What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Affairs Officer position at Mount Desert Island Hospital?
Description
About MDI Hospital
Rooted in Community. Inspired by Care.
Mount Desert Island Hospital isn’t just a place where care is delivered — it’s where care begins, where it grows, and where it connects us all. Located in the heart of Bar Harbor, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Acadia National Park, MDI Hospital is deeply woven into the fabric of island life. We’re not just serving a community — we are the community.
A Place Where You Belong.
At MDI Hospital, every team member is more than a healthcare professional — they’re a neighbor, a friend, a familiar face in the grocery store or on the hiking trail. We believe that healing happens best when people feel seen, supported, and valued. That’s why we foster a workplace where everyone belongs, where voices are heard, and where your contributions truly matter.
Small Town Heart, Big Impact.
Though we serve a small, close-knit population, our reach is wide and our impact deep. We offer a full spectrum of care — from family medicine and behavioral health to emergency services and specialty care — all grounded in compassion and clinical excellence. Our partnerships with organizations like Penn Medicine and the MDI Biological Laboratory help us bring world-class resources to our rural setting.
A Culture of Connection.
We believe that wellness is a shared journey. Whether it’s through community wellness programs, school-based health initiatives, or simply taking the time to listen, we’re here to walk alongside our patients and each other. Our team is collaborative, mission-driven, and always ready to lend a hand — or an ear.
Come Grow With Us.
Working at MDI Hospital means being part of something bigger than yourself. It means joining a team that values your well-being, supports your growth, and celebrates your unique strengths. Whether you’re new to the island or have called it home for years, you’ll find a place here — not just to work, but to belong.
Summary:
Supports the mission of Mount Desert Island Health through the development and execution of strategic internal and external communications and marketing initiatives. Responsibilities include brand management, communications strategy, media relations, advertising, website and social media oversight, advocacy program management, and the development of marketing and communications materials. Serves as Mount Desert Island Health's primary media spokesperson and leads crisis communications. This remote hybrid position includes occasional onsite meetings and evening events.
Benefits:
MDI Hospital and Birch Bay Retirement Village offer a competitive salary, robust medical/dental/vision/life insurance, identity theft protection program, matching retirement plan, ample paid time off, a comprehensive award winning wellness program with reimbursement incentives, generous tuition reimbursement, and continuing education benefits. Some positions may qualify for a sign on bonus and relocation assistance.
EEO Statement:
MDI Hospital and Birch Bay Retirement Village provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.
Requirements
Education, Training or Certifications Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications or a related field.
- Maine driver's license.
Experience Required:
- Five to seven years of experience in marketing or public relations. Prior health care experience preferred but not required.
- Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications and public relations activities.
- Experience writing press releases, making presentations and negotiating with media.
- Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.
- Computer literacy, including word processing, desktop publishing and graphic design.
- Budget management.
Special Requirements:
Cognitive Requirements:
- Emotional maturity and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Strong creative, strategic, analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
Physical Demands:
- Requires long periods of sitting and use of computer terminal.
Environment:
Mostly an office environment, some travel required.