PAO Support

Overview of Role

The Defense Health Network (DHN) - National Capital Region (NCR) is seeking a highly talented, creative, and strategic communication professional to oversee, lead, and coordinate all HQ-level social media management as well as public affairs/communications support across multiple Military Treatment Facility (MTF) sites. This hybrid role merges responsibilities of Social Media Manager, Public Affairs Officer Support, and Communications Project Management to deliver high-impact, cohesive messages aligning with DHN-NCR and DHA’s mission and branding.

You will create compelling content, orchestrate communication strategies, drive engagement, manage outreach efforts, provide crisis communications, and analyze outreach effectiveness. The successful candidate will serve as both a hands-on producer of public-facing content and a strategic advisor to market leadership. You will utilize a contract-provided social media management platform and must be comfortable developing and analyzing communication plans, written products, and digital campaigns across platforms.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all HQ-level social media accounts for DHN-NCR ensuring consistent and effective messaging in line with branding and organizational goals.
• Develop, execute, and evaluate integrated strategic communication, public affairs, and social media plans to support DHN-NCR’s mission and initiatives.
• Coordinate with individual MTFs, public affairs leads, and communications/marketing teams to ensure message consistency, accuracy, and timely dissemination.
• Create, schedule, monitor, and analyze engaging written, graphic, and multimedia content (including adherence to AP style, DoD, and healthcare regulations) for web and social media using a management platform.
• Write and edit press releases, talking points, newsletters, speeches, articles, web copy, and promotional materials for internal and external audiences.
• Provide media relations support: respond to inquiries, arrange and moderate interviews, support press conferences, and nurture media relationships.
• Plan and execute communication events, community engagements, and special projects while compiling regular reports on communication effectiveness and media coverage.
• Support leadership with crisis communication strategies, rapid response to media incidents, and high-profile or sensitive outreach.
• Use data to track social media and communications performance, generating insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Guide and train MTF teams in digital communication standards and best practices.
• Collaborate across DHN, DHA, and external agencies to develop, coordinate, and evaluate communication plans and campaigns, ensuring public affairs and social media activities support the overall mission and objectives.
• Identify and address potential public perception problem areas through integrated outreach and communication strategies.
• Maintain and manage project timelines, task lists, and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment using digital/project management tools.
  
  

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Project Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of combined experience in public affairs, communications, project management, or social media management, preferably in the public sector, military, or healthcare environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to create tailored messages and error-free content for diverse audiences.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Proficiency with major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social).
• Graphic design and multimedia creation experience, including proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) or equivalent.
• Proven project management experience with relevant software tools.
• Understanding of DoD social media policies, healthcare/military communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with media relations, event planning, crisis communications, and metrics-driven campaign analysis.
• Knowledge of AP writing style.
• Superior organizational, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred but not mandatory.
  
  

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Familiarity with healthcare systems, military health communications, and government/military environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic communication planning, campaign evaluation, and outreach innovation.
• Ability to research, analyze, and provide counsel on complex public affairs problems or crises.
• Experience developing and delivering speeches, briefings, and presentations.
• Strong time management, prioritization, and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of cross-functional teams, providing guidance and mentorship.