Job Description

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Assists in the development and execution of public relations and community relations activities to promote the visibility and positive image of Parkland, its work and mission in the community as well as its marketing activities.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education:
- Must have a Bachelor's degree in communications or equivalent.

Experience:
- Must have one year of journalism, public relations and/or corporate communications experience.

Equivalent Experience:
- May substitute an equivalent combination of education and experience for education and experience as stated above.

Certification/Registration/Licensure:
- None.

Skills or Special Abilities:
- Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills, to include excellent writing skills for publication.
- Must be able to demonstrate basic computer skills, good organizational and decision making skills, and attention to detail.
- Must be sensitive to political, cultural and legal issues affecting hospital operation and be able to function independently and as a team member.

Responsibilities:

1. Contributes to proactive and reactive public relations activities to promote the visibility and positive image of Parkland, its work and mission in the community as well as marketing activities. Could be assigned to media relations activities as needed.
2. Serves as a resource and liaison to Administration, internal hospital system departments, physicians, hospital employees and patients, to provide oral and written communications support.
3. Contributes to the development and dissemination of all Parkland publications, with special emphasis on internal and external publications. Researches, develops story ideas and sources, writes and edits stories for marketing activities such as employee newsletters, magazines, promotional brochures and hospital annual report. Assists with photography, design, printing and distribution of Parkland publications as required. 
4. Acts as a liaison for Parkland in community organizations, as appropriate, to ensure representation in the community and to make positive community contributions on Parkland's behalf. 
5. Assists in organization and execution of special events and promotion of communication activities to support Parkland’s overall mission and goals.    
6. Assists in department activities as required. Attends committee meetings, department directors' meetings and Board of Managers' meetings as a representative of the department. Assists in tracking the department’s progress and successes.
7. Stays abreast of latest trends and advancements in corporate and medical communications field to maximize department productivity and effectiveness by attending Parkland seminars and workshops, reading professional journals, and participating in professional organizations. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
8. Identifies ways to improve department work processes and increase internal and external customer satisfaction with overall communications activities. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of Parkland’s overall public relations and communications goals.   
9. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the public relations area. Develops effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.

Job Accountabilities:

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.