| POSITION DESCRIPTION | |
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Title: | Communications Specialist | |
Job Type: | Full-time | |
Location: | Indianapolis | |
Department: | Marketing | |
Reports to: | Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing | |
ABOUT ORBIS: Orbis creates, markets, and manages collaborative nursing education solutions that alleviate nursing shortages for hospitals and healthcare systems. We leverage alliances with leading nursing schools and healthcare systems through our proprietary operational, management, student recruitment, and technology platform. The Orbis Education process begins with an educational service provider with an existing nursing program. We add significant value to the collaborative solution we create, including a blended online solution and the setup of remote learning sites for clinical education.
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POSITION SUMMARY: The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and driving high-visibility external communications programs through to completion, for spearheading efforts to strengthen the company's image and reputation by seeking out new opportunities to position the company in a strong and positive light, and for driving the company’s outreach activities and cultivating new external relationships in the communities we serve. Specific responsibilities include media relations management, social media, corporate reputation management, crisis communications, community affairs, and partner outreach. | ||
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Create and execute strategic and creative business-to-business and business-to-consumer PR campaigns and external communications plans through print, internet, radio, TV, social media and award shows, with measurable goals to support company priorities and demonstrate the effectiveness of communications activities.
· Direct the development of materials, campaigns, and messaging platforms related to crisis management and communication, including issues management.
· Write press releases, work with various functions to direct and support proactive media outreach to promote company image to company’s external stakeholders, and proactively facilitate media interviews with senior executives.
· Serve as day-to-day contact with key influencers on the company’s behalf and act as company media spokesperson, as necessary. Serve as a strategic PR/communications contact for Orbis Education senior management on related matters.
· Proactively propose campaign and new strategy ideas as well as creative top story ideas (timing and content), schedule meetings, educate and shape opinions on ticket buying trends and marketplace themes. Solicit feedback from influential’s regarding their perception of competition and industry position.
· Cultivate relationships with media and government stakeholders, including in communities we serve.
· Assist in any additional copywriting needs that our sales and community teams have on an ongoing basis.
· Write white papers, both proactively and as requested by senior management.
· Conduct research to monitor market and industry trends and issues.
· Execute and measure online social marketing strategies and programs that drive sales, customer retention, and brand awareness. Monitor the social community and actively participate in any online conversations pertinent to Orbis. Education or its partner programs, through blog postings, Twitter, and commenting on all applicable social media sites.
· Maintain the day-to-day operation (including creation if applicable) of our corporate and partner-related blogs, including writing relevant and engaging posts for our varying audiences.
· Develop relationships with the social media and healthcare and education industry blog influencers to increase awareness of both Orbis Education and our partner education programs.
QUALIFICATIONS and COMPETENCIES:
· Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft interesting content about practically anything
· Very strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with key external stakeholders, particularly in healthcare and education
· Strong project management and organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively
· Social media experience
· High level of creativity – ability to create multiple angles to a story to fit editors needs
· Willing and able to travel (at least 20%)
· In addition to MS Office Products, demonstrated knowledge and expertise managing and utilizing public relations software programs such as PR Newswire, Luce, Bacons and e-watch
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
· BS/BA degree majoring in business, or journalism
· Minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience with business communications, social media, crisis communications, and public relations
· Documented first hand experience in developing and public relations plans and personally executing them across multiple geographic settings
· Healthcare and/or education industry experience preferred
How to Apply / Contact Info:
Applications must include a letter of interest highlighting qualifications and basis of interest in the position and names and contact information for two references. Application materials will be held in confidence and references will only be contacted after consultation with the candidate. Please note that is an opportunity in the private, for-profit sector, and is not in the world of traditional academia. For information about the position, email us at hr@orbiseducation.comOrbis Education