Media Relations Specialist IV

Job Summary:

The Media Relations Specialist IV is responsible for leveraging advanced media relations expertise to protect the CareSource brand and drive brand awareness and positioning across a broad range of platforms. The role focuses on strategic planning, metrics and reporting, and identifying and executing integrated earned media campaigns.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the development of strategic communications plans that drive reputation and growth.
• Proactively identify and lead high-impact media relations opportunities to enhance CareSource's brand presence both locally and nationally
• Develop campaign KPIs in concert with key internal stakeholders, measure and report for continuous optimization
• Manage agency relationships ensuring on-time, on-budget, quality deliverables
• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive media strategies for crisis communications and sensitive issues
• Act as a subject matter expert for internal and external communication initiatives, providing strategic counsel to executives and key stakeholders
• Oversee the creation of high-value external materials, including fact sheets, news releases, media kits, and other related content
• Drive content strategy and development for media and external communications, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and strategic objectives
• Serve as a key contributor to the company’s social media and digital content strategies, ensuring consistency across platforms
• Monitor industry trends, media coverage, and competitors to identify opportunities and challenges for the organization
• Provide advanced guidance on media training for key spokespeople, developing talking points and preparation strategies for media interviews
• Lead cross-functional project teams, driving media relations strategy and execution
• Ensure accurate, error-free content development that is adherent to company, state and federal requirements
• Perform any other job-related instructions as requested

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, or equivalent work experience is required
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in media relations, with a focus on strategic communication and brand positioning
• Health care communications experience is preferred
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and execution of media strategies, particularly in crisis communication scenarios

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and visual software programs like PowerPoint
• Strong knowledge of Associated Press Style
• Superior presentation, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Strong decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, especially under high-pressure situations
• Strong collaborator who can harmonize diverse inputs
• Expertise in managing media agencies and executing large-scale media campaigns
• Extensive experience with social media strategy and digital communication platforms
• Ability to manage complex projects with tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail
• Strong understanding of Meltwater and other monitoring and reporting tools

Licensure and Certification:

• None

Working Conditions:

• General office environment; may be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Compensation Range:

CareSource takes into consideration a combination of a candidate’s education, training, and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required for the role, and other external and internal data when establishing a salary level. In addition to base compensation, you may qualify for a bonus tied to company and individual performance. We are highly invested in every employee’s total well-being and offer a substantial and comprehensive total rewards package.

Compensation Type (hourly/salary):

Organization Level Competencies

• Create an Inclusive Environment

• Cultivate Partnerships

• Develop Self and Others

• Drive Execution

• Influence Others

• Pursue Personal Excellence

• Understand the Business

This job description is not all inclusive. CareSource reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. CareSource is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports individuals of all backgrounds.