Job Title: Director of Communications and Public Affairs

Director of Communications and Public Affairs 

The Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA) is a trade association representing skilled nursing, assisted living and personal care communities in Pennsylvania. PHCA is committed to promoting members’ common interests in creating and sustaining a robust quality care delivery system for Pennsylvania’s aging and disabled individuals. PHCA is looking for a skilled communicator to support the organization’s advocacy efforts, enhance the brand value of its members, and support the internal and external communications strategy.

The person in this position will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive media strategy to promote member interests and support priorities of the association. The position is also responsible for the day-to-day communication with the PHCA membership, public, legislators and media.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Communications:

  • Develop, implement and manage an annual, monthly and weekly communications strategy and plan encompassing all media (print, television, trade publications, website, electronic, social media) and supporting all PHCA priorities and activities.
  • Coordinate and manage communications consultants supporting the communications strategy.
  • Assist PHCA members in conducting activities and securing content that supports the overall PHCA communications strategy.
  • Review and evaluate metrics related to communications strategy effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements and enhancements.

Media Relations

  • Serve as the first point of contact for press inquiries, responding and assisting reporters in a timely manner.
  • Develop professional relations with state, national and trade reporters.
  • Prepare the President and CEO or other staff to respond to media inquiries, or serve as spokesperson for the association when appropriate.
  • Appropriately frame issues with reporters to best position the association.
  • Write press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor and pitch stories on behalf of the association and its members.

Digital and Mass Communications

  • Guide and execute a strategic and integrated approach to digital content and communication with traditional and mass media communication
  • Collaborate with colleagues to plan, create, distribute and manage a communications calendar promoting PHCA priorities, products, services and members

Support

  • Provide support in setting up and disseminating content for presenters at PHCA events and webinars.
  • Advise PHCA members on crisis communication.
  • Draft and layout issue briefs in support of PHCA public policy initiatives.
  • Lead the selection and promotion of PHCA Hero Awards.

Daily activities

  • Daily news updates
  • Blog
  • Emails
  • Postings
  • Promotions

Qualifications include:

  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills
  • Skill and experience in working with the media
  • Skill and competency as a creative writer and editor
  • Skill and experience in website management
  • Awareness of and proficiency with communications technologies
  • Skill and proficiency in utilizing social media platforms

Compensation and Benefits:

PHCA offers competitive salaries commensurate with skills and experience.

The benefits package includes:

  • Medical insurance beginning the date of hire.
  • Dental and vision insurance.
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
  • Life insurance.
  • 401K plan with company match
  • Generous holiday and leave policies.
  • Standard business hours except during events, about six per year.

Why PHCA:

PHCA is a highly respected and influential trade association in Harrisburg, made up of a small team of skilled, energetic and knowledgeable professionals, all focused on advancing quality and improving lives. Long-term care will be at the forefront of the public policy debate for the next generation and PHCA will be at the center forging solutions and creating a healthier climate for Pennsylvania’s long-term care providers and residents.

Submit your resume to:

Pete Tartline
PHCA
315 N. 2nd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
[email protected]