Manager, Science Writing

About the role

This role will work a hybrid schedule with being onsite at the US Steel Tower. The Manager works closely with the Directors of Public Relations to publicize assigned areas, notably bench-to-bedside translational research findings from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Vision and Rehabilitation Institute and University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences. Manages various crises and controversies in assigned areas and works to minimize negative publicity for UPMC and Pitt Schools of the Health Sciences. Mentors Public Relations staff as assigned and assists in their development and placement of regional, national and international media stories.

Responsibilities

• Create, execute and evaluate media and internal promotional strategies, especially as it relates to scientific translational studies in oncology and other assigned medical areas
• Appropriately prioritize beat areas for media coverage to meet organizational goals
• Manage media crises in assigned areas
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with all appropriate contacts within the research fields at UPMC Vision and Rehabilitation Institute, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with regional, national and international news organizations for the benefit of the Media Relations group
• Coordinate with pertinent scientific and professional organizations to promote assigned areas
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in other marketing and communications departments
• Demonstrate service-oriented behavior in interactions with clients and co-workers
• Seek professional development opportunities for self and staff and mentor colleagues
• Will contribute to the use of AI-driven communication tools and strategies, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) principles

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism or English Writing plus five (5) years of combined experience in general writing with a minimum of three (3) years of science writing
• OR master's degree plus five (5) years of combined experience in general writing including a minimum of 3 years of science writing preferred
• OR PhD or MD plus three (3) years of science writing
• Experience with AI visibility measurement and SEO, GEO principles preferred
• Significant experience translating scientific/medical language to a lay person's understanding
• Experience providing clients with strategic counsel
• Experience in an academic medical center strongly preferred
• Undergraduate/graduate coursework in health-related sciences strongly preferred
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills required
• Sound news judgment and track record of identifying and promoting stories of interest to regional, national and international media

Application materials

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a resume, cover letter, and one to two samples of your science writing.