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Form of workDescription
We have a hybrid work arrangement.
EOE: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet
ABOUT US:
Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) is a not-for-profit membership association, to serve as an advocate for hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare organizations and the patients they serve. The Association also provides education and information for its members and informs the public about hospitals and healthcare issues at the state and national levels.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Senior Writer and Editor at THA plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization's narrative and maintaining effective communication to keep THA members and staff informed about relevant healthcare topics, regulations, and hospital news, including developing and editing major publications, memos, reports, newsletters, and other documents. This position supports various THA departments in editing materials and communications.
The role is responsible for writing PR and media content, drafting and editing press releases, Op/Eds, and media responses, positioning THA as a thought leader in healthcare. The Senior Writer and Editor also creates scripts for THA executives for events like the Summer Conference and Annual Meeting.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:
1. The ability to adapt to a changing work environment and meet challenges presented throughout the day.
2. Serve as THA's lead Writer and Editor for major THA publications such as memos, bulletins, reports, alerts, talking points, comment letters, newsletter information and other documents for staff as requested. Support the Marketing and Communications Department and other THA departments by editing materials as requested.
3. Write, edit, and distribute twice-weekly issues of the Member Update, which educates and informs CEOs and other individuals at hospitals health systems, and other members about THA issues, legislation, positions, services, programs, and activities; federal issues, rules and regulations and activities; Joint Commission standards, programs and services; inclusion and health equity, THA educational calendar of events; executive staff changes, honors, and services and programs at hospitals and health systems. It also features highlights about clinical, patient safety and quality activities, and other THA information.
4. Develop, write, and edit annual communications regarding significant THA and member news, activities, and legislative and policy changes including:
THA Annual Report - THA's Annual Report for CEOs and other THA members. It informs and educates THA members about association issues, programs, positions, legislation, services, and activities each year.
Annual Address/Letter from departing THA Board Chair
THA Annual Board Survey
Annual two-pager on THA Highlights and Accomplishments
5. Draft and edit media responses, press releases, and Op/Eds to announce key initiatives, partnerships, and events and showcase THA and/or our membership as thought leaders in the healthcare industry. Serve as a point of contact for media.
6. Write scripts for the THA CEO, THA Board Chair, and other executives for THA-administered events, including Legislative Day on the Hill, Small and Rural Hospital Summit, Summer Conference, and Annual Meeting.
7. Write issue briefs on various topics which can include mental health, rural health, hospital assessment, certificate of need, Medicaid, and the hospital industry. This information is used in discussions with state and federal government officials, legislators, congressional staff, and new CEOs and other executives at hospitals and health systems.
8. Must be available in the office during regular office hours unless job responsibilities require otherwise, or hybrid work arrangement is in place.
9. Must be available for out-of-town travel approximately 5 percent of the time, including overnight, be able to drive an automobile and maintain a valid driver's license.
MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Using a digital press clipping service, review and select relevant stories to be distributed to THA membership and staff in a daily news clips email. Send extra news clips to THA staff on various issues, such as COVID, federal and state issues, regulations and rules, hospital news, etc.
2. Participate in national peer group meetings of the American Public Relations Executives (APRE).
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: (Positions reporting directly to this position.)
None
GUIDANCE & DIRECTION: (Policies, precedents or procedures that guide your work)
1. Board action, legislative activities and other projects suggested by the president, executive vice president/chief operating officer, and vice president of marketing and communications.
2. Ethical guidelines and standards by the American Hospital Association's Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development and the Society for Professional Journalists.
3. THA employee handbook.
4. Associated Press guidelines.
Requirements
Educational and Experience Requirements Needed to Perform the Duties of the Job:
1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
2. A degree in communications, journalism, or a related field is preferred.
3. At least 5 years of experience in communications, public affairs, journalism or a related field is required.
4. Experience working in healthcare or writing for healthcare is preferred.
Skills Required to Perform the Duties of the Job:
1. The ability to understand numerous complex issues and develop easily understandable materials on issues related to them.
2. The ability to work with THA staff members on numerous diverse issues to develop cohesive messages.
3. The ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
4. The ability to work with media, external organizations and a diverse membership.
5. Must be detailed and very organized.
6. Must have strong writing and other communications skills.
7. Must have strong computer skills in the Microsoft suite.
8. Must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with individuals from all levels of an organization.
