Director of Public Affairs/External Affairs at CareWell Health – East Orange, New Jersey

Job Summary

The Director of Public Affairs will serve as the primary advocate, interacting with and developing collaborative relationships with elected and government officials at all levels, and advancing the public affairs priorities of the CareWell Health affiliates. The Director of Public Affairs will interact with media outlets, including TV, print, and digital, and, in this capacity, serve as a spokesperson for CareWell Health and/or its independent affiliates.

Essential Functions

• Meet regularly to develop and maintain positive working relationships with elected officials, government officials, and organizational partners.
• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations and communications strategies to enhance and protect the Hospital’s reputation and public image.
• Under the direction of the CEO, serves as the primary spokesperson for the Hospital, managing media relations, press inquiries, interviews, and public statements.
• With the approval of the CEO, oversee the preparation and dissemination of press releases, public announcements, digital communications, marketing materials, and crisis communications.
• Develop and manage crisis communication protocols to address sensitive matters, regulatory issues, and emergencies in coordination with executive leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, community organizations, healthcare partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Responsible for producing significant written public affairs content, including but not limited to formal public letters, testimony, member communications, fact sheets, policy analysis, and assisting with media collateral such as press releases.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, clinical departments, and administrative teams to ensure consistent messaging aligned with the Hospital’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Monitor public perception, media coverage, and social media engagement, and provide strategic guidance to leadership based on such analysis.
• Manages special subject matter task forces, coalitions, committees, and subcommittees, as assigned to coordinate public affairs initiatives.
• Actively seeks fundraising opportunities and supports efforts to resource affiliates or initiatives.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not cover or list all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Education/Certifications

Bachelor's degree required in public health, public relations, or a similar discipline.

Minimum Work Experience

Minimum five years’ experience in policy development & analysis, government affairs, external affairs, communications, or related political fields.

Strong interpersonal, writing, and communication skills.

An organized self-starter with the ability to multitask on a variety of issues and projects.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time (37.5 hours a week)

Physical Requirements:

May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions:

Internal or external work environment, specifically in the community.