Communications and PR Specialist – Government Relations

The Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) is seeking a Communications and PR Specialist with a strong focus on government relations to drive public awareness and advocacy initiatives that advance PHA’s legislative and regulatory goals. The ideal candidate will develop and execute communication strategies that support PHA’s government affairs objectives, promote higher reimbursement rates for home-based care, and strengthen relationships with policymakers, media, and stakeholders. This role will play a critical part in shaping public perception and policy support for Pennsylvania’s home care, home health, and hospice providers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Communication Planning:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy focused on government relations to support advocacy campaigns, legislative priorities, and reimbursement rate increases.
• Collaborate with the VP of Government Affairs to identify and align messaging with PHA’s policy goals and key issues facing home-based care in Pennsylvania.
• Content Creation and Management:
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, op-eds, policy briefs, and newsletters that communicate PHA’s positions and achievements in government relations.
• Create digital content, including social media posts, infographics, and blog entries, to engage a broad audience and generate awareness for legislative initiatives.
• Media Relations:
• Establish and maintain relationships with local, regional, and industry media outlets to promote PHA’s advocacy work.
• Prepare and distribute media kits and respond to press inquiries regarding PHA’s stance on regulatory and legislative matters.
• Monitor media coverage of policy issues affecting the home care sector and prepare reports on media activity.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Coordinate with community leaders, industry partners, and allied organizations to enhance advocacy efforts and support coalition-building.
• Assist in organizing legislative events, press conferences, and public forums to promote PHA’s advocacy priorities and foster community support.
• Monitoring and Reporting:
• Track legislative, regulatory, and industry developments related to home care and provide timely updates to the government affairs team.
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communication campaigns and adjust strategies based on performance and stakeholder feedback.
• Digital and Social Media Management:
• Oversee PHA’s social media channels with a focus on government affairs, creating content to promote advocacy efforts and key policy messages.
• Engage with online audiences to expand PHA’s reach and raise awareness of critical policy issues impacting Pennsylvania’s home care providers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or media relations, with a strong understanding of government relations or public affairs.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers and the public.
• Proven ability to manage social media accounts and develop content strategies aligned with advocacy goals.
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania’s legislative and regulatory landscape, particularly related to healthcare and home-based care, is preferred.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with digital marketing or content management platforms is a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills to interpret legislative and policy issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Strategic thinking with a proactive approach to identifying and seizing advocacy opportunities.
• Adaptability to respond to emerging issues and changing policy priorities.

This role supports PHA’s government affairs mission by crafting influential messaging, managing media relations, and amplifying PHA’s voice in policy discussions, helping to advocate for the needs of home care providers and patients across Pennsylvania.