Sr. Media Relations Specialist

City of Hope, an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution with over 4000 employees, is dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases and guided by a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy.

Responsible for raising the national and local profile of City of Hope with an emphasis on events and fund-raising initiatives via traditional media, online media and social media platforms; cultivating internal and external contacts; and deftly maneuvering within an evolving media environment that includes national, regional and local news outlets and blogs, well as medical/science, consumer, business and medical/health trade journals. Creates written content for online and print publications and collaborates closely with other members of Communications/Marketing in the creation of other forms of content, such as video, photo galleries and infographics. Drafts materials such as news releases, social media posts, background information, press kits, media advisories, and other tools for use in marketing new opportunities to the media and to the public.

• Generates stories about City of Hope for placement in traditional media, in online media and in social media. This would include articles about events; fund-raising activities; patient stories; human interest profiles; trend pieces from the ever-changing health and medical world; and relevant angles to stories in (or expected to be in) the current news cycle.
• Instigates, and responds quickly to, inquiries from the news media. This includes collecting relevant information, identifying appropriate spokespersons, securing clearances if necessary, and preparing messaging as appropriate. Generates and builds relationships with reporters, news outlets nationally, regionally and locally. Actively pitches City of Hope experts for editorial placement opportunities.
• Generates and builds relationships with the general public on behalf of City of Hope, its events, its faculty, its researchers and its accomplishments through high-profile online forums such as blogs, social media platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and other methods still in development.
• Assists in the implementation of a strategic media plan that covers events, medical/scientific research and discoveries, clinical care and fund-raising programs. Such a plan might incorporate traditional pitches, blog posts, online videos, podcasts, social media discussions and commentaries.
• Assists in the development and implementation of media activities to meet the organization’s goal of attaining a higher degree of recognition for its events, medicine and science. This would include coverage in consumer news media, as well as a strong social media presence, and participation in high-profile online discussions.
• Identifies potential news-making opportunities at City of Hope. Regularly identifies and interviews City of Hope information sources. Shares story ideas with key media, while also giving those stories life online and in social media.
• Understands that external stories are also internal stories (and sometimes vice versa) – and communicates accordingly with other members of the communications and marketing team. Such communication will include writing for internal audiences whether online or in print.
• Meets with staff and faculty on an ongoing basis to develop story ideas, pitches. Also interfaces with department team leaders to develop content for trend, feature pitches.
• Supports department’s crisis communication plan.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of issues relevant to City of Hope and its work, both those occurring at City of Hope and those occurring elsewhere. Uses this knowledge to arrange interviews with City of Hope expert spokespersons. Conducts daily, weekly reading of assigned publications to keep abreast of trends.
• Provides advance and on-site media support at key events, including arranging media briefings and interviews with City of Hope experts.
• Works in concert with department director to forge partnerships with key healthcare, research organizations to combine resources, as appropriate, for media relations.
• Provides public relations counsel, recommendations to colleagues, faculty, department management.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of management and staff. Fosters development of teamwork within the department. Communicates effectiveness of projects with other departments.
• Maintains professional growth and development and keeps abreast of latest trends in area of expertise. Demonstrates accurate knowledge of relevant laws, policies, regulations and standard affecting decisions and interpretations. Is alert to changes in regulations and responds immediately to meet them.
• Internal Contacts: City of Hope administration, faculty, Development staff.
• External Contacts: News media, filmmakers, vendors, City of Hope donors and volunteers, cancer/research associations, nonprofit organizations, state officials, patients and the general public.

Minimum Education and Skills Required for Consideration:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or related field
  • Experience may substitute for minimum education requirements.
• Four or more years of relevant experience in marketing and communications.
• At least 1 year in health care marketing communications.
• Knowledge of AP style
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to translate complex or technical scientific subjects to a wide audience.
• Microsoft Office Suite

Preferences:

• Bachelors Degree in a medical/science field or Master’s Degree
• Experience in Healthcare, public relations, marketing , public affairs