Public Affairs Specialist

Job Title

Public Affairs Specialist
Job Description

Major duties include but are not limited to:
Directs and manages the medical center's marketing, communications, community outreach and public affairs missions. The incumbent often represents the facility Director, participating at public, civic or social events to improve perception of the facility as a valued part of the medical profession, government, and community.
The Public Affairs Specialist is designated authority and responsibility for design, implementation, and leadership of the facility public affairs program. Plans the development and implementation of all outreach programs and activities that are appropriate for expanding the patient base of the Erie VAMC and increasing the number of Veterans who receive care at the Erie VAMC and its CBOCs.
Conducts special studies involving communications, organization, and operation of facility functions. Develops reports along with recommendations to the Director including implementation and monitoring strategies.
Development, coordination, implementation and maintenance of public information, community relations and outreach programs that are designed to promote understanding, confidence and goodwill between the facility, surrounding communities, individuals, volunteers and groups who are interested in and affected by the VA.
Analyzes internal communication needs and develops publications or other information materials for staff, patients, volunteers, and others who contribute to the facility effectiveness and responsiveness.
Collaborates with staff and program managers in identifying their information needs and assisting them with the development and dissemination of appropriate materials.
Undertakes other assignments, such as coordination of special projects, at the direction of the Director.
Analyzes medical facility information needs, goals and resources and tailors specific communication strategies using all media to reach target audiences both internal and external.
Advises and makes recommendations to the Director regarding the handling of media and community issues or concerns that have possible implications.
Serves as the point of contact for the media and public information inquiries and as the liaison with other facilities, central office, the VHA VISN, and Veteran organizations in the areas of public information and community relations.
Develops and is intimately involved in crafting speeches, public briefings, and other statements for the Medical Center executive leaders and prepares and reviews information material for dissemination to the public. Coordinates special events/projects at the direction of the Director.
Develops and utilizes a variety of methods and techniques in achieving communication goals, such as news releases, radio and television scripts, personal appearances, brochures, pamphlets, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Available - Ad-Hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist/ PD562-066100
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for Highly Qualified Candidates
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized