At Houston Methodist, the Senior (Sr.) Communications Specialist position is responsible for developing proactive hospital and executive communications, leading engaging internal communications strategies and executing external reactive and proactive communications and media relations by effectively cultivating and nurturing media relationships. The Senior Communications Specialist will develop communications strategies to ensure stakeholders achieve goals and meet objectives by producing clear, concise, and engaging content while utilizing editorial skills in writing, proofreading, and editing. The Senior Communications Specialist will build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients including the executive team.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates with hospital leadership, human resources, departmental management, physicians, and stakeholders to conceptualize, develop, and implement internal and external communication initiatives that support the organization and achieve goals.

• Prepares executives, physicians, and other stakeholders to respond to media through the utilization of professional writing styles, and messaging for specific audiences.

• Provides guidance and develops relationships with all audiences, including executives, corporate marketing, corporate public relations, digital or web as appropriate. Collaborates with corporate colleagues on systemwide initiatives.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proactively develops public and media relations strategies and tactics, writes and edits press releases, media alerts, and story pitches to effectively communicate key messages to journalists and drives local hospital/physician reputation. Supports other communications representatives with production; develop questions/scripts and coordinate interviews for key personnel.

• Develops and implements measurable, hospital- or physician-specific communication initiatives that support the organizational strategy. Develops and manages reporting on internal communication performance and assessment of local media reports.

• Writes, proofreads, and edits hospital newsletters and/or magazine articles, crisis communications, special correspondence, promotional materials, and other communication pieces.

• Works to ensure timely and effective content deployment at all times. Meets writing and content development deadlines to ensure quick turnarounds in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates with setting standards and creating best practice guidelines for internal users, and ensures content conforms to established standards.

• Responds timely to inquiries and deadlines and acts as a brand steward, ensuring all messaging, copy and other content is within brand voice and editorial guidelines.

• Develops clear, concise and accurate communications and talking points; fact-checking content prior to leadership review.

• Maintains communication databases and manages internal communications platforms.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensures timely submission of invoices; tracks and adheres to budgets for assigned projects.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proactively seeks opportunities to improve internal communications and media strategy.

• Seeks out innovative trends to address internal and external audiences. Continuously applies learnings and best practices to improve efficiency of content development and deployment process.

• Proactively problem solves when challenges present themselves. Participates in hospital or system committees as needed.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Six years experience related to media relations, copywriting or communications

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Professional writing experience and demonstrated proficiency in proofreading and copy-editing skills, as well as a thorough knowledge of contemporary editorial practices (AP Style) and strong editorial judgment.

• Ability to work under pressure and balance many competing priorities in an organized manger.

• Demonstrated initiative in managing projects and communication with stakeholders.

• Proficiency with Microsoft office applications and other desktop publishing apps.

• Ability to translate health care information to consumer audiences.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently of and cooperatively with team members.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group - As one of the nation’s leading hospitals and academic medical centers Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nation’s leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients.  As part of Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group (HMSPG), these specialists not only provide excellent clinical care, but are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow.  This combination of clinical service, research and academics ensures patients have access to the latest in treatments and technologies while providing the best in comprehensive patient care.  Established as a non-profit corporation and certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, HMSPG enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to their clinical practice while growing their practice within an academic environment.