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Summary:

The Communications Specialist reports to the Director of Public Relations and/or PR Manager. They are primarily responsible for improving the brand, image and reputation of Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper and surrounding locations. Through their work, they will help attract and retain top talent, increase patient referrals and showcase the incredible culture of Cook Children's. They will serve as the point person for all communications needs (internal and external) for Cook Children's campus in Prosper, and will work with leadership in Prosper to develop and draft strategic communication plans, campaigns, executive communication and engaging content.

This person must be comfortable working with a variety of stakeholders, including patient families, employees, physicians, executive leadership and community members. Strong writing skills and knowledge of AP Style are critical to the role. They will develop written and video content for Connect Newsroom, Checkup Newsroom and Cook Children's social media channels. This role also supports news media, which includes pitching stories that highlight Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper, fielding requests for subject matter experts on the Prosper campus, escorting cameras and attending interviews. They must be detail-oriented and able to work with journalists on tight deadlines. In addition, this person will be critical in managing difficult PR issues and crisis situations that may arise on the Prosper campus. They are on call for media and emergencies 24/7.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required (preferred field of study in journalism, public relations, communications, business, marketing, advertising, non-profit management or related field).

• One to three years of experience (may include applicable paid internships) in public relations, marketing, social media, marketing communications, journalism, or advertising.

• We are seeking a candidate who understands the fundamentals of organizational communications.

• Relevant experience in healthcare, consulting, advertising/public relations agencies.

• Ability to think strategically.

• Training and experience in news writing/editing, speech writing and internal organizational communications.

• Strong ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally.

• Ability to analyze information, prioritize work and make decisions.

• Demonstrated creativity, enthusiasm, flexibility, ability to meet deadlines and manage a variety of projects simultaneously.

• Strong interpersonal skills/experience dealing with individuals at all organizational levels.

• Excellent knowledge of AP style.

• Knowledge of HIPAA/PHI.

About Us:

Cook Children's Health Care System

Cook Children's Health Care System offers a unique approach to caring for children because we are one of the country's leading integrated pediatric health care delivery organizations. Patients benefit from the integrated system because it allows Cook Children's to use all of its resources to treat a patient and allows for easy communication between the various companies by physicians with a focus on caring for children and adolescents.

Cook Children's is an EOE/AA, Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer.