Policy and Communications Specialist

Position Summary

The Policy and Communications Specialist works with the Executive Director and our Digital Communications Specialist to plan, initiate, execute, and manage public relations and member engagement activities for PNHP with the goals of:

1. Winning advocacy campaigns that bring us closer to public health care for everybody.
2. Reaching influential figures in the medical profession, media, and government.
3. Recruiting more members.
4. Increasing fundraising.

PNHP is a national authority on single-payer health reform, and its communications staff must be able to understand and synthesize complex health policy issues, as well as how to communicate those issues to the media, advocates, and others in a wide range of formats, including policy reports, media advisories, fact sheets, slide shows, email blasts, and calls to action.

On PNHP’s two-person communications team, this position leads on developing and producing policy materials, writing internal and external communications, engaging with reporters for traditional media outlets, and developing the media and spokesperson skills of PNHP’s leaders and chapters. The position will work closely with PNHP’s other Communications Specialist, who leads efforts on digital media.

Job Duties

Developing Policy Tools and Infrastructure (50% of Time)

• Develop and maintain an understanding of Medicare for All and related issues, including health care research, policy, and legislation.
• Staff PNHP’s Policy Committee, which digests and analyzes issues relevant to the single-payer movement; and produces materials to advance understanding of key aspects of our work to win health care reform.
• Lead the production of policy reports, one pagers, and other policy materials, working closely with PNHP leaders and staff.
• Serve as a policy contact for Congressional staff and allied policy organizations.
• Help lead efforts on anti-privatization work for Medicare and other public health programs alongside the organizing team.
• Keep abreast of health news, studies, and policy publications. Collect articles, academic studies, and member media appearances to share with PNHP membership.

Communicating with PNHP Members and Supporters (25% of Time)

• Develop and edit materials to engage PNHP members and to support campaigns for reform—including fact sheets, brochures, pamphlets, and petitions.
• Compose and edit internal communications, including PNHP’s quarterly print newsletter, end of year report, and regular email blasts to PNHP members and supporters.
• Work closely with staff to maintain PNHP’s communications calendar, and to develop and execute communications strategy to support PNHP’s campaigns to transform health care.
• Collaborate with the Digital Communications Specialist to maintain PNHP’s digital media and communications infrastructure.

Media Outreach and Response (10% of Time)

• Lead media outreach and handle media inquiries to support PNHP’s campaigns to galvanize physicians, blunt the power of corporate medicine, and win improved Medicare for All.
• Produce and pitch media materials such as opinion pieces, articles, and letters to the editor.
• Maintain a comprehensive health care media list and cultivate relationships with reporters.

Membership Development (10% of Time)

• Train and support physicians to advocate for Medicare for All through written media (such as letters to the editor and op-eds) and as spokespeople.
• Coordinate and train PNHP’s Opinion Writers Team.

Other Duties as Assigned (5% of Time)

Qualifications and Attributes

• 1-3 years of experience in journalism, communications, health policy, public policy, political campaigns, or a related field; or relevant advanced degree, such as an MPA, MPP, or MPH.
• Knowledge of health policy and the curiosity to understand complex issues.
• Strong multi-tasking and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to social justice and not-for-profit single-payer national health insurance.
• Knowledge of AP style a plus.
• Familiarity with or ability to learn communications technology, including WordPress and CRM software such as Salsa.
• Experience working with physicians and students, and/or in a membership-based organizations a plus.
• Ability to be proactive and self-directed while retaining the flexibility necessary to work on a small team with changing workflows.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: $55,000
• Excellent benefits package including fully paid family comprehensive medical (platinum level HMO or PPO), dental and vision insurance; PTO.

Submission Requirements

Email your resume along with a cover letter expressing your specific interest in PNHP and a writing sample to [email protected] with the subject line “Communications Specialist Application First Name Last Name.” No calls please.

The anticipated start date for this position is May 15, 2024.

Persons of color, women, LGBTQ-identifying persons, and others from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.