News Media Coordinator

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

Job Overview:

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) protects and promotes the health of all Philadelphians and provides a safety net for people who are disproportionately impacted by societal factors that limit their access to healthcare and other resources necessary for optimal health. The agency leads programs to prevent communicable diseases; prevent chronic diseases and promote healthy behaviors; prevent environmental health risks and injuries; investigate disease outbreaks; respond to public health emergencies; and promote the health of women, children, and families. In addition, the department operates a series of primary care clinics. PDPH has been on the vanguard of public health, proposing policy solutions to issues like opioid and tobacco use, and intends to continue developing creative solutions to both long-standing urban health problems and new crises.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is seeking a creative and self-motivated content creator to join the Health Commissioner’s Office of Communications (HCO-Comms). HCO-Comms drives the development and implementation of PDPH’s internal and external communications strategy. HCO-Comms works hand in hand with the department’s leaders, administration, and programmatic divisions to share trustworthy, timely, relevant, and culturally inclusive information that impacts the public’s health. The office also coordinates closely with City leadership and other City departments, especially during outbreaks, large-scale events, and City emergencies. PDPH’s content is shared across a variety of communications platforms, including news media, social media, websites, and print.

HCO-C is seeking an experienced news media coordinator to manage the Health Department’s relationship with local, regional, national, and international news media outlets. This work includes, in concert with the Health Department and City leadership, working with spokespersons, responding to incoming press requests, initiating press outreach, writing press releases and media advisories, and organizing and running press conferences.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary contact for all news media for the Health Department.
• Work with subject matter experts to develop written responses to news media requests.
• Prep and staff subject matter experts during in-person and virtual news media interviews.
• Coordinate with City leadership on responding to news media requests.
• Coordinate with Communications Director on high-profile news media requests.
• Write and coordinate the development of Health Department press releases and media advisories.
• Develop and plan for press conferences, including development of talking points, location scouting, spokesperson management, run of show development, and day of coordination.
• When appropriate, pitch story ideas to press outlets.

Skills:

• Impeccable writing skills, history of writing for news media preferred
• • E.g., press releases, talking points, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and frequently conflicting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to set and meet deadlines

Experience:

• Demonstrated history of working with reporters and/or spokespeople
• Familiarity with the Philadelphia news media market
• Familiarity with public health issues and topics preferred

Education Requirement:

Bachelor’s degree required

Salary:

$60,000 - $65,000

Contact Information:

To apply, please submit:

We are dedicated to building a staff that reflects the diversity of Philadelphia. We strongly encourage individuals who identify with one or more of the following groups to apply:

Applicants who are originally from and live in the Philadelphia area are strongly encouraged to apply.

Forward resume, cover letter, and portfolio to: Gayle Mendoza (she/her)

Address: 1101 Market Street, 13th Floor, Suite 3xx, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Fax #: N/A

E-mail: Gayle.Mendoza@phila.gov

To Apply:

Send resume to James Garrow: james.garrow@phila.gov

PHMC is an EOE and an E-Verify Employer.

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