DEPARTMENT: City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)
DIVISION: Health Commissioner’s Office of Communications (HCO-Comms)
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 an experienced News Media Coordinator 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.
The News Media Coordinator will 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, with experience writing for news media (e.g., press releases, talking points, etc.)
- Strong understanding of how news media works, including what makes information newsworthy
- Ability to manage multiple and frequently conflicting priorities under tight deadlines
- Ability to set and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Sound judgment when handling time-sensitive or high-profile media requests
- Ability to coordinate with subject matter experts and leadership to develop accurate communications
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree or better required, preferably with a focus on journalism, communications, or public relations
- Demonstrated history of working with reporters and/or spokespeople required
- Preferred: Familiarity with the Philadelphia news media market
- Preferred: Familiarity with public health issues and topics
SALARY: $60,000 - $65,000
CONTACT INFORMATION:
To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and portfolio through PHMC’s Career Portal (preferred) or via email to Gayle Mendoza at [email protected].
Your cover letter should include your experience with:
- News media and journalism
- Producing public health-related content, if any
- Producing content about or in Philadelphia, if any
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:
- People of color
- Individuals with disabilities
- LGBTQ+
- First-generation college students, and/or Individuals from a family that has qualified for federal financial assistance
Applicants who are originally from and live in the Philadelphia area are strongly encouraged to apply.
PHMC is an EOE and an E-Verify Employer.
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Qualifications Education Required Bachelors or better. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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What We Do
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that builds healthier communities through partnerships with government, foundations, businesses and community-based organizations. It fulfills its mission to improve the health of the community by providing outreach, health promotion, education, research, planning, technical assistance, and direct services. PHMC has served the Greater Philadelphia region since 1972 as a facilitator, developer, intermediary, manager, advocate and innovator in the field of public health. With more than 2,500 employees, 350 programs, a network of subsidiary organizations, 70 locations, sites and close to 350,000 clients served annually, PHMC is one of the largest and most comprehensive public health organizations in the nation
