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Position Summary

The Michigan State University-Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative (https://msuhurleypphi.org/) in the C.S. Mott Department of Public Health at Michigan State University invites applications for the position of Communications Manager I. This position will be based in Flint, Michigan.

The overall mission of the Pediatric Public Health Initiative (PPHI) is to improve the outcomes of Flint children. Through clinical and community programs, partnerships, advocacy, training, and evaluation, the Pediatric Public Health Initiative strives for health equity and serves as a national resource for best practices.

The Communications Manager, Public and Media Relations will support communications related to the Rx Kids program, led by Dr. Mona Hanna. Rx Kids is the first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program in the United States. Originally launched in Flint, Michigan in 2024, Rx Kids has expanded across the state to reach thousands of families with millions in direct cash support. This no-strings-attached support is transforming health and economic outcomes for families. As part of our growing communications team, this role will lead public relations and media outreach to elevate the visibility and impact of Rx Kids. This role serves as a key liaison with our external media partners and plays a vital part in sharing Rx Kids impacts and updates with the public.

Characteristic Duties – Responsibilities

• Plan, create, produce, and release materials for online communications, media, and publications in order to inform the public of key Rx Kids impact, findings, and and events

• Build and manage relationships with local and national media outlets

• Coordinate and schedule media interviews with program spokespeople

• Draft compelling media advisories, press releases, and other outreach materials

• Maintain and regularly update targeted media contact lists

• Serves as a liaison with University Communications and Marketing to share Rx Kids related content

• Cultivate strategic media partnerships to elevate program visibility

• Plan, organize, and attend press events and media briefings

• Prepare and coach participating mothers for media interviews

• Lead media training sessions tailored for program participants

• Ensure timely updates of press-related content on the organization’s website

• Contribute to the development and distribution of the Rx Kids newsletter

• Provide regular communications updates to key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and decision-makers

• Maintain and update files including statistical reports, clippings and measurements of media engagement

• Other duties as assigned

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, a collaborative team player, and someone who thrives in a deadline-driven environment. Reliability, sound judgment, enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to contribute to program goals are key. The ability to juggle multiple priorities with confidence, pivot in response to programmatic changes, and learn quickly will make you a valued partner in advancing the success of the program.

The Michigan State University and Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative seeks to provide employees with a diverse, challenging set of duties that foster learning new skills and knowledge and a collegial environment where employees regularly share information, ideas, resources, and solutions to problems.

This is a full-time, 12-month end-dated position located in Flint, MI. This is a hybrid position with at least 2 days in office in Flint, MI.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, or Public Relations; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing and publication production, news, broadcasting, and print media, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation; or radio production; or computer programming/technology; experience managing content for social media channels; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Three–five years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, media outreach, or communications strategy, demonstrated success in both Michigan-based outlets and national media markets.

• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with Michigan media outlets (local newspapers, broadcast stations, regional publications) and national media organizations (major news networks, national health and policy reporters).

• Experience drafting and pitching press releases, advisories, op-eds, and feature stories to diverse media audiences.

• Ability to plan and execute press conferences, briefings, and public events that attract both local and national coverage.

• Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling messages for public audiences and decision makers.

• Ability to manage media contact databases, tracking systems, and reporting tools to measure engagement and impact.

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across print, digital, and broadcast formats.

• Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building skills across academic, community, nonprofit, and governmental partners.

• Familiarity with state legislative processes and ability to work with bipartisan leaders, as key stakeholders in this public-private partnership.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal

Website

https://publichealth.msu.edu/

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 01/20/2026 at 11:55 PM