Position Summary

The Public Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting the public relations, media relations, community engagement, and external affairs efforts of Health Care Partners of South Carolina. This position serves as a key representative of the organization and helps strengthen public awareness, community partnerships, stakeholder relationships, and organizational reputation throughout the communities served. The Public Relations Specialist works closely with leadership, community organizations, healthcare partners, governmental agencies, elected officials, media representatives, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to promote the mission, services, and impact of Health Care Partners of South Carolina.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

·         Serves as a primary representative of Health Care Partners of South Carolina in community relations, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs activities.

·         Develops and maintains relationships with community leaders, healthcare organizations, governmental agencies, elected officials, advocacy groups, foundations, educational institutions, and strategic partners.

·         Serves as a liaison between Health Care Partners of South Carolina and local, regional, and national stakeholders.

·         Assists with media relations activities, including press releases, media inquiries, public statements, interviews, and communication with news outlets.

·         Identifies opportunities to increase positive media coverage and public awareness of organizational programs, services, providers, and community initiatives.

·         Supports executive leadership in relationship-building efforts with public officials, community leaders, healthcare organizations, and policy stakeholders.

·         Represents Health Care Partners at community meetings, public events, conferences, civic functions, healthcare forums, and stakeholder engagement activities.

·         Coordinates community outreach programs, health fairs, special events, sponsorships, and engagement initiatives.

·         Assists with development of speeches, presentations, talking points, media materials, and executive communication resources.

·         Supports crisis communication efforts and assists with organizational messaging during public-facing events.

·         Serves as an organizational spokesperson when designated by executive leadership.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

·         Bachelor degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Political Science, or a related field preferred.

·         Minimum of two (2) years of experience in public relations, media relations, communications, community engagement, government relations, stakeholder relations, healthcare advocacy, or a related field preferred.

·         Experience within healthcare, FQHCs, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, or public health organizations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·         Strong knowledge of public relations, media relations, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement principles.

·         Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills.

·         Ability to serve as a professional spokesperson and representative of Health Care Partners of South Carolina.

·         Strong interpersonal, networking, and relationship-building skills.

·         Ability to develop press releases, public statements, speeches, and communication materials.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and communication platforms.

Physical Requirements

·         Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and travel as required.

·         Ability to attend community meetings, conferences, and public events.

·         Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.