Outreach Specialist

Outreach Specialist

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 5:00pm
Why You'll Love Working Here

As an Outreach Specialist at UNC Health Appalachian, you will play a key role in connecting our healthcare system to the communities we serve. This position allows you to combine creativity, strategy, and public health advocacy to improve awareness, education, and engagement across the High Country.

• Compensation: Starting at $21.17 per hour, commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; and employee discounts
• Purpose-Driven Work: Support community health initiatives and meaningful outreach programs
• Collaborative Culture: Partner with marketing, foundation, and community leaders to make a measurable impact

What You'll Do as an Outreach Specialist

• Develop and execute communication and education strategies targeting external audiences
• Improve community health awareness through outreach initiatives and public engagement
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop content aligned with strategic goals
• Support reputation management initiatives and monitor public perception efforts
• Partner with local health departments to develop and support the Community Health Needs Assessment (conducted every three years)
• Assist the Appalachian Healthcare Foundation with event planning, coordination, and promotion
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments and external community partners
• Support the development of presentations, promotional materials, and educational campaigns
• Copyedit, proofread, and revise communications to ensure clarity and consistency
• Uphold UNC Health Appalachian's mission, vision, values, and regulatory standards in all outreach efforts

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Health Promotion, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field required
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in health promotion, communications, or marketing required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and public speaking abilities
• Creative thinker with strong professional judgment and discretion
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Photography and videography experience preferred but not required

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to and greater than 30 pounds
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking (≥ 8 hours per shift)
• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching
• Continuous manual dexterity and close eye work
• Subject to irregular hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and community events
• Occasional exposure to vibration or cramped spaces
• Infrequent exposure to environmental hazards consistent with a healthcare setting

What Sets Us Apart

• Community Impact: Directly contribute to improving health awareness and education across the High Country
• Strategic Influence: Work closely with leadership, marketing, and foundation teams to shape outreach initiatives
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a mission-driven health system
• Scenic Lifestyle: Enjoy life in Boone, North Carolina, surrounded by natural beauty and vibrant community culture

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby

B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM.

Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide…