Communications Strategist

Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Communications, the Communications Strategist is responsible for effectively promoting the Foundation, its brand, people, work, vision for a healthier Missouri, and mission. This role will create and implement communications strategies for the Foundation’s enduring priorities, including Strategic Relationships, Health Policy and Advocacy, and Learning and Research, with the understanding that these focus areas may change. The strategist will carry out daily communications activities, advise, and engage MFH staff on communications practices. Additionally, the strategist will be able to align program goals and communications practices in order to reach various audiences. The ideal candidate understands the role communications plays in addressing complex health issues and will have experience using communications as a tool to leverage change and promote understanding.

Responsibilities:

• Execute communications work that supports the Foundation’s priorities
• Develop content to be disseminated via multiple platforms including the Foundation’s blog, website, social media, and email
• Generate content and creative concepts for publications, videos, and communication campaigns
• Work collaboratively with Foundation teams to identify consistent communications opportunities for complex health data, press releases, op-eds, and compelling storytelling presented in a clear manner
• Identify the best communications needs for a specific audience
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, identifying press opportunities, arranging news conferences, and reporter education and briefings; coordinate media requests with the appropriate Foundation or field expert to respond to reporter inquiries in a timely manner
• Pitch and place stories in media outlets
• Identify and promote impact and other organizational achievements
• Provide training, coaching, and support for Foundation teams in creating quality communications
• Review, frame, and edit internal documents, presentations, and materials as needed
• Adhere to the Foundation’s core and staff values

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a communications role with responsibility of producing high-quality communications concepts and deliverables that drive change
• Demonstrated ability to understand the relationship of communications to the evolution of public issues
• Ability to gather information and write quickly, accurately, and effectively on deadline, while focusing on framing and audience engagement
• Excellent presentation, storytelling, verbal, editing, and written communication skills, and the ability to assertively yet effectively work with a diverse group of internal and external people
• Strong creative skills and standards
• Superior project management and time management skills, with strict attention to quality and detail. Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to exercise good judgment and solve problems quickly and effectively
• Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital and social media
• Proven willingness to be accountable for quality of work
• Self-starter and an energetic, positive team player who builds successful relationships and values working cross-functionally with teams
• Passion for Missouri’s diverse communities and interest in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities
• Professional manner and appearance
• Generally proficient with Windows and competent in Microsoft Office
• Writing samples must be submitted upon request

Physical and Work Environment Demands

The physical and work environment demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the position responsibilities. Physical demands, such as the ability to walk, sit, etc., are those of a typical office environment.

A cover letter is required for consideration for this role.

Salary Description

Starting Salary: $63,860.00 - $71,379.00