Sr. Communications Manager - Science Media Relations

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all.

About the role

This is a home-based, flexible location position. The American Heart Association offers resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization, including access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, and additional training and support.

Responsibilities

• Implement multi-year strategic communication plans supporting and promoting scientific manuscripts published in the American Heart Association’s 14 peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, abstracts presented at the Association’s scientific meetings, and the Association’s clinical care guidelines, scientific statements, and advisories to the media and the public.
• Develop resources and translate science for the media and public to reinforce the Association’s role as a leading voice in cardiovascular and brain health science and care, and to advance the Association’s mission and impact goals.
• Secure earned media coverage, establish and cultivate relationships with journalists, and support science leaders and research authors of scientific manuscripts and abstracts presented at our scientific meetings or published in our journals.
• Review manuscripts accepted for publication in our scientific journals and abstracts accepted for presentation at our scientific meetings.
• Develop news releases, media pitches, and multimedia assets to promote scientific research featured in abstracts and manuscripts published in the Association’s journals or presented at any of the Association’s 7 scientific meetings, or to promote clinical care guidelines, scientific statements, and advisories.
• Collaborate with team members to review and select abstracts for promotion, provide peer edits for colleagues’ news releases, and develop talking points and key messages for research authors and experts.
• Lead development of news kits for scientific meetings, including review and selection of abstracts for promotion, developing detailed news releases with expert and research author perspectives, and producing related news materials such as video interviews, talking points, key messages, FAQs, and infographics.
• Work with the Senior Director and Vice President on traditional and social media, as well as Association-owned channels.
• Develop strategic communications plans, media opportunities, and relationships to promote the Association’s role as a thought leader in cardiovascular science and brain health, including clinical care guidelines, scientific statements, and advisories.
• Monitor traditional and social media to ensure the Association can respond appropriately to breaking news related to heart and brain health, and protect the Association’s reputation and integrity.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Science and Medicine, Science Operations, Scientific Publishing, Science Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Health and Science Programs, and Enterprise-Wide Mobilization) and external partners to optimize communications reach and amplify the Association’s mission.
• Supervise up to 2 members of the Science Media Relations team in collaboration with the Senior Director.
• Lead or support other Communications initiatives as applicable.
• Mentor and coach Science Media Relations team members and internal and external collaborators.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) years of excellent writing and editing skills, with experience translating scientific research for the public and solid knowledge of AP Style.
• Five (5) years of experience managing press, promotional, or related content, building relationships with journalists, and securing quality earned media coverage.
• Five (5) years of proficient computer skills, including all Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Five (5) years of project management experience, including managing multiple projects concurrently under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of relevant experience.
• At least three (3) years of experience in a successful supervisory role.
• Proven ability to review and translate scientific abstracts and manuscripts; develop newsworthy ideas; write and pitch stories to media outlets; manage media interviews and news conferences; craft talking points and key messages; and foster collaborative relationships with reporters.
• Portfolio demonstrating expertise in developing and implementing multi-faceted media strategies that generate visibility for scientific publications, journals, and scientific meetings.

Pay

Salary minimum to midpoint of the range is $86,000 to $102,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials may apply.

Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive base salary with regular market value reviews. Performance-based incentives and annual salary planning.
• Health and Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Employee assistance program, wellness program, and telemedicine services.
• Retirement: Robust retirement program with employer match and automatic contribution.
• Professional Development: Access to Heart U (100,000+ resources), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentoring programs, and tuition assistance for career-related education.
• Work-Life Harmonization: Minimum of 16 days Paid Time Off (PTO) for new employees, increasing with seniority. 12 paid holidays per year, including year-end days off.