will work with a passionate team of marketing and communications colleagues, senior leaders and clinicians to achieve MercyOne’s Vision.

Under the supervision of the Public Relations Manager, the Public Relations Specialist will help develop content for external audiences on behalf of MercyOne. This is a highly visible role which will work to design and deliver effective communications. The ideal candidate thinks strategically, takes initiative, dives deep into details and is energized by juggling priorities. The successful candidate for this position must be a team player and can balance direction from Trinity Health (corporate) with needs and opportunities at the MercyOne (Regional Health Ministry) level. This colleague will be composed in fast-moving situations, embrace ambiguity and changing tides, ramp quickly on complex issues, and anticipate questions/reactions. Lastly, the right candidate should be self-motivated. This hybrid position will be based in one of the MercyOne Division media market areas and minimal travel will be required.

What you will Do:

• Build MercyOne’s relationships with journalists and influencers (local, regional and trade) to increase brand perception and share of voice while advancing key strategies.
• Assist Public Relations Manager and Specialist to formulate approaches, policies and programs to promote community understanding and support of MercyOne to build confidence in excellence in care
• Field media inquiries and report inquiries to Public Relations Manager and specified Executive/Senior and Division leaders (as directed).
• Provide on-site support for media presence and/or interviews as directed, and help coordinate on-site support from other MarComm Team members for media presence in other divisions
• Provide communications and direction in crisis situations by informing appropriate leadership (Corporate and RHM levels), consulting with legal, drafting media response(s), creating timelines and creating summary reports post crisis.
• Coordinate media training for new providers, leaders and other MercyOne colleagues.
• Help develop and coordinate content in alignment with key messages, MarComms planning calendar and content strategy for strategic priorities and partnerships. Develop and pitch stories and craft media releases to promote MercyOne to external audiences.
• Write and edit statements, press releases, talking points, fact sheets, contributed stories, presentations, web content, video scripts and other communications materials
• Collaborate to turn original content and research into newsworthy content
• Track health care and consumer trends to inform the communications strategy
• Develop and maintain a database of local market, state, national and trade media contacts. Assist Public Relations and MarComm Team colleagues establishing relationships with relevant media contacts.
• Work closely and collaboratively across teams to champion content ideas and execute integrated activations, events and strategies
• Partner with colleagues and providers to identify new opportunities and develop innovative activations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maximize coverage and the impact of content
• Leverage Public Relations and content to attract new MercyOne team members and grow engagement with current colleagues and providers
• Continuously ideate and innovate
• Live by our Mission, Values and Cultural Beliefs and showcase these MercyOne foundations in your daily work

Hours/Schedule:

Monday - Friday

40 Hours per Week

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience developing creative, effective approaches to difficult communications challenges
• Strong copywriting and editing skills, including rewriting, optimizing, and editing content from subject matter experts
• Ability to anticipate potential reputational issues and exercise high judgment, particularly in narrow time frames
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to think and communicate clearly, formulate a clear point of view on complicated issues, and create a concise and well-written narrative
• Proven ability to build relationships with subject matter experts, journalists and influencers, and knowledge of the evolving media landscape including a deep interest in long-term trends which impact the health care industry and consumers.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment, readily adapting to continually changing priorities, and optimizing per feedback and performance
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a knack for crafting concise and visually supported messages to support key strategies and messages about our services, people and the ways MercyOne is helping transform the health of our communities.
• Outstanding interpersonal, project management and prioritization skills
• A collaborative, open attitude and a history of working in cross-functional teams
• Commitment to improving daily and successfully adapting to changes
• 2+ years of experience in strategic communications or Public Relations as well as experience working firsthand with executives
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Public Relations, journalism or a related field

Must be able to set and organize one's own work priorities and adapt to them as they change frequently and be able to prioritize and balance the requirements of working with the System Office, the ELT and Regional Ministries. Must be able to travel to the various MercyOne sites as needed Must be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles. Must possess the ability to comply with MercyOne policies and procedures. Physical surroundings are pleasant and comfortable with minimal exposure to disagreeable conditions. A normal office environment. Minimum physical effort required, normally seated with some freedom of movement handling light materials or supplies.

Position Highlights and Benefits

We care about your well-being, both physical and mental, which is why our benefit package includes:

• Wellness programs
• Education reimbursement
• Personalized health insurance plans including dental and vision
• Paid time off
• Long- and short-term leave
• Retirement planning
• Life insurance coverage

Ministry/Facility Information:

MercyOne Northeast Iowa provides expert health care to eight counties. MercyOne Northeast Iowa provides excellent, personalized care close to home to the communities in the Cedar Valley. With 491 licensed beds between the three medical centers, each providing 24-hour emergency lifesaving care, MercyOne is there for you in critical moments:

• MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, an Area Level III Trauma Center and an accredited chest pain center
• MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center, Community Level IV Trauma Designation
• MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center, Community Level IV Trauma Designation

With more than 2,500 colleagues, MercyOne is one of the largest employers in Northeast Iowa.

MercyOne Medical Group – Northeast Iowa is made up of more than 30 primary care, pediatric, internal medicine and specialty clinics located throughout Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Benton, Butler, Fayette and Tama counties.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.