Communication Specialist (8a-5p) Strategic Communications - Johnson City, TN

Job Description:
Summary:

The Communications Specialist provides critical support to the Office of Strategic Communications, helping to develop, distribute and manage high-impact communications across media, executive, policy, and crisis contexts. This role ensures projects remain on track, messages are delivered effectively, and materials are timely, clear and aligned with system-wide priorities.

This position requires strong writing, organization, digital fluency, and an understanding of healthcare communications and public affairs. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented and thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Serve as a communications project coordinator, managing timelines, calendars, deadlines, and deliverables for media, executive and policy content.
  • Track outstanding requests, manage project schedules, and support day-to-day needs of both directors.
  • Help maintain and update editorial calendars, speaking opportunity trackers and communications schedules.
• • Draft first-pass content such as press statements, Q&As, social media copy, executive remarks, internal memos and media prep documents.
  • Edit and format materials for clarity, consistency, and alignment with brand voice and messaging standards.
  • Assist with layout and basic visual formatting of executive presentations and policy documents.
• • Maintain and update the system’s crisis communications playbook, ensuring it reflects current protocols and scenarios.
  • Coordinate crisis response logistics and assist with internal and external messaging during real-time events.
  • Monitor media inquiries and assist in compiling background briefs, supporting statement drafting and tracking responses.
• • Use media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Meltwater, Cision, Google Analytics) to track coverage, engagement, sentiment and campaign impact.
  • Create clear, concise reports for internal stakeholders and executive leadership.
• • Assist in the distribution of content across internal (email, intranet, executive channels) and external (press, social media, website) platforms.
  • Coordinate scheduling and approval workflows for press releases, op-eds, policy briefs and executive materials.
  • Maintain accurate records and archives of published materials and media appearances.
• • Manage and coordinate scheduling for executive media appearances, interviews and visibility events.
  • Track deadlines for regulatory communications, public comment periods and media opportunities.

• Key Competencies:

• • Effectively manages complex calendars, timelines, and multiple deliverables with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• • Drafts and edits clear, accurate content including media responses, executive memos and social copy; adapts complex topics for general audiences.
• • Coordinates content distribution, approval workflows and maintains archives across internal and external channels.
• • Proficient with tools like Meltwater, Cision, and Google Analytics; interprets data to track sentiment, reach and campaign impact.
• • Supports crisis communications by coordinating workflows, managing documentation and remaining composed under pressure.
• • Collaborates well across departments and builds strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including executives and cross-functional teams.
• • Uses PowerPoint, Canva, or similar tools to format presentations and policy materials that align with brand and accessibility standards.
• • Exercises discretion with confidential content and communicates professionally with internal and external audiences.

Requirements:

• 
  Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in corporate communications, media relations or public affairs—preferably in healthcare or a regulated industry.
• Outstanding organizational, writing and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Familiarity with media tracking, content publishing and analytics platforms.
  

Work Requirements:
Shift: Day
On Call: No
Weekends: No
Travel Required: No Travel
Shift Details: Day
City/State: Johnson City, TN

Location:
Ballad Health Corporate