Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing internal and external communications to promote public health initiatives, enhance community, partner and staff member engagement, protect the department's integrity, and support the mission and values of the Delaware County Health Department. This role serves a critical function as the Public Information Officer for DCHD during public health emergencies. An important role for this position is developing and managing content for social media platforms, websites, SharePoint, and other digital channels, including the creation of multimedia content, especially videography. This position ensures consistent messaging development for effective internal and external written and visual communications pertaining to Delaware County Health Department initiatives in partnership and collaboration with DCHD’s leadership team and County of Delaware Communications and Public Affairs.

• Provide advice and recommendations to internal stakeholders for routine strategies and crisis communications situations. 
• Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies that advance public health goals.
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, advisories, statements, talking points, and other official communications.
• Support and develop crisis and emergency communications plans, providing timely, accurate information to the public and media.
• Work with County Communications and Public Affairs to leverage coverage and amplify DCHD initiatives.
• Coordinated events and announcements for County elected officials and the health department director.
• Support communications and outreach related to the Community Health Assessment & Community Health Improvement Plan.
• Prepare and present yearly communications performance reports at Board of Health Meetings.
• Primary Public Information Officer (PIO) responsible for timely response to news media inquiries, proactive earned media placement, and building of press outlet relationships. Serve as a primary point of contact for local, regional, and national media for DCHD.
• Coordinate advisories, press events, interviews, and media briefings.
• Monitor media coverage and work with reporters to correct stories or headline
• Manage content for social media platforms, websites, SharePoint, and other digital channels.
• Create multimedia content, including graphics, videos, flyers, banners, and educational materials, aligned with department branding and accessibility standards.
• Track digital engagement and recommend improvements to enhance outreach and visibility.
• Oversee and develop marketing campaigns for various grant-funded awareness projects 
• Identify target audience(s) by demographics, geography, and language needs.
• Evaluate best-suited mediums specific to each campaign (print, radio, social, digital, billboard, SEPTA, out-of-home, etc.).
   Develop messaging and creative assets tailored to each channel.
• Coordinate external marketing vendors, campaign strategy, content creation, and dissemination.
• Maintain and update the DCHD SharePoint homepage for employee news, updates, and information.
• Co-Chair, Staff Engagement Committee. Develop promotional material and coordinate staff events.
• Support presentations, reports, and briefing materials for departmental leadership.
• Coordinate all DCHD staff meeting audio-video needs.
• Regularly update performance management tracking software for key milestones.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with an emphasis in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a related major
• Three years of professional experience working in the field of public relations, media relations or a related communications field preferred
• Experience in health care or public health a plus
• Exemplary written communication skills and proven ability to simplify complex topics. Must be able to provide writing samples
• Photography and videography skills for use on the County’s website, social media, and public distributions required
• Graphic Design expertise to create newsletters, flyers and online content a plus
• Experience creating and managing social media accounts
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, video and photo editing software such as Photoshop, Canva, or Adobe Premiere

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check
• Ability to interact appropriately and effectively with a wide range of persons
• Ability to maintain and handle confidential information
• Ability to follow protocol, procedures, and established guidelines
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances and needs
• A strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding and changing workload
• Strong relationship-building skills

Computer Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and talk or hear.  Occasionally, the employee will need to carry items.  On rare occasions, the employee will need to reach above shoulders; kneel, stoop, crouch, or squat; and push items.