About this role
The Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for strengthening HealthLinc’s presence and relationships throughout our service area. This position coordinates community engagement and sponsorship activities, represents HealthLinc at community events and supports organizational advocacy efforts to advance policies and initiatives that benefit community health centers and the patients we serve. The specialist also contributes to public relations and media outreach efforts to promote HealthLinc’s mission, services and impact in the community. This position works collaboratively to support organizational priorities, increase community and internal awareness and strengthen HealthLinc’s reputation.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Represents HealthLinc at public events including sponsorships and other public appearances throughout Northwest Indiana and the Michiana region, including Mishawaka, South Bend and Elkhart.
- Manages the tracking of sponsorships, including event logistics, employee participation and representation.
- Assists in HealthLinc’s advocacy efforts, including participation in National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) initiatives, by sharing advocacy information and action alerts with employees, patients and community partners to encourage engagement and amplify voices on policies and legislation affecting community health centers and the patients we serve.
- Supports and promotes HealthLinc’s image and reputation through media relations, public relations and community engagement.
- Assists in developing and implementing public relations strategies, including media outreach, press releases and op-eds, to support HealthLinc’s mission and strategic plan, strengthen its public image and promote its services and initiatives.
- Manages an up-to-date media contact list and ensures earned and paid media content is current.
- Assists with managing media requests and coordinating interviews, media appearances and other public relations opportunities.
- Supports the planning and execution of the Annual HealthLinc Conference.
- Serves as a backup to the Marketing and Communications Managers as needed.
- Leads marketing and communications activities as required.
- Participates in quality improvement initiatives that align with and support the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, consistent with the commitment of all HealthLinc staff.
- All HealthLinc staff is committed to engage in quality improvement initiatives that align with and support Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH).
- Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Training
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience
- 3 or more years of experience in community relations, marketing, communications, public relations or related fields.
Skills/Job Requirement
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively within diverse audiences
- Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain professional relationships with community parters, media contacts and other stakeholders
- Reliable organizational and time management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects, events and deadlines
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while remaining flexible and adaptable.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications
- Ability to travel throughout Northwest Indiana and the Michiana region, including occasional evening and weekend events
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Ability to follow HealthLinc policies and procedures
Technology Skills
- Operate a multi-line phone system and other office equipment including but not limited to printers and fax machines
- Basic software skills (Microsoft Office, online sources, etc.)
- Knowledge of social media platforms and WordPress