Position Summary Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is seeking an experienced Public Relations Specialist to support strategic communications, public affairs, media relations, and outreach activities. The specialist will develop communication plans, create content for internal and external audiences, coordinate media activities, and support leadership communications. The ideal candidate will have strong writing, communication, project management, and organizational skills, with experience in healthcare, military, government, or public-sector communications. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management , or a related field. At least 5 years of experience in public affairs, public relations, project management, or a combination of these areas. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to develop clear messages for a variety of audiences and communication channels. Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Experience with project management, digital communication, websites, and social media platforms. Experience with healthcare, military, government, or public-sector communications is preferred. PMP certification is preferred. Strong knowledge of strategic communication principles, public affairs practices, media relations, and community outreach. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, staff, contractors, media representatives, and community organizations. Strong prioritization, organization, and time-management skills. Key Responsibilities Support the Walter Reed Public Affairs program and strategic communication efforts. Develop and implement communication plans that support organizational goals and produce measurable results. Develop messaging and communication products for internal and external audiences. Write and edit press releases, news articles, talking points, newsletters, speeches, briefings, social media content, and other communication materials. Develop story ideas, news angles, and feature articles based on interviews and information from multiple sources. Coordinate interviews with patients, staff, military and civilian personnel, subject-matter experts, leadership, and media representatives. Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews and media visits, and maintain professional relationships with media organizations. Monitor media coverage and recommend strategies to improve public awareness and understanding of Walter Reed and Military Health System programs. Maintain and update websites, intranet pages, and social media platforms. Coordinate communications with Defense Health Agency (DHA), National Capital Region (NCR), Market, and Military Treatment Facility (MTF) public affairs teams. Ensure communications are consistent with applicable MHS, DHA, and Walter Reed messaging and communication objectives . Support strategic, access-to-care, emergency management, and other organizational communication meetings. Develop and support crisis communication plans and provide timely communications assistance during high-visibility or time-sensitive events. Plan and support press conferences, media briefings, community events, senior leader engagements, and other outreach activities. Develop speeches, talking points, briefings, and other leadership communication materials. Build and maintain relationships with medical organizations, military and veterans organizations, government agencies, community groups, and other partners. Coordinate with subject-matter experts to ensure information is accurate, timely, and appropriate for the intended audience. Identify potential public perception issues and develop communication strategies to address them. Prepare weekly media and external communication reports and other required reporting. Submit communications products to the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) for review and approval before publication. Meet daily, weekly, and short-notice deadlines to support mission requirements. Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Ability to

Commute:

Bethesda, MD 20889 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Bethesda, MD 20889: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person