Overview

Public Relations and Community Engagement Strategist, Marketing

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Covenant Health Overview:

Covenant Health is the region’s top-performing healthcare network with 10 hospitals, outpatient and specialty services, and Covenant Medical Group, our area’s fastest-growing physician practice division. Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer. Our more than 11,000 employees, volunteers, and 1,500 affiliated physicians are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than two million patients and families we serve every year. Covenant Health is the only healthcare system in East Tennessee to be named a Forbes “Best Employer” seven times. 

Position Summary: 

The Public Relations and Community Engagement Strategist supports strategic communication efforts that build public awareness, promote key initiatives, and strengthen relationships with the community, patients, and stakeholders. This role leads public relations activities such as drafting press releases, identifying media opportunities, and developing messaging to enhance Covenant Health’s reputation and impact. In collaboration with the marketing and events teams, the strategist ensures alignment across campaigns, supports storytelling efforts, and amplifies Covenant Health’s presence in East Tennessee.

Recruiter: Suzie McGuinn || [email protected]

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute PR strategies that support campaigns, initiatives, and organizational milestones.
• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, internal announcements, and leadership messaging.
• Serve as a liaison for earned media opportunities and coordinate responses to inquiries in partnership with the communications team.
• Collaborate with event and marketing teams to align messaging and promotional efforts across community-facing programs.
• Assist in developing key messages and talking points for leadership and spokespeople.
• Support storytelling and recognition initiatives that highlight community impact, patient care, innovation, and employee excellence.
• Monitor media coverage and sentiment; contribute to internal media tracking reports.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, community partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide support for internal communication efforts, including content development for newsletters, intranet articles, and campaigns.
• Ensure all communication materials follow brand guidelines and reflect the organization’s mission and values.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:           

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field preferred.

Minimum Experience:         

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in public relations, communications, or media relations.

Licensure Requirement:      

None.