Public Relations SpecialistWalter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC)Bethesda, MD | Onsite | Full-TimeSalary Range: $115,000 - $125,000About this PositionTJFACT is seeking an experienced
Public Relations Specialist to support Public Affairs operations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in
Bethesda, MD. This position will support the development, execution, and evaluation of strategic communications, public affairs, media relations, community engagement, and digital communications initiatives supporting Walter Reed and the broader Military Health System (MHS) and Defense Health Agency (DHA) mission.
The ideal candidate will bring strong public affairs and project management experience with the ability to develop compelling communications, manage high-visibility initiatives, advise leadership, coordinate across multiple stakeholder organizations, and deliver accurate and timely communications to diverse internal and external audiences.
Please note: This position is being recruited in support of a proposal effort. Any offer of employment is contingent upon contract award and successful completion of all pre-employment requirements.Key Responsibilities- Develop, execute, and evaluate strategic communications and public affairs plans supporting Walter Reed, MHS, DHA, and Military Treatment Facility (MTF) priorities.
- Develop messaging, communications plans, community relations initiatives, and supporting products for internal and external audiences, with an emphasis on measurable results.
- Write, rewrite, and edit press releases, news and feature articles, talking points, newsletters, speeches, briefings, web content, social media content, and other communications products in accordance with AP Style.
- Develop news angles and balanced, multi-source articles through research and interviews with military and civilian staff, patients, visitors, and subject matter experts.
- Coordinate media relations activities, including responding to media inquiries, scheduling and moderating interviews, arranging media visits, and maintaining relationships with media organizations.
- Support leadership with strategic counsel, executive messaging, crisis communications planning, and time-sensitive responses to emerging issues and unfavorable media incidents.
- Coordinate with DHA Public Affairs, DHA Headquarters strategic communications teams, NCR stakeholders, MTF communications teams, and other Public Affairs offices to ensure consistent messaging and dissemination of critical information.
- Develop and coordinate communications plans with subject matter experts and stakeholders to communicate MHS/DHA programs, policies, services, initiatives, and priorities.
- Support internal and external websites and social media platforms, including developing, reviewing, coordinating, and updating digital content.
- Review locally produced communications products to ensure consistency with Walter Reed, MHS, and DHA messaging and communications objectives.
- Monitor and assess media coverage, public perception, communications activities, and campaign effectiveness; recommend strategies to strengthen public awareness and stakeholder engagement.
- Plan and support press conferences, media briefings, community relations initiatives, distinguished visitor engagements, and other public affairs activities.
- Participate in strategic communications, access-to-care, emergency management, DHA, NCR, and other communications meetings as required.
- Compile recurring external communications reports and submit communications products through appropriate Public Affairs review and approval processes prior to release.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with military and medical organizations, Veterans Service Organizations, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, media representatives, and other external stakeholders.
- Manage multiple communications projects, competing priorities, recurring deadlines, and ad hoc requirements in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field.
- Five (5) + years of experience in public affairs, strategic communications, project management, or a combination of related functions.
- Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques, including selecting appropriate communication tools for varied audiences.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear, audience-appropriate messaging.
- Demonstrated experience developing written, oral, digital, and social media communications products.
- Strong knowledge of AP Style and professional news and feature-writing practices.
- Experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, stakeholders, and competing priorities simultaneously.
- Experience developing and executing communications plans, public affairs initiatives, or community relations programs.
- Strong media relations and stakeholder engagement skills, including conducting interviews and coordinating with internal and external organizations.
- Proficiency with project management tools and digital communication platforms.
- Strong organizational, prioritization, time management, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience supporting healthcare, military, federal government, or other high-visibility public-sector communications.
- Familiarity with the Defense Health Agency (DHA), Military Health System (MHS), Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), or military public affairs environments.
- Experience supporting crisis communications and high-visibility or time-sensitive media issues.
- Experience developing executive-level speeches, briefings, talking points, and strategic messaging.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
CompensationThe anticipated salary range for this position is
$115,000 - $125,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, contractual requirements, and other job-related factors.
Benefits- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
