Mississippi Baptist Health Systems is hiring: Manager-Public Relations in Memphi

Public Relations Manager

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative public relations professional to lead external communications initiatives for Baptist Memorial Health Care, a mission-driven health care organization. This is a highly visible role with significant ownership and autonomy, reporting directly to the director of public relations and internal communications. The position is ideal for a creative storyteller and communications strategist who can identify meaningful media opportunities, shape public perception and strengthen brand visibility across health care and community-focused sectors.
This individual must be a strong writer and editor with experience in media relations, strategic communications, executive communications, issues management and event planning and must be a self-starter who can work independently, prioritize multiple projects and manage deadlines with minimal supervision. This individual must also be able to build working relationships across the business in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and be available to work some weekends and evenings for media issues, media inquiries and events.
The PR manager is responsible for the following:
Day-to-day PR Functions and Operations
Overseeing and conducting day-to-day public relations functions for Baptist Memorial Health Care, including
Telling Baptist Memorial's story through traditional and digital media, etc.
Writing and editing news releases, media advisories, executive thought leadership content, organizational statements, bylines and op-eds
Responding to media inquiries and preparing talking points, briefing materials, Q&A documents and messaging guidance for spokespeople ahead of media and public appearances
Identifying and pursuing creative public relations opportunities, including podcasts, awards programs, partnerships, community events and speaking engagements
Maintaining essential public relations tools, updating content on the public relations newsroom, proofreading/editing newswriting, preparing reports that summarize and quantify the PR team's activities and updating public relations policies
Staying up to date with public relations trends to ensure the public relations staff uses best practices in their work
Staying within an annual public relations division budget
Having a working knowledge and expert use of Associated Press Style
Helping schedule and manage video production
Media Relations and Event Planning
Manage media inquiries in a timely manner, arranging interviews with the appropriate Baptist Memorial representatives, providing accurate information and monitoring all media coverage about Baptist
Establishing media relationships or the ability to rapidly build strong journalist and media networks
Organizing news events, media announcements, service launches and public-facing communications activities
PR Staff Supervision
Supervising public relations employees, hiring and training PR staff, dealing with employee issues and concerns, promoting teamwork, mentoring and fostering professional growth, holding regular one-on-one meetings with the PR staff and ensuring staff have the necessary tools to perform top-quality work
Continuously improving team processes and communications approaches
Fostering a dedication to professional development, growth and advancement
Building Relationships and Providing Strategic Counsel
Establishing communication with internal customers regarding their needs and expectations from PR and increasing customer satisfaction with the performance and results of PR efforts
Acting as a strategic advisor, providing strategic counsel on high-impact communications, including crisis response, business continuity, customer messaging and stakeholder engagement
Collaborating with marketing teams to align public relations initiatives with broader brand and campaign strategies
Issues Management and Crisis Support
Supporting the director of public relations and internal communications in crisis management and staying apprised of issues that may affect Baptist Memorial's reputation and the corporate communications department
Advising clients on reputational risk, emerging public issues and communications strategy
Media Monitoring
Monitoring, tracking and analyzing media coverage, media trends and industry conversations to identify timely and relevant opportunities for brand visibility and public engagement
Maintaining media databases, tracking media coverage and regularly reporting on reach, audience sentiment and campaign impact
The PR manager must also uphold the following Baptist Values:
Friendly, Compassionate and Responsive Service
Fairness and Respect for the Individual
Teamwork and Trust
Continuous Improvement
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
A bachelor's degree in communications or a similar major
At least five years of experience in public relations, media relations, issues management or a related field
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Experience working in a corporate environment with people at all levels of an organization, from frontline workers to senior leaders
Demonstrated success in earned media strategy and public relations campaign execution
Ability to manage multiple priorities under deadline pressure
Ability to thrive in a remote environment
Experience supervising public relations professionals and social media experience is a plus