Science Communications & Media Relations Manager

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  JOB DUTIES
  

The Science Communications & Media Relations Manager (SCMRM) will provide scientific communication services, media outreach and place stories for UCLA’s oncology-focused research and clinical care for the UCLA JCCC and partners such as UCLA Health, Broad Stem Cell Research Center at UCLA (BSCRC), Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation (JCCF) and David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) at UCLA. The SCMRM will identify and promote the news and expertise of UCLA JCCC, utilizing a wide variety of platforms and venues, including local, regional, national and international news media and other key audiences, using traditional and social media channels. The position will develop and execute strategic media relations plans with high impact of key audiences. Responsibilities include: writing and translating complex scientific topics and concepts to promote in press releases, research alerts, social media and other platforms; developing story ideas to highlight the JCCC and UCLA Health’s world leading research and highly-rated clinical care offerings to news media in an increasingly competitive news environment; and building relationships with faculty, UCLA oncologists, and journalists to develop and execute efforts that elevate the reputation of the JCCCC across local, regional, national and international news outlets. The SCMRM develops and leads the strategic communications and media relations activities for cancer at UCLA and works collaboratively with other JCCC and UCLA Health marketing, branding, content, media relations, and social media staff to create, write, edit, pitch and distribute a wide range of content on various UCLA platforms and across local, regional, national and international media outlets. The position will receive and strategically manage oncology-related media inquiries, brief and prepare senior leaders, faculty and staff for interviews, train clinical and research faculty and staff in the use of social media to help share UCLA’s oncology-focused news and information, suggest and collaborate on the creation of multimedia content, and follow media and lay literature, social media and other outlets to identify areas of opportunity to highlight JCCC’s science and expertise. The position will handle sensitive information according to HIPAA patient privacy rules, advise patients and family members when approached for interviews, and manage media inquiries against the backdrop of a public university and Public Record Act requests. The SCMRM will conduct regular ongoing research and report on the effectiveness of current external strategic initiatives, per set benchmarks. The position will also assist the JCCC and the UCLA Health Director of Media Relations on internal communications initiatives as needed and develop and support a wide variety of reports and presentations to JCCC and UCLA Health leadership.

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  JOB QUALIFICATIONS
  

* Excellent communication skills (written as well as verbal and interpersonal) and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of faculty and staff. * The ability to evaluate complex research papers for news/storytelling value, including basic laboratory science. * Skill in interviewing scientists and preparing scientists to successfully communicate their complex work in a manner that is appropriate for lay audiences and various media venues. * A passion for writing and communicating science and the ability to understand and translate complex science for a lay audience. * Solid professional judgement. * Demonstrated record of successful national, regional and local media relations planning, implementation and placement. * Experience managing comprehensive media relations campaigns, including handling a high volume of media inquiries, often with simultaneous deadlines. * Experience producing top-quality written content that interprets scientific and professional data for the general reader. * Experience researching, prepping and conducting effective interviews, specifically with scientists, researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers and donors. * Experience developing and implementing a plan for coverage of large-scale, complex scientific conferences and ensuring a high level of media attention for the institutions supported. * Experience cultivating, prioritizing and maintaining robust local, national and international media lists for placement of media content. Preferred * Bachelor degree in journalism, science, or closely related field and 7+ years of work experience in science and medical writing. * Ability to manage media outlets in all aspects of on-site video shoots, including to consult and collaborate on subject matter, plan schedules, supervise production and finalize and ensure delivery. * Experience planning and conducting news conferences and visits by the news media, and managing all general media-related on-site activities. * Experience lacing media stories within the framework of institutional policies.