Health Communication Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of healthcare innovation, the role of Health Communication Planners has become increasingly critical.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can design, manage, and enhance our health communication strategies grows stronger.

But let’s break it down: What’s truly expected from a Health Communication Planner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of health communication planning,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Health Communication Planner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Health Communication Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Health Communication Planners are responsible for developing and implementing health communication strategies and campaigns to inform and influence individual and community decisions that enhance health.

They are experts in understanding and using communication theories, strategies, and tactics to improve public health outcomes.

The duties and responsibilities of a Health Communication Planner include:

• Analyzing the health information needs of the public and diverse communities
• Designing and implementing health communication strategies and campaigns
• Developing health messages and content for various communication platforms like TV, radio, print, online, and social media
• Coordinating with health professionals, community leaders, and media to disseminate health information effectively
• Evaluating the effectiveness and impact of health communication strategies and campaigns
• Researching and staying informed about the latest health issues, trends, and communication strategies
• Ensuring that all health communication activities comply with health policies and regulations
• Training and educating health staff and volunteers on communication techniques and strategies
• Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics
• Creating health education materials and programs for community outreach

 

Health Communication Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Health Communication Planner to join our team.

The Health Communication Planner will be responsible for developing strategic communication plans that effectively promote health awareness and positive behavior changes in various populations.

The successful candidate will be required to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, conduct public health research, design and implement communication strategies, evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies, and modify them as necessary.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic health communication and marketing plans
• Conduct public health research to inform communication strategies
• Coordinate with various stakeholders such as public health officials, community leaders, and media outlets
• Manage the production of health communication materials and campaigns
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies
• Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in health communication
• Ensure all communication strategies adhere to ethical and legal standards

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Health Communication Planner or similar role
• Strong knowledge of public health, health promotion, and health communication
• Experience in conducting research and using data to inform communication strategies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Communication, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for ongoing education and professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health Communication Planner
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based, but may require occasional travel for meetings and site visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Health Communication.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Health Communication Planner Do?

Health Communication Planners generally work for healthcare facilities, government agencies, health-focused NGOs, or private companies within the healthcare industry.

Their primary role is to create, implement, and oversee communication strategies that promote health awareness, disease prevention, or health policy.

They work closely with public health professionals, healthcare providers, researchers, and the community to ensure effective communication of health information.

They develop materials and coordinate campaigns that effectively convey health-related information to various audiences.

This may include creating brochures, designing websites, planning community events, or implementing social media strategies.

Health Communication Planners also evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies, using feedback and data to assess their impact and to refine their approach as needed.

They also ensure that health communications are culturally appropriate and accessible to people with various levels of health literacy.

In times of public health crises, they may play a crucial role in crisis communication, providing clear and timely information to the public and coordinating with various stakeholders.

Overall, their goal is to improve public understanding of health issues and promote healthful behaviors, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes in their communities.

 

Health Communication Planner Qualifications and Skills

A Health Communication Planner should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Knowledge of health communication principles and strategies to develop and implement effective health communication campaigns.
• Understanding of public health and healthcare systems to create relevant and impactful health messages.
• Strong research skills to gather and analyze data about health behavior, demographics, and communication channels.
• Project management skills to oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health communication plans.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills to create clear, effective health messages and to collaborate with various stakeholders.
• Creativity and critical thinking skills to develop innovative communication strategies that increase awareness and promote behavior change.
• Experience with digital media, social marketing, and other communication tools to reach diverse audiences.
• Ability to work in a team environment, coordinating efforts with health educators, public relations professionals, graphic designers, and others to achieve communication objectives.

 

Health Communication Planner Experience Requirements

Entry-level Health Communication Planner candidates typically have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or volunteering in public health or healthcare communication settings.

These individuals may have experience in areas such as public relations, marketing, journalism, or health education.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are generally expected to have developed their skills and knowledge in health communication planning.

They may have worked in roles such as Health Communication Specialist, Public Health Advisor, or Health Education Coordinator, where they gained experience in developing and implementing health communication strategies and campaigns.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in health communication planning typically have significant leadership experience and may have managed health communication projects or campaigns.

These individuals are well-suited for senior or managerial roles in health communication planning, where they can leverage their advanced skills and experience to drive the development and execution of effective health communication strategies.

They may also have experience in training and mentoring junior health communication professionals.

In addition, candidates for Health Communication Planner roles are often required to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field, such as public health, health education, communication, or marketing.

Specialist courses or certifications in health communication can also be beneficial.

 

Health Communication Planner Education and Training Requirements

Health Communication Planners typically have a bachelor’s degree in health communication, public health, or another related field.

They need to possess a strong understanding of the principles and practices of health promotion, public health, and the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating programs.

Some roles may require a master’s degree in health communication or a related field, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of advanced health communication strategies.

Health Communication Planners are often required to have experience with software such as Microsoft Office, as well as database management systems, for the collection and analysis of public health data.

In addition, they may also require knowledge in graphic design, video production, social media, and website management, to effectively disseminate health information to the public.

Certification in health education, such as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential, can be beneficial and may be required for some positions.

Moreover, possessing a strong background in cultural competence, ethical decision-making, public health policy advocacy, and community health planning is essential.

Continued professional development through seminars, workshops, and courses is also highly recommended to stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the field.

 

Health Communication Planner Salary Expectations

A Health Communication Planner can expect to earn an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can significantly fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience in the field, level of education, and geographic location.

The type of organization that employs the Health Communication Planner can also influence the salary range.

 

Health Communication Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Health Communication Planner need?

Health Communication Planners need excellent interpersonal and written communication skills to craft public health messages that are clear and compelling.

They should be able to analyze data and research findings to form strategic communication plans.

Furthermore, they need project management skills to oversee the implementation of these strategies, along with creative problem-solving abilities and a strong understanding of health and behavioral sciences.

 

Do Health Communication Planners need a degree?

Most Health Communication Planners need a bachelor’s degree in a field like health communication, public health, or a related field.

Many employers also prefer a master’s degree in public health or a related discipline.

Practical experience in health communication, public health education or health promotion is highly desirable.

 

What should you look for in a Health Communication Planner’s resume?

A Health Communication Planner’s resume should highlight their education in relevant fields, along with experience in planning, developing and implementing health communication strategies.

Look for evidence of skills in project management, research analysis, and use of communication tools and technologies.

Experience in public health campaigns, health education or community health initiatives can be a strong advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Health Communication Planner?

A good Health Communication Planner is deeply committed to improving public health and has the ability to communicate complex health issues in a way that’s easily understood by the public.

They should be creative, strategic, and have excellent problem-solving skills.

They need to work well in a team and show leadership skills, as they often work with diverse groups to develop and execute health communication plans.

 

Is it difficult to hire Health Communication Planners?

Hiring Health Communication Planners can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role and the combination of skills required.

These skills include public health knowledge, communication expertise, and strategic planning abilities.

The demand for these professionals is high, especially in public health agencies and non-profit organizations.

Therefore, competitive salary and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment are important to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the nuances of what it truly means to be a health communication planner.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about crafting messages.

It’s about envisioning a healthier future, one well-executed health communication plan at a time.

With our ready-to-use health communication planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to embark on your career journey.

But why limit yourself to just that?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for meticulously creating job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every well-articulated health message is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s create that healthier future. Together.

How to Become a Health Communication Planner (Complete Guide)

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