Senior External Communication Specialist

We’re looking for a skilled storyteller who thrives in a face-paced, collaborative and fun environment to join our dynamic team. This role is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that build the system’s reputation and brand. Projects include communication support for programs, issues and events that serve patient families and other external audiences. Strong writing skills across a variety of writing styles – including health and parenting tips, feature stories, news releases, awards nominations, website copy, blogs and other social media tools – are required.

Successful candidates will have experience working with news media in proactive, reactive and crisis communication situations, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with local, regional and national print, broadcast and social media outlets. The individual in this role also provides communication consultation to leaders, staff and providers.

• Exhibits guiding behaviors that reflect Children’s values and support our mission and vision. 
• Develops strategies, plans and tactics for external communications as a key part of the overall communication and marketing plan for the health system. 
• Leads planning and execution of patient/family communication, establishing metrics for success and feedback loops to enhance the patient experience. 
• Provides writing support for various external communication needs, including patient/family communications, feature stories, news releases, news articles and web site copy and award materials for large external opportunities such as Parents magazine, The Business Journal, Better Business Bureau, AAP and others determined to generate a high impact within our targeted audiences and communities. 
• Develops key messages and plans to manage community and other external issues. 
• Conducts research and interviews to gather information used in stories and other materials. 
• Develops relationships with national, regional and local news media by responding to requests, developing story opportunities with media representatives and coordinating and staffing hospital media visits. 
• Serves as a liaison between the media and the health system, patients and their families. Also serves as a key liaison to our community-based services and community leaders. 
• Must be able to work with leaders and employees at all levels as well as provide communication counsel for external communication and media opportunities. 
• Serves as a spokesperson for the health system, its subsidiaries and individual departments. 
• Assists in escorting special visitors to the hospital, including celebrities, student groups, athletes, etc. 
• Serves as a media trained member of the Marketing and Communication team 24/7 on-call rotation schedule for issues/emergencies and responding to media inquiries.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications or related areas of study or equivalent. 
• Minimum of seven years of experience in a communications, public relations or related role with demonstrated experience in media relations. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills necessary, with experience in writing and editing copy. 
• Interpersonal skills necessary to speak effectively to individuals and groups as a representative of the health system. 
• Must be able to translate technical information for various audiences. 
• Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining relationships with media and community representatives. 
• Demonstrated skill in researching and developing story angles that result in high-impact local, regional and national media placements. 
• Ability to influence leaders and external stakeholders, as well as collaborate effectively with teams. 
• Interest in staying up-to-date on communication best practices, assessing and implementing new tools when appropriate. 
• Ability to meet deadlines and effectively prioritize multiple projects. 

Total Rewards is our investment in you. We believe in rewarding our employees for their good work and the impact they have on the lives of children and families. Total Rewards refers to everything we have to offer you as part of a career at Children’s Wisconsin. It’s everything that you value and find rewarding about working here. The combined parts of our Total Rewards ­– compensation, benefits, culture, and well-being – help us to attract, motivate, and retain the best employees.