CareFirst of Maryland, Inc.— public and internal relations

CareFirst of Maryland, Inc.
dba CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

PURPOSE:
This position provides media (both external and internal) and public relations support to advance the Company’s goals and mission. The function focuses on assisting the Media Relations, Provider Communications, and Associate Communications staffs in efforts to:
• increase the Company’s membership
• enhance its overall public image
• explain CareFirst decisions to key audiences
• increase workforce productivity
• enhance workforce morale and engagement.

Primary responsibility for this position is to research, write and distribute news releases, intranet articles, newsletter articles, emails, and other communications for internal and external audiences.

The position is also responsible for assisting, as needed, in the collection, compilation and distribution of the daily digest of health care-related news, Associate Announcements, and Associate Questions.

This position is also responsible for regular contributions to the Associate Communications group efforts, particularly articles for the intranet in support of Associate Relations and supporting associate and executive meetings and events.

The position also provides occasional administrative support for the Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications, Director of Internal & External Communications, Manager of Provider Communications, and Manager of Associate Communications during the absence of full-time administrative support.


PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Under the general supervision of the managers, the incumbent’s accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Posting Today's News
• Sending broadcast emails
• Taking pictures
• Writing intranet stories and/or news releases
• Writing newsletter articles
• Serve as back-up for answering media inquiries
• Promoting and posting the Associate Announcements
• Assisting in HR communications
• Coordinating new executive photos
• Filing, phone coverage
• Maintenance of media relation records, media contact lists, inquiry logs and files for research and retrieval as needed to respond to requests from all areas of the company.
• Collection and distribution of daily newspaper clippings, the BCBSA daily and weekly news digests.
• Supporting associate and executive meetings, events, and activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
This position has no direct reports but can serve as a project leader.

SCOPE DATA:
Accountable for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of daily written, oral, and electronic communications to 5,000 associates and external audiences. The incumbent must develop an understanding of corporate culture, and learn how to monitor the environmental and industry climate as it affects the corporation

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Required:
• Must be a student enrolled in an accredited college or university at either the junior or senior level (undergraduate or graduate level.
• Current college student pursuing a BS/BA degree or greater, preferably in communications, public relations, journalism, business, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average

Preferred:
• A working knowledge of digital photography and print design/production
• A working knowledge of Web site design, technology, and editing principles

Abilities/Skills:
• Very strong oral and written communications skills.
• Advanced IBM/PC skills, including familiarity with MS Office applications and on-line, internet/intranet tools,
• Familiarity with Lotus Notes database functions desired.
• Strong ability to quickly understand and comprehend the situation/inquiry, and accurately evaluate the appropriateness of the response.
• Proven interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• The ability to work well independently and as part of a team. The ability to travel occasionally within the region to other corporate sites.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position. Requirement may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities. The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position. Occasional walking or standing is required. The hands are used regularly to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The associate must frequently talk and hear. Weights of up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.