Public Relations Director Job at State of Mississippi in Meridian

Public Relations Director

Position: Public Relations Director at East Mississippi State Hospital (EMSH), a state‑operated psychiatric hospital under the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. The role is supervisory, responsible for directing and overseeing EMSH’s public affairs and communications across all units, including Kemper, Newton, BASAC, and the nursing homes (RPW and JTC).

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic communications to support hospital priorities; draft policy‑related messaging; create new approaches to address complex public affairs issues; collaborate closely with subject matter experts and leadership; respond quickly to high‑impact media inquiries; maintain working knowledge of EMSH programs; oversee writing and production of publications and public information materials; represent EMSH on high‑visibility assignments such as crisis response activities, legislative/community proceedings, or other official engagements.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.


• 3–4 years of public relations/public affairs or communications experience.


• Lead or supervisory experience.


• Ability to manage high‑impact media and crisis communications.

Skills

• Strong writing and strategic communication abilities.


• Sound judgment, quick response under pressure.


• Building trusted relationships across units.


• Discretion with sensitive/confidential matters.


• Organizational skill to manage multiple priorities, oversee publications and outreach, and lead staff through clear expectations, quality control, and accountability.

Location

38 - LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MS

Contact

Address: 210 East Capitol Street, Suite 800, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201.