Media Relations Specialist III
Job Category: Sales & Marketing
Department: Communications
Location: Los Angeles, CA, US, 90017
Position Type: Full Time
Requisition ID: 11865
Salary Range: $88,854.00 (Min.) - $115,509.00 (Mid.) - $142,166.00 (Max.)
Established in 1997, L.A. Care Health Plan is an independent public agency created by the state of California to provide health coverage to low-income Los Angeles County residents. We are the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, serving more than 2 million members.
Mission: L.A. Care’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for Los Angeles County's vulnerable and low-income communities and residents.
The Media Relations Specialist III is responsible for strategizing, leading, developing, and implementing a broad range of public relations activities in support of the organization’s mission, vision, values, and priorities. The Specialist manages the work of the contracted Public Relations agency and leads the account representative on the projects/programs/initiatives for which L.A. Care is seeking attention. The Specialist also manages communication between the organization and media outlets to elevate the organization’s corporate profile and enhance its public perception.
Duties
- Establish and cultivate relationships with media, including reporters, editors, podcasters, and bloggers, to increase the positive profile of L.A. Care.
- Respond to media inquiries by vetting the request and sourcing the appropriate subject matter expert for comment; coordinate and schedule the interviews.
- Proactively pitch media on positive stories about L.A. Care and its programs/projects/initiatives.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify potential stories to pitch.
- Hold a minimum of weekly meetings with the contracted Public Relations agency.
- Maintain and update internal media lists and manage contracts with the Public Relations agency and other media vendors.
- Develop and edit materials for communications with external audiences, including press releases, media statements, and talking points.
- Develop holding statements and talking points in crisis management situations.
- Support Director on issues management and represent L.A. Care in meetings related to external communications.
- Use available equipment to shoot video at events and ensure clips are provided to news outlets.
- Ensure all broadcast clips are ordered from clipping services.
- Upload all news placements to the website newsroom.
- Produce questions for interviews conducted by the internal video production team and conduct interviews if needed.
- Coordinate and execute media events, ensuring positive attendance and coverage.
- Communicate with top leaders to coordinate media opportunities.
- Provide media training and public speaking preparation for leadership and staff.
- Mentor other members of the Communications Department on media and public relations issues.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education Required
Bachelor's Degree in Communications or Journalism (or equivalent education and/or experience).
Education Preferred
Master's Degree in Communications or Journalism
Experience
Required: At least 5 years of relevant experience.
Preferred: Experience within a healthcare organization, nonprofit, or public agency.
Skills
Required: Existing relationships with journalists; superior writing, editing, and interpersonal skills; ability to manage public relations vendors; and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Preferred: Bilingual in one of L.A. Care Health Plan’s threshold languages is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements
Light
Additional Information
Financial Impact: Salary and benefits; expenses for media materials.
L.A. Care offers a wide range of benefits including:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Retirement Plans
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Wellness Program
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