Sr Employee Communications Specialist

Full-time, On-site

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is hiring a Sr Employee Communications Specialist position, supporting the Chief Nursing Officer in all executive communications and nurse engagement communications for our 912-bed hospital.

This opportunity supports internal communication across multiple platforms to drive and promote associate engagement. Works with other members of the Public Affairs & Marketing team, department leaders and staff members of other departments to identify ways to engage and educate associates to support the mission, vision and values of the Hospital Center.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Works closely with Chief Nursing Officer and Director/Chief Internal Communications Officer to develop and implement a comprehensive internal communications plan to drive improvements in associate engagement.

Works closely with leadership to disseminate hospital-wide campaign-style communications that may flow from MedStar Health's corporate office or from Hospital Center (i.e., information about upcoming associate surveys, benefits updates, High Reliability Organization communications, etc.).

Implements the associate recognition program and supports the development of story boards, videos, social media posts, local press releases and other forms of communication that increase the dissemination of such awards and recognitions.

Develops engaging, employee-focused content for internal communications vehicles currently in place and those to be developed, including Center Weekly, StarPort and a hospital-wide digital communications system.

Writes, edits and produces outstanding copy for internal audiences through newsletters, StarPort (the Intranet), digital communications, memos, speeches, PowerPoints and other forms of communication.

Works closely with other member of the department as well as consultants in the area of writing, editing, photography and graphic design to disseminate content through a range of channels.

Assists with planning and implementing three to five associate events annually.

Takes photographs and basic videos for use in publications and online.

Establishes and maintains professional and productive relationships with a wide range of associates at all levels, serves as an internal communications consultant and shares insights with the Director and the Department as appropriate.

Establishes and maintains a professional working relationship with team members within the Public Affairs & Marketing Department, actively participating in staff meetings and sharing information.

Responds to crisis situations in a proactive, team-oriented manner, and is prepared to come to work during off hours (evenings and weekends) to support the Department during these times (i.e., weather emergencies, mass casualty events, etc.). Also provides support at news conferences and other hospital events.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree preferred
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing or communication required

Experience

• 3-4 years in health care industry preferred
• 5-7 years of progressive job-related experience as a public relations/communications professional or copy writer/editor required

Licenses and Certifications

• Accredited Business Communicator - ABC from International Association of Business Communicators preferred
• Accreditation in Public Relations - APR preferred or

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experienced in publications management and production
• Ability to think independently and develop strong communication solutions/recommendations
• Ability to successfully work in both team settings and independently on projects
• Familiarity with Associated Press style and digital communications, including social media
• Superior writing, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Skilled in computer technology, creating basic databases and understanding desktop publishing
• Working knowledge of internal marketing and event planning
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously and under stringent deadlines
• Strong editorial, proofreading and editing skills

Why MedStar Health?

At MedStar Health, we understand that our ability to treat others well begins with how we treat each other. We work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment where our associates feel valued, connected, and empowered. We live up to this promise through:

• Comprehensive total rewards package—including competitive pay, generous paid time off, great health and wellness benefits, retirement savings, education assistance, and so much more.
• More career opportunities closer to home—as the largest healthcare provider in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region, there are countless opportunities to grow your career and fulfill your aspirations.
• Strategic focus on equity, inclusion, & diversity—we are committed to equity for all people and communities. We continue to build a diverse and inclusive workplace where people feel a sense of belonging and the ability to contribute to equitable care delivery and improved community health outcomes at all levels of the organization.
• Strong emphasis on teamwork—our associates feel connected to each other and our mission as an organization. In return, our effective team environment generates positive patient outcomes and high associate satisfaction ratings that exceed the national benchmark.

About MedStar Health

MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It’s how we treat people.

MedStar Health is an Equal Opportunity (EO) Employer and assures equal opportunity for all applicants and employees. We hire people to work in different locations, and we comply with the federal, state and local laws governing each of those locations. MedStar Health makes all decisions regarding employment, including for example, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefit eligibility, discipline, and discharge without regard to any protected status, including race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliations, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local EO laws. If you receive an offer of employment, it is MedStar Health's policy to hire its employees on an at-will basis, which means you or MedStar Health may terminate this relationship at any time, for any reason.