Public Relations Strategic Partner

General Summary

Serves as a versatile communications leader, responsible for developing and executing integrated public relations plans that support the health system's strategic priorities, brand reputation, and community engagement. This role collaborates closely with program leaders in social media, thought leadership, media relations, and community engagement to ensure cohesive messaging and impactful storytelling across all channels. The Strategic Partner provides expert counsel to internal stakeholders, manages cross-functional initiatives, and helps elevate the voice of the organization through proactive and responsive communications. With a deep understanding of healthcare operations and public relations, crafts clear, accurate messaging that positions WellSpan nationally, regionally and locally. Must be exceptional strategists and advisors, creative and enjoy being part of a highly collaborative, innovative, and data-driven Marketing and Communications function.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Develops and implements public relations strategies that align with enterprise goals and support key initiatives across clinical, operational, and community domains.
• Leads and participates in cross-functional planning efforts to ensure alignment and integration across all areas of public relations.
• Crafts clear, compelling messaging for press releases, executive communications, media pitches, public statements, and events.
• Serves as a strategic advisor to internal departments and leaders, providing guidance on public positioning, messaging, and media opportunities.
• Builds strong relationships with external partners, including media outlets, community organizations, and industry groups.
• Manages multi-channel campaigns and initiatives from concept to execution, ensuring timely delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Monitors public sentiment and emerging issues to inform proactive communication strategies.
• Develops metrics for all thought leaders plans, contributes to function's dashboards and embraces evidence-based communication planning.
• Supports crisis communication efforts and serves as Public Information Officer on-call.
• Works collaboratively with Marketing & Patient Communications, Internal Communications, Creative Services and external PR agency to deliver high impact integrated plans.
• Regularly scans internal and external environment for best practices and opportunities; manages issues and opportunities impacting the system's reputation and brand.
• Ensures compliance with WellSpan brand identity and nomenclature standards across all services, physician practices and facilities within local system of care, as well as Marketing and Communications.
• Responsible for photography and videography of system functions and other related activities.
• Serves as a role model and coach to internal communications specialists and oversight on tactical execution.

Common Expectations:

• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment and safety standards.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Travel Requirements:

• Estimated Amount: 15% - Periodic travel required primarily for meetings, trainings, and periodic visits to clients, project sites, or system locations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• Bachelors Degree Required

Work Experience:

• 7 years Communications, Journalism or Public Relations experience, preferably in a large, complex healthcare organization. Required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written/oral communications, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills and willingness to embrace new technology and artificial intelligence.
• Strong journalistic writing, copyediting and project management skills.
• Strong relationships with reporters and community organizations.
• Strong project management and organization abilities.
• Strong collaborator with the ability to coach and mentor peers.