Job Title: Senior PR Specialist
Business Area: Corporate Divisions
Location: Boston
Date Posted:
changeDate('091113')
11/13/2009
Req #: bcbs-00002444
Description:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity Employment/Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Primary Responsibilities
- Manage inbound media requests including, but not limited to: developing a statement in partnership with the internal business owners, organizing an interview with a spokesperson, preparing spokespeople for interviews, developing briefing materials, preparing spokesperson, conducting follow-up and tracking for coverage.
- Prepare key media messages for the company on specific topics/issues under tight deadlines including: Research and evaluate internal information (data, statistics, etc.), Work with internal partners to uncover new data/information to support messaging, attend and convene meetings and calls related to specific issues, coordinate with other communications teams to ensure messaging is aligned across all areas.
- Track specific major company initiatives, representing the PR team in meetings and supporting initiatives with PR efforts.
- Work with internal business partners to prepare holding statements and other messaging-related documents, as necessary
- Act as company spokesperson, where appropriate.
- Manage media relationships
- Participate in cross-constituent communication plans on initiatives/issues that may result in media coverage.
- Evaluate and respond to internal and external requests for public relations activities
- Write public relations materials, including but not limited to: press releases, letters to the editor, op-eds, advertorials, and other communications materials.
- Manage company's online presence through developing and executing social media strategies in partnership with Director of Public Relations.
- Manage the execution of topic/issues-based public relations' plans from beginning to end including, but not limited to: working with internal and external partners to build consensus; developing materials; pitching to media; preparing spokespeople for interviews and coordinating scheduling; conducting follow up; tracking results of public relations plan and reporting results internally.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist in development and execution of creative pitch ideas and proactive PR campaigns.
- Assist with speaking opportunities program, editorial calendar program and other proactive public relations opportunities.
- Assist BCBSMA's Internal Communications team, as appropriate
Experience and Education:
Qualifications required and Desired Characteristics
- Candidate must demonstrate superior writing, speaking, editing, media relations and critical thinking skills.
- Candidate must have professional presence and be able to work collaboratively with all levels of the organization
- Candidate should have 7-10 years of experience in Public Relations and/or Media
- Media and corporate experience is preferred
- Previous work experience in health care is helpful.
- Familiarity with New Media (e.g. blogs)
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
- Displays professionalism and integrity in the workplace
- Experience interacting with senior executives
- Resourceful and dependable
- Displays ability to build consensus
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet quick deadlines.
- Takes Initiative
- Is highly motivated, disciplined, and organized with a strong work ethic
- Is a team player, able to work well with others
- Has enthusiasm and a passion for public relations