Communications Specialist

At Mahaska Health, the primary role of the Communications Specialist is to work closely with the Executive Team, Administration, Marketing Department, and Communications Support Team to ensure accurate, clear, and complete information is represented across Mahaska Health branding, marketing, and communication initiatives. This position supports the development and coordination of communications, promotional materials, patient resources, events, and community engagement while helping maintain a consistent and welcoming Mahaska Health experience.

Essential job responsibilities include but are not limited to,

• Provides support to Administration, the Marketing Department, and Communications Support Team in serving Mahaska Health people and care teams.
• Works closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and Foundation Director to support volunteer and community needs.
• Works closely with Administration and Marketing teams to coordinate and plan Mahaska Health celebrations, health events, community fairs, screenings, Lunch & Learns, town halls, and other organizational events.
• Assists with writing, editing, research, design ideas, and development of communications projects, including social media, website content, brochures, newsletters, and other promotional materials.
• Gathers and reviews relevant materials and information to help determine effective communication approaches for projects and campaigns.
• Drafts and supports communications campaigns that may include social and online media, print media, direct mail, multimedia, and other communication channels.
• Creates, coordinates, and presents design ideas, recommendations, and multimedia materials in support of organizational priorities.
• Assists with video and multimedia production, including scheduling, script development, and coordination.
• Manages Epic folders and print requests, organizing requests and volume across departments.
• Coordinates with New Sharon and other departments to support new patient folders and related communication needs.
• Manages new patient packets across the organization, including Inpatient, Labor and Delivery, Medical Group, and other applicable areas.
• Supports the delivery of newsletters, apparel, promotional items, and other materials ordered or distributed for team members. Often duties include using a cart when delivering.
• Supports physician onboarding by obtaining bios and drafting provider spotlights for print and digital use.
• Coordinates banners, signage, printed materials, event supplies, setup, and tear down for organizational and community events.
• Coordinates Smokey Row coffee and other recurring hospitality or community engagement activities as directed.
• Maintains inventory of giveaways, supplies, flowers, tablecloths, snacks, and other items used to create a welcoming atmosphere for patients, visitors, vendors, and team members.
• Supports the cleanliness, organization, and optimization of waiting rooms, entrances, and other public-facing areas to enhance the patient and visitor experience.
• Works with departments to ensure internal marketing materials are current, including brochures, rack cards, acrylic displays, and other collateral.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of events and communication campaigns upon completion and identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Works in a dynamic environment and provides a wide range of support related to the day-to-day operations of Administration, Marketing, and Communications.
• Attend organizational events, community events, and meetings as directed, including evenings and weekends.

Job Requirements include but are not limited to,

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Journalism, Advertising, Communications, or a related field preferred; relevant education and experience will be considered.
• Three to five years of related experience in communications, marketing, writing, editing, design, project coordination, or related work preferred; portfolio of relevant projects is highly desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate logically, accurately, and empathetically with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong writing, editing, research, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines while maintaining attention to detail, professionalism, and accuracy in all communication activities.
• Knowledge of online social media applications and tools and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Creative, self-motivated, and able to work independently with a high level of initiative while collaborating effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to develop communications that align with Mahaska Health brand attributes and organizational standards.
• Ability and motivation to build strong working relationships with supervisors, employees, physicians, departments, community partners, and the public.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to organize, schedule, prioritize, manage, and track multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions and implement an appropriate course of action.

The work environment includes, but is not limited to:

• Occasional light lifting of binders, equipment, or supplies up to approximately 20 pounds, with additional assistance utilized as appropriate for heavier loads.
• Work is performed in a well-lighted, climate-controlled office environment, as well as throughout hospital and clinic locations as needed.
• Subject to frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Regular interaction with patients, visitors, physicians, leadership, and clinical and non-clinical staff. Including frequent collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support internal communications, community outreach, employee engagement, marketing initiatives, and organizational events.
• Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout hospital and clinic facilities for extended periods.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers required to operate computers, mobile devices, cameras, printers, audiovisual equipment, and other office technology.
• Physically able to participate in meetings, presentations, training sessions, photo and video shoots, community outreach activities, and special events.
• May assist with event setup and coordination, including lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling materials, displays, and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Some local and regional travel may be required for meetings, training, community events, outreach activities, and organizational initiatives.
• Scheduled hours may vary to accommodate organizational needs, including occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, or event coverage.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.