External Communications Specialist

The External Communications Specialist develops and executes proactive and reactive communications strategies that advance the reputations of Advocate Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine. With a primary focus on academic and research communications, the position identifies compelling stories, translates complex scientific and medical information into clear and engaging content, and develops earned, owned and social media tactics for key external audiences. The specialist collaborates with faculty, researchers, clinicians, learners and communications partners to elevate institutional excellence in research, academic medicine, medical education and clinical care while supporting broader organizational priorities. 

Major Responsibilities: 

• Develops and executes measurable proactive and reactive external communications strategies that advance organizational priorities and protect and enhance the reputations of Advocate Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine. 

• Creates communications strategies and integrated plans that elevate institutional excellence in research, academic medicine, clinical care and other areas of differentiation. 

• Builds relationships with faculty, researchers, clinicians, learners and institutional partners to identify significant research findings, forthcoming publications, expert perspectives and compelling stories. 

• Translates complex scientific, medical and organizational information into accurate, accessible and engaging content tailored to media, consumers and other external audiences. 

• Develops content for earned, owned and social media channels, including news releases, media pitches, articles, blogs, opinion pieces, executive talking points, reports and social media content. 

• Cultivates relationships with local, regional and national health, science, academic medicine and industry journalists and proactively pitches faculty experts, research findings, institutional initiatives, patient stories and other newsworthy topics. 

• Responds to media inquiries by gathering information, identifying appropriate subject-matter experts and coordinating timely, accurate responses and interviews in collaboration with external communications leadership and organizational partners. 

• Provides interview preparation, editorial guidance and media training to organizational leaders, faculty and other subject-matter experts. 

• Collaborates with researchers and institutional partners to ensure communications accurately represent study findings, limitations and potential implications while adhering to publication embargoes, journal requirements and organizational review processes. 

• Collaborates cross-functionally with communications, marketing, digital, social media, creative and operational partners to execute coordinated campaigns and maintain consistent messaging across channels. 

• Coordinates photography, video and other multimedia content needed to support external communications strategies and storytelling. 

• Monitors media coverage and emerging trends in research, health care, academic medicine and the broader media environment to identify communications opportunities, potential issues and reputational risks. 

• Manages multiple projects, deadlines, review processes and stakeholder relationships, ensuring communications activities are completed accurately, efficiently and on schedule. 

• Supports external communications leadership and the broader team with priority projects and communications needs across the organization. 

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• None Required. 

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising or other business-related field, or bachelor’s degree combined with relevant experience. 

Experience Required:

• 3+ years of experience in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or other business-related field, including experience recommending and executing comprehensive communications strategies. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Ability to develop communications and public relations strategies and tactics and effectively communicate recommendations to external communications leadership, under the guidance of external communications leadership  

• A flair for creating persuasive content and communicating effectively (and differently) depending on the medium.  

• Proactive, independent and takes initiative with consistent follow through. Results oriented.  

• Superior time management skills, with capability of working with and meeting deadlines. Ability to handle tasks and complete work accurately and within a short timeframe.  

• Ability to think critically, seek understanding of complex concepts, work to synthesize information, and create clarity to support sound decision-making.   

• Strategic thinker with ability to work in a team environment on initiatives that drive business results.  

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, having a change mindset and comfortable navigating ambiguity.    

• Strong interpersonal communications skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with others.   

• Excellent oral and written communications and relationship development skills.  

• Manage timelines, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of communication activities. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Position requires some work on weekends and outside of normal business hours.    

• Position requires some local, regional, national and market travel.