Public Relations Specialist Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Public Relations Specialist to support a company in Bethesda, MD. This full-time opportunity offers top-of-market compensation, guaranteed 3% annual raises, and additional performance and Christmas bonuses. The selected candidate will support public affairs and communications initiatives, manage media relations, coordinate high-profile visits and events, and develop timely, accurate communications for diverse audiences.
Please note: This position is expected to begin in December. Candidates must be willing to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) in advance to confirm their commitment to the opportunity. A Tier II Non-Critical Sensitive background check will be required.
Public Relations Specialist Responsibilities:
- Write, edit, and distribute press releases, talking points, newsletters, and other public affairs communications.
- Coordinate media relations activities, arrange interviews, and support media engagement initiatives.
- Provide support for crisis communications planning, messaging development, and response coordination.
- Plan and execute public relations events, including press conferences, media briefings, and other communications-related activities.
- Update and maintain external webpages and social media platforms multiple times daily to ensure content remains accurate, timely, and relevant.
- Prepare and distribute an average of two communications reports per week, summarizing relevant activities, coverage, and updates.
- Coordinate and support approximately four Distinguished Visitor (DV) visits per month, including scheduling, logistics, communications, and stakeholder coordination.
- Collaborate with leadership, subject matter experts, and internal stakeholders to develop consistent, audience-focused messaging.
- Manage communications schedules, editorial calendars, event logistics, and competing deadlines.
- Ensure all communications are accurate, professionally presented, and aligned with organizational messaging and public affairs requirements.
- Apply HIPAA requirements and Protected Health Information (PHI) safeguarding principles throughout communications development, review, and distribution.
Public Relations Specialist Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of five years of experience in public affairs, public relations, or project management.
- Strong writing, editing, and communication skills, with experience developing press releases, talking points, newsletters, and other public-facing materials.
- Experience coordinating media relations, arranging interviews, and supporting crisis communications planning.
- Experience planning and executing events, press conferences, media briefings, or executive visits.
- Familiarity with managing external websites and social media platforms in a professional communications environment.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines, reports, events, and stakeholder requests.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with leadership, media representatives, and internal and external stakeholders.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desired.
- Understanding of HIPAA requirements and the appropriate handling and safeguarding of PHI.
- Ability to successfully complete a Tier II Non-Critical Sensitive background check.
- Willingness to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) before the anticipated December start date.