Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialist Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Public Relations Specialist to support a company in Bethesda, MD. This full-time opportunity offers top-of-market compensation, guaranteed 3% annual raises, and additional performance and Christmas bonuses. The selected candidate will support public affairs and communications initiatives, manage media relations, coordinate high-profile visits and events, and develop timely, accurate communications for diverse audiences.

Please note: This position is expected to begin in December. Candidates must be willing to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) in advance to confirm their commitment to the opportunity. A Tier II Non-Critical Sensitive background check will be required.

Public Relations Specialist Responsibilities:

• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, talking points, newsletters, and other public affairs communications.
• Coordinate media relations activities, arrange interviews, and support media engagement initiatives.
• Provide support for crisis communications planning, messaging development, and response coordination.
• Plan and execute public relations events, including press conferences, media briefings, and other communications-related activities.
• Update and maintain external webpages and social media platforms multiple times daily to ensure content remains accurate, timely, and relevant.
• Prepare and distribute an average of two communications reports per week, summarizing relevant activities, coverage, and updates.
• Coordinate and support approximately four Distinguished Visitor (DV) visits per month, including scheduling, logistics, communications, and stakeholder coordination.
• Collaborate with leadership, subject matter experts, and internal stakeholders to develop consistent, audience-focused messaging.
• Manage communications schedules, editorial calendars, event logistics, and competing deadlines.
• Ensure all communications are accurate, professionally presented, and aligned with organizational messaging and public affairs requirements.
• Apply HIPAA requirements and Protected Health Information (PHI) safeguarding principles throughout communications development, review, and distribution.

Public Relations Specialist Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in public affairs, public relations, or project management.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills, with experience developing press releases, talking points, newsletters, and other public-facing materials.
• Experience coordinating media relations, arranging interviews, and supporting crisis communications planning.
• Experience planning and executing events, press conferences, media briefings, or executive visits.
• Familiarity with managing external websites and social media platforms in a professional communications environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines, reports, events, and stakeholder requests.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with leadership, media representatives, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desired.
• Understanding of HIPAA requirements and the appropriate handling and safeguarding of PHI.
• Ability to successfully complete a Tier II Non-Critical Sensitive background check.
• Willingness to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) before the anticipated December start date.

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This job is Hybrid Remote.

Pay Range: Salary $120,000.00 to $130,000.00

We offer several comprehensive benefits package including health and life insurance, paid and unpaid time off, and retirement and savings plans to qualifying employees.

Download the Sparks Group mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play.

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Sparks Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship, family status, genetic information, disability, or protect veteran status.