Communication Specialist (8a-5p) Strategic Communications - Johnson City, TN

Communication Specialist (8a-5p) Strategic Communications Ballad Health Corporate | Marketing & Communications | Full Time
Description The Communications Specialist provides critical support to the Office of Strategic Communications, helping to develop, distribute and manage high-impact communications across media, executive, policy, and crisis contexts. This role ensures projects remain on track, messages are delivered effectively, and materials are timely, clear and aligned with system-wide priorities.
This position requires strong writing, organization, digital fluency, and an understanding of healthcare communications and public affairs. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented and thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities: Serve as a communications project coordinator, managing timelines, calendars, deadlines, and deliverables for media, executive and policy content.
Track outstanding requests, manage project schedules, and support day-to-day needs of both directors.
Help maintain and update editorial calendars, speaking opportunity trackers and communications schedules.
Draft first-pass content such as press statements, Q&As, social media copy, executive remarks, internal memos and media prep documents.
Edit and format materials for clarity, consistency, and alignment with brand voice and messaging standards.
Assist with layout and basic visual formatting of executive presentations and policy documents.
Maintain and update the system's crisis communications playbook, ensuring it reflects current protocols and scenarios.
Coordinate crisis response logistics and assist with internal and external messaging during real-time events.
Monitor media inquiries and assist in compiling background briefs, supporting statement drafting and tracking responses.
Use media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Meltwater, Cision, Google Analytics) to track coverage, engagement, sentiment and campaign impact.
Create clear, concise reports for internal stakeholders and executive leadership.
Assist in the distribution of content across internal (email, intranet, executive channels) and external (press, social media, website) platforms.
Coordinate scheduling and approval workflows for press releases, op-eds, policy briefs and executive materials.
Maintain accurate records and archives of published materials and media appearances.
Manage and coordinate scheduling for executive media appearances, interviews and visibility events.
Track deadlines for regulatory communications, public comment periods and media opportunities.
Key Competencies: · Effectively manages complex calendars, timelines, and multiple deliverables with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
· Drafts and edits clear, accurate content including media responses, executive memos and social copy; adapts complex topics for general audiences.
· Coordinates content distribution, approval workflows and maintains archives across internal and external channels.
· Proficient with tools like Meltwater, Cision, and Google Analytics; interprets data to track sentiment, reach and campaign impact.
· Supports crisis communications by coordinating workflows, managing documentation and remaining composed under pressure.
· Collaborates well across departments and builds strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including executives and cross-functional teams.
· Uses PowerPoint, Canva, or similar tools to format presentations and policy materials that align with brand and accessibility standards.
· Exercises discretion with confidential content and communicates professionally with internal and external audiences.
Requirements: · Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy, or a related field.
· 2–4 years of experience in corporate communications, media relations or public affairs—preferably in healthcare or a regulated industry.
· Outstanding organizational, writing and interpersonal skills.
· Proven ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
· Familiarity with media tracking, content publishing and analytics platforms.
Work Requirements: Shift: Day On Call: No No Travel Required: No Travel Shift Details: Day City/State: Johnson City, TN