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Children's Hospital Association

External Affairs Specialist

Children's Hospital Association, Washington, DC


Job Description
Become a champion for children's health with a career at Children's Hospital Association. We serve with purpose and passion to help 220 member children's hospitals improve kids' health and well-being.

Where You'll Work

This position is based in our Washington, D.C. office. We leverage a hybrid working model working three days in the office, two days optional remote work.

What You'll Do

The CHA Public Affairs team is growing. This new position will report to the Vice President of External Affairs and will implement communication strategies to promote awareness of CHA advocacy efforts.
  • Assist in media relations, including effective proactive pitching,executive thought-leadership planning, and event management.
  • Draft standard pieces such as press releases, media advisories, talkingpoints, online content, daily newsletters, and other materials.
  • Manage communications calendar and coordinating with staff, consultants,and partners to meet relevant timelines and deadlines.
  • Prepare and coach executives ahead of media and speaking opportunities.
  • Developrapid response protocols for use in identifying specific moments in the newscycle where CHA can proactively reach out to reporters to comment in real-time
  • Plays a keyrole in the External Affairs strategic planning process; contributes ideas andskills to developing and implementing tactics supporting digital and advocacystrategy plans.
  • Manageswriting and production of data-driven reports, articles and collateral to buildawareness and understanding of children's hospitals, their patients' uniqueneeds and the health care policies affecting their ability to care for thosepatients.
  • Conductthorough research, engaging with subject matter experts to draft impactfulstorytelling content.
  • Translatespublic policy analyses and action into understandable, insightful contentthrough the research, writing and editing process.
  • Monitoringdaily news clips through Meltwater.
  • Draftsdigital advocacy communications including social media content, blogs, pressreleases, fact sheets, emails and webpage content.
  • Partneringwith the Director of Advocacy, foster relationships with children's hospitalsto further support advocacy campaigns.
  • Websitemanagement and maintenance for advocacy campaigns.
  • Act as aproject manager for Public Affairs communication and campaign timelines toensure clarity, timelines and effectiveness.
  • Plan andexecute project timelines and communicate effectively with the team andstakeholder contacts.
  • Support thePublic Affairs team through various administrative and planning needs (eventplanning, scheduling meetings, etc.).


Experience and Skills
What You'll Bring to CHA
  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public health, public policy or related fields.
  • Minimum 6 years of experience in communications, journalism or PR agency work.
  • Campaign or PR agency experience preferred but not required.
  • Experience writing and editing content for print and digital media.
  • Proven experience producing advocacy communications materials including press releases, fact sheets, social media posts, blogs, etc.
  • Knowledge of Associated Press style.
  • An eye for detail and strong public relations skills; an ability to work as part of a team and under tight deadlines.
  • Familiarity with HTML, WordPress or other Content Management Systems.
  • Experience in PAC work.
  • Strong project management skills.


Our Perks and Benefits:
  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Retirement Savings program with generous company contribution
  • Hybrid working model
  • Health Savings Account with company contribution
  • Wellness program
  • Paid time off and personal days
  • 8 paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • DC Commuter benefits
  • And more!

More About CHA

This pay range shown is a guideline. Min: $76,000 Max: $133,000 Compensation is based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, and competencies; compensation is based on the role's location and is subject to change based on work location.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CHA is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization, our membership, the care delivery of children's hospitals and their communities and through the federal policymaking environment. With children's hospitals we strive to ensure organizational cultures where everyone feels valued and actively participates in the mission of our organizations. Racism stands firmly in the way of improving children's health. We remain vigilant in our quest for a diverse and inclusive community and in standing against racism and discrimination wherever it exists.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, and protected veteran status, or disability status.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.