Public Health Communications Specialist
Responsible for El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) communication activities to include strategic development, implementation, and evaluation, media relations, oversight of digital platforms, marketing activities, and emergency/risk communication. Prepares and disseminates health communication materials and responds to, monitors, and evaluates strategic communication efforts in partnership with the Public Health Information Officer (PHIO). Researches community health issues, assesses community needs, and develops educational and outreach initiatives to promote health.
- Analyzes communications needs and develops strategic communication plans for EPCPH.
- Responsible for researching and developing timely, relevant, and credible information releases and marketing materials in coordination with the PHIO to ensure vital information is provided to the media and public; promotes EPCPH activities and events.
- Develops and maintains accurate communication and health promotion materials to include printed materials, website content, and other electronic and visual media. Coordinates the agency's public relations activities to include responding to media inquiries, coordinating with media, and facilitating media requests as directed. Collaborates with leadership to identify appropriate spokespersons, research inquiries, and advise staff; conducts media interviews with PHIO.
- Develops and distributes public health information via digital platforms using evidence-based best practices.
- Responsible for responding to and monitoring media and digital media platforms. Documents, tracks, and archives all agency-related media coverage.
- Coordinates and prepares for presentations, community events, and event sponsorships. Develops and maintains activity records and reports to demonstrate progress towards goals; maintains media contact lists, mailing lists, invitation lists, and information sources. Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings to address program needs; contributes to the development and coordination of strategic program plans.
- Develops and implements strategies to improve internal communications by compiling and distributing agency-wide communication and editing the employee intranet.
- Inputs, tracks, and manages all staff requests submitted to the Office of Communication; coordinates communication projects throughout the agency in conjunction with the PHIO.
- Assesses individual and community needs for health promotion and education for various target audiences. Conducts research on evidence-based programs for the purposes of health promotion planning and development.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates programming for target populations using a variety of educational and community outreach approaches. Prepares and delivers presentations to various audiences.
- Coordinates with staff to analyze health data results; creates effective educational tools and health promotion materials to educate individuals and community groups on priority health areas outlined in the EPCPH strategic work plan.
- Develops and maintains a public health image library for visual communication materials.
- Supports the development of strategic communication plans and assists with managing communication budgets.
- Participates in program evaluation activities including the development of evaluation tools.
- Participates in the agency's emergency planning and response activities.
- Promotes overall public health within the community.
- Takes personal responsibility in providing exceptional customer service, promoting and maintaining a positive Public Health image, a constructive working environment, and fostering pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
- Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in health education, health promotion, community health education, communications, marketing, public relations, or closely related field required.
- Minimum two (2) years professional related experience required. Previous experience in public health, communication, public relations, marketing, or health-related field highly desired.
- Master's degree in public health, health promotion, or communication may substitute for the required experience.
- Skill in using social media, emerging media, and online communication tools. Skill in developing marketing materials and public presentations.
- Ability to create a variety of targeted health messages and understand principles of crisis and risk communication. Knowledge of behavior change education principles.
- Ability to monitor communication tools and make quick decisions.
- Skill in using a personal computer and various software packages including Microsoft Office. Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
- Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
- Ability to identify problems and work creatively to resolve them, considering the impact of actions.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with proper regard for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Skill in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner. Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.
- Ability to write and maintain accurate records and reports.
- Knowledge and understanding of agency policies and procedures.
- Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
- Ability to efficiently plan, schedule and organize.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Skill in demonstrating a cooperative, professional attitude to cultivate relationships both within and outside the organization.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
- An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the education and experience requirements above.
- Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
Licenses/Certificates
- Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License.
Work Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an office environment; some travel may be required. Public Health employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation within sixty (60) days of hire date.