Senior Media Relations Specialist (Hybrid) - Biomedical Strategy Marketing and Communications

Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Director for Media Relations, the Senior Media Relations Specialist plays a critical role as a key point of contact for media engagement at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Operating at the intersection of strategic communications and media relations, this role entails collaborating closely with key leaders and stakeholders across various departments within the School of Medicine, as well as with the communications teams at Washington University and BJC HealthCare. The Senior Media Relations Specialist is instrumental in managing day-to-day media interactions and contributes significantly to the development of comprehensive media strategies aimed at advancing the school's priorities in research, clinical care and education. This requires not only a deep understanding of the media landscape but also an astute awareness of media operations and the ability to navigate them effectively. Additionally, as an excellent communicator, the Senior Media Relations Specialist excels in crafting and delivering proactive pitches that resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring the school's innovations and advances are portrayed accurately to the public.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Aggressively and strategically solicits local, national and international media interest through proactive pitches, the application of sound news judgment, solid writing and editing skills, and extensive personal contacts with key news media locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
• Manages day-to-day relationships with the media, including the handling of media queries and determining the appropriate response and arranging media interviews.
• Works closely with others on the Communications team to develop story ideas and pitches as part of an assigned “beat” and generate appropriate news coverage.
• Provides proactive advice, media training and assistance to faculty and staff regarding media interviews.
• Works with the Director of Media Relations to develop and execute a media strategy for School of Medicine priority news.
• Develops and maintains appropriate target news media lists and manages media relations software/tools for pitching and placement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing or a related field.
• Five or more years’ experience in media relations, preferably at a university, medical school or hospital, with proven results in media pitching and placement.
• Exceptional organizational and management skills; highly motivated self-starter with experience directing the activities of others and coordinating team efforts.
• Aptitude for learning quickly and an ability to grasp and to popularize technical and scientific information.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
• Adept in understanding and using social media as an avenue for media relations.
• Interpersonal skills needed to work well with many types of people; a willingness and ability to perform well in a service-oriented, fast-paced atmosphere where teamwork is critical to success.
• Understanding of and commitment to the highest professional public relations and communications standards.

Applicant Special Instructions

• To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and examples of three media pitches and the stories placed from those pitches.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in the area of communications, journalism or the sciences; Five or more years’ experience in media relations, preferably at a university, medical school or hospital.

Grade
G12

Salary Range
$57,300.00 - $97,700.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.