Media Relations Specialist

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective media relations strategies and earned media pitches that align with the company’s objectives and brand messaging.
• Collaborate with internal teams to create tailored media outreach plans and mine story ideas and pitches.
• Establish, cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with key journalists, reporters, editors and influencers.
• Work to proactively pitch story ideas and secure media placements in relevant outlets (online, print, TV, radio).
• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, photo advisories and other media relations collateral to effectively communicate key messages while ensuring accurate, consistent messaging.
• Cook up requests for interviews with medical staff and/or Scottish Rite administrators and prepare staff for all media interviews and oversee interviews when possible.
• Manage all Dallas campus media visits and press conferences as well as host press at other Scottish Rite related events as needed.
• Manage day-to-day activities such as responding to media inquiries, writing articles and posting earned media recaps to our website’s newsroom page; work closely with digital team to ensure full utilization of all earned media; prepare reporting and manage and send daily clips e-newsletter;
• Detect public relations issues as they emerge and address them directly; monitor topics and trends in media relations.
• Monitor media coverage and track public relations metrics, reporting on press hits and brand mentions.
• Analyze the effectiveness of media coverage and adjust strategies as needed to maximize impact.
• Provide support in times of critical communication, including rapid response to media inquiries and managing interactions.
• Work closely with leadership to craft clear, strategic messaging.
• Become proficient and able to train others in our communications programs/services such as Monday.com, MuckRack, Critical Mention and MailChimp.
• Contribute to quarterly external magazine/newsletter, bi-monthly internal newsletter and annual progress report and calendar as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in journalism, media relations or public relations, preferably in health care.
• Proven track record of successfully securing media coverage in top-tier publications.
• Strong network of media contacts across various industries.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively to generate media coverage.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.