Senior Media Relations Specialist - PR and Marketing - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Exempt) (Non-Union)

About the role

The Senior Media Relations Specialist is responsible for developing and coordinating communications strategies for key health system initiatives, clinical service lines and clinical research priorities. Specific tasks include: developing written materials such as press releases and media pitches, award nominations and select social media posts; developing and maintaining relationships with faculty clinicians and researchers, administrative staff and others to identify storytelling opportunities; developing and maintaining relationships with news media; coordinating with other teams, e.g. social media, internal communications and University peers; and identifying and escalating sensitive issues to department leadership.

Responsibilities

• Determine strategy and priorities for media outreach for clinical service lines and faculty research that align with health system priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain ongoing working relationships with news media (national, regional and local) for clinical service lines.
• Prioritize stories to promote externally.
• Determine the most effective way to pitch/communicate stories and identify appropriate faculty and/or staff to include.
• Conduct proactive media outreach to secure media coverage.
• Write and disseminate press releases, pitch letters, talking points, media statements and other communications materials.
• Compile media wrap reports highlighting media relations team and department success to clinicians, administrators and leadership.
• Respond to incoming media requests and staff on-campus media interviews; counsel experts on media interview protocol and appropriate messaging, as needed.
• Cook up promotion of media relations coverage with other marketing and communications teams and departments, as appropriate.
• Monitor current news for trends/topics to proactively pitch Keck Medicine experts for inclusion.
• Manage awards calendar, draft award entries and coordinate communication of recognitions.
• Track relevant professional medical/research conferences and provide media relations support, as needed.
• Draft select social media content (specifically LinkedIn), as needed.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or a related field (Degree in associated field accepted if other qualifications are met)
• 7 years of experience in public relations or media
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working directly with clinical subject matter experts, clinical department chairs, University colleagues and other staff
• Experience writing, editing and proofreading news media materials, including press releases and media pitches
• Strong attention to detail; ability to edit others’ work for brand voice and clarity
• Expertise in most social media channels (specifically LinkedIn)
• Ability to learn/utilize content management platforms for press release and newsletter distribution. Utilize internal project management system for cross-team collaboration and sharing content
• Thorough knowledge of word processing and Associated Press stylebook

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications/public relations or management preferred
• Communications experience within healthcare, higher education or other highly regulated organization or agency preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Driver's License (CA DMV) Valid California Driver's License required if hired
• Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) if no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date (Required within LA City only)

Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is $81,120.00 - $133,010.00.