Senior Media Relations Specialist for Health Sciences

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: about 1 month ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Senior Media Relations Specialist for Health Sciences develops and promotes news stories and faculty experts in international, national, regional, state, and local print, broadcast and online media. The specialist also will provide media relations counsel and strategic perspective to university leaders and others engaging with journalists. The individual also will assist with crisis communications efforts when needed.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • In consultation with the Associate Vice President for Media Relations, develop plans and tactics to realize the goals of individual media campaigns and overarching strategic approaches. Establish discrete goals and timelines regarding execution of those plans and tactics; regular tally and report results to associate vice president. (15%)
  • Meet regularly with health sciences leaders to become familiar with leading ideas and gather information about research and education activities that would be of interest to local and national media. Pursue developments likely to secure media attention and aligned with the associate vice president's strategic media approach. Build faculty expert contact lists, including cell numbers for time-sensitive media requests. (15%)
  • Research, develop, and write--concisely and clearly--story ideas promoting key messages to media, track national media for trend stories to which the university can contribute and cultivate and promote faculty experts. Frame pitches to journalists in ways most likely to resonate with their preferred approaches, writing style and beats. Build and nature relationships with reporters, editors, and producers at targeted outlets to help promote the health sciences' national profile. (55%)
  • Answer media requests and assign media calls as necessary to appropriate experts. Accompany media/ television crews on campus as necessary, including before and after regular business hours. Respond with sense of urgency to media requests, especially time-sensitive requests to interview university experts. Contribute to media relations¿ response to crises. (15%)

    • NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
    Perform other duties as assigned.  (<1%)

    CONTACTS
    Department: Regular contact with supervisor and other team members to maintain workflow. 
    University: Contact with deans, center directors, individual faculty members, staff, and alumni to exchange information. 
    External: Contact with the media, government officials, institutional partners, foundation leaders, etc. to exchange information. 
    Students: Some interaction with students to exchange information.


    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
    No staff supervisory responsibility.

    QUALIFICATIONS
    Experience: 5 to 8 years of experience in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field, preferably in health sciences education, research, and/or healthcare. 
    Education: Bachelor's degree required.


    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Ability to develop and execute successful media strategies for coverage of individual events as well as ongoing positioning of individuals and/or institutions engaged in health sciences education, research and/or care.
  • Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing and interpersonal communication.
  • Ability to work effectively with teams to heighten own and colleagues¿ performance. Ability to work independently while also seeking appropriate guidance and providing necessary updates to supervisor and colleagues.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the differences involved in writing for different channels and platforms, as well as the ability to execute messaging appropriate to respective channels.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically and tactically in response to media opportunities and development of media plans. 
  • Ability to incorporate feedback from colleagues and/or data insights to enhance messaging effectiveness.
  • Demonstrated commitment to establish, assess and respond to quantitative and qualitative goals for media relations.  
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative, cross-functional, and fast-paced environment dedicated to producing results that support a highly mission-driven organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance and prioritize multiple projects at once, meet deadlines, and adjust assignments as needed relative to available resources and time-sensitive developments.
  • Proficiency with word processing and web software.
  • Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.


    • WORKING CONDITIONS
    General office environment, the employee will perform repetitive motion using computer mouse and keyboard to type.

    This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

    In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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    Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation.  Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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