Health Communication Specialist

The Health Communication Specialist will lead the planning, development, and dissemination of health and risk communication products that support the mission of the Center for Outbreak Response and Vaccine Development (CORVD). This senior-level role requires expertise in public health communication, plain language standards, social media strategy, and stakeholder engagement. The incumbent will collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), internal partners, and external agencies to ensure timely, accurate, and actionable public health messaging that meets CDC and federal guidelines.

Requires NACI Public Trust or the ability to obtain one.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Health Communication Specialist: Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Health Communication Specialist Responsibilities Include:

• Content Development & Strategy
  
  • Work with CORVD leadership, CIOs, and the Office of Communication (OC) to coordinate health and risk communication content.
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to craft new messages or adapt existing ones in accordance with best practices in health communication and plain language.
  • Translate complex scientific and risk information into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences including the public, healthcare providers, policymakers, and media.
  • Create content such as web copy, fact sheets, infographics, social media messages, talking points, and responses to CDC-INFO inquiries.
• Review, Clearance, and Compliance
  
  • Ensure all content aligns with federal plain language standards, CDC communication principles, and health literacy requirements.
  • Coordinate and manage product clearance, incorporating feedback from internal stakeholders, SMEs, and clearance reviewers.
  • Assess repurposed material to determine if re-clearance is needed, and communicate with clearance staff as appropriate.
  • Ensure all social media tools and activities comply with Section 508, CDC, HHS, and federal communication standards.
• Social & Digital Media Management
  
  • Develop and maintain social media strategies and campaigns for CORVD using platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and emerging channels.
  • Analyze and apply engagement metrics to optimize messaging and user interaction across platforms.
  • Coordinate cross-agency social media efforts and ensure consistency and timeliness of digital outreach.
• Collaboration & Technical Assistance
  
  • Provide technical guidance in communication theory and public health messaging to CORVD program teams.
  • Liaise with media relations teams, internal CDC partners, and external stakeholders on communications for high-impact public health issues.
  • Draft and support media responses, in collaboration with media staff and technical experts.
  • Coordinate with graphic designers, web developers, AV specialists, and other creatives to produce effective multimedia communication materials.
• Project Coordination
  
  • Coordinate and track project deliverables, timelines, and communication workflows.
  • Attend CORVD, Center-level, and OC meetings related to social media and health communication.
  • Prepare rollout plans, communication packages, and launch materials for new studies, reports, surveillance tools, or campaigns.
• May be required to work outside of normal business hours during public health emergencies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Health Communication Specialist Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:

• Master's degree in Public Health, Communications, Journalism, Health Education, or a related field and 10+ years of experience, OR PhD with 7-10+ years of experience in public health or health communications.
• Proven experience developing and managing evidence-based health communication and social media strategies in a public health setting.
• Advanced understanding of health literacy, plain language standards, risk communication, and CDC messaging protocols.
• Strong writing, editing, and messaging skills for multiple audiences and platforms.
• Experience with tools such as PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, CMS platforms, and social media management tools.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working directly with CDC, HHS, or other federal agencies.
  • Strong project management and cross-team collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work in high-pressure environments, especially during public health emergencies.
  • Experience with public health campaigns or outbreak response communication.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility, CDC web policies, and clearance procedures.

Company Information:

Cherokee Nation Operation Solutions (CNOS) is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CNOS, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Keywords:

• Public Health Communication
• Risk Communication
• Plain Language Standards
• Social Media Strategy
• CDC Clearance Process

Similar Job Titles:

• Public Health Information Officer
• Health Communications Advisor
• Science Writer/Editor (Public Health)
• Digital Communications Specialist (Health Focus)
• Outbreak Communication Coordinator

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Please Note: This position is pending a contract award. If you are interested in a future with Cherokee Federal, APPLY TODAY! Although this is not an approved position, we are accepting applications for this future and anticipated need.