Media Relations Specialist IV

Job Summary:

The Media Relations Specialist IV is responsible for leveraging advanced media relations expertise to protect the CareSource brand and drive brand awareness and positioning across a broad range of platforms. The role focuses on strategic planning, metrics and reporting, and identifying and executing integrated earned media campaigns.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the development of strategic communications plans that drive reputation and growth.
• Proactively identify and lead high-impact media relations opportunities to enhance CareSource's brand presence both locally and nationally
• Develop campaign KPIs in concert with key internal stakeholders, measure and report for continuous optimization
• Manage agency relationships ensuring on-time, on-budget, quality deliverables
• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive media strategies for crisis communications and sensitive issues
• Act as a subject matter expert for internal and external communication initiatives, providing strategic counsel to executives and key stakeholders
• Oversee the creation of high-value external materials, including fact sheets, news releases, media kits, and other related content
• Drive content strategy and development for media and external communications, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and strategic objectives
• Serve as a key contributor to the company’s social media and digital content strategies, ensuring consistency across platforms
• Monitor industry trends, media coverage, and competitors to identify opportunities and challenges for the organization
• Provide advanced guidance on media training for key spokespeople, developing talking points and preparation strategies for media interviews
• Lead cross-functional project teams, driving media relations strategy and execution
• Ensure accurate, error-free content development that is adherent to company, state and federal requirements
• Perform any other job-related instructions as requested

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, or equivalent work experience is required
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in media relations, with a focus on strategic communication and brand positioning
• Health care communications experience is preferred
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and execution of media strategies, particularly in crisis communication scenarios

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and visual software programs like PowerPoint
• Strong knowledge of Associated Press Style
• Superior presentation, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Strong decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, especially under high-pressure situations
• Strong collaborator who can harmonize diverse inputs
• Expertise in managing media agencies and executing large-scale media campaigns
• Extensive experience with social media strategy and digital communication platforms
• Ability to manage complex projects with tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail
• Strong understanding of Meltwater and other monitoring and reporting tools

Licensure and Certification:

• None

Working Conditions:

• General office environment; may be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Compensation Range:

CareSource takes into consideration a combination of a candidate’s education, training, and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required for the role, and other external and internal data when establishing a salary level. In addition to base compensation, you may qualify for a bonus tied to company and individual performance. We are highly invested in every employee’s total well-being and offer a substantial and comprehensive total rewards package.

Compensation Type (hourly/salary):

Organization Level Competencies

• Create an Inclusive Environment

• Cultivate Partnerships

• Develop Self and Others

• Drive Execution

• Influence Others

• Pursue Personal Excellence

• Understand the Business