Public Affairs Officer

About the Company

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit American academic medical center based in Cleveland, Ohio. It is a world-renowned leader in patient care, research, and education. Our mission is to provide better care of the sick, investigation into their problems, and further education of those who serve.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Affairs Officer to join our communications team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for enhancing and protecting Cleveland Clinic’s reputation, building strong relationships with media, community leaders, and key stakeholders, and effectively communicating our mission and achievements to the public. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of media relations, public policy, and community engagement within a complex healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive public affairs strategies to support organizational goals.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinating interviews and developing press materials.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare daily reports, identifying trends and potential issues.
• Craft compelling messages and narratives for various platforms, including press releases, speeches, and digital content.
• Advise senior leadership on public perception, emerging issues, and communication strategies.
• Manage crisis communications and reputational risk, developing rapid response plans.
• Collaborate with internal departments (marketing, government relations, patient experience) to ensure consistent messaging.
• Organize and facilitate press conferences, media briefings, and public events.
• Represent Cleveland Clinic at community functions and stakeholder meetings.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public affairs, media relations, or corporate communications, preferably within healthcare or a large, complex organization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans.
• Proven track record of successful media pitching and relationship building.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Experience in crisis communication and issues management.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape and digital communication tools.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working with elected officials or government agencies.
• Previous experience in the healthcare sector.
• Proficiency with media monitoring and analytics tools.

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Wellness programs and employee assistance program.
• On-site fitness centers and discounted services.
• Access to cutting-edge medical research and technology.

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