Public Relations Specialist in Bethesda

Artemis is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to support Hospital Communications and Executive Secretariat Support Services at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). This role leads strategic communication initiatives and manages high-impact public affairs projects, crafting compelling messages, engaging diverse audiences, and ensuring communication products are planned, executed, and delivered on time. The Public Relations Specialist works closely with the Public Affairs Office (PAO) to synchronize themes, messages, and community engagement activities that support WRNMMC's mission and the broader Military Health System.

The Public Relations Specialist role requires a self-starter, proactive problem solver and action-oriented team player with previous experience in public affairs, strategic communications, or project management. This position needs an individual that is committed to providing superior service, poised under pressure and has a positive and flexible attitude. This is a contingent hire position. Offers will be contingent upon client approval and the ability to meet security requirements. Onsite work in Bethesda, Maryland, is required.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute public affairs and strategic communication strategies that promote WRNMMC’s mission, services, and initiatives to internal and external audiences.
• Write, edit, and proofread press releases, talking points, newsletters, speeches, and briefings in AP Style.
• Coordinate media relations, including responding to inquiries, arranging and moderating interviews, and maintaining relationships with media outlets and Distinguished Visitor engagements.
• Craft and disseminate messaging for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring consistency with organizational goals and Department of War, Defense Health Agency (DHA), and WRNMMC guidance.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze the effectiveness of public affairs campaigns, recommending adjustments as needed.
• Plan and execute events such as press conferences, media briefings, and community engagement activities.
• Support leadership with crisis communication strategies and plans, including time-critical response to unfavorable media incidents that may draw national or Congressional attention.
• Manage and update internal and external websites and social media platforms; participate in Strategic, Access to Care, and Emergency Management Communications meetings.
• Compile and distribute weekly external communication reports and submit products to the PAO for review prior to posting.
• Generate and refine editorial ideas with the lead PAO; schedule and coordinate interviews with subject-matter experts.
• Manage multiple high-impact communications projects concurrently from planning through execution and delivery, applying project management best practices to meet daily, weekly, and ad hoc deadlines.
• Coordinate with public affairs and marketing leadership on the development and dissemination of communications plans, products, and community relations initiatives.
• Formulate strategies and provide strategic counsel to senior leaders on major issues, themes, and messaging affecting the Market office and its military treatment facilities.
• Analyze conflicting or divergent stakeholder input and recommend consensus positions to achieve public affairs program objectives.
• Establish and maintain relationships with medical, military, veterans service, and other federal and non-governmental organizations to support MHS/DHA information-sharing and outreach.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in public affairs, project management, or a combination of both.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with project management tools and software, as well as digital communication and social media tools.
• Familiarity with healthcare systems or military communications is highly desirable.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of strategic communication, including selecting and using appropriate tools to implement a command information program for varied audiences.
• Skill in developing written, oral, and social media materials that convey complex information and clarify organizational operations, programs, and activities.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective, cooperative relationships with representatives at all levels, on and off the installation.
• Skill in oral communication sufficient to conduct one-on-one and group interviews and explain views, goals, and objectives to supervisors, staff, and contractors.
• Strong prioritization and time-management skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance (Tier II, non-critical sensitive position).
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong critical thinking, analytical and time management skills.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize and work well with others.
• Ability to communicate thoughts, ideas and solutions logically both written and orally.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to receive feedback from clients and implement changes quickly and effectively.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard and mouse, and communicate verbally and in writing. The employee may occasionally need to stand, walk, bend, or lift up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.