Media Relations Specialist Jobs

Brigham and Women's Hospital is seeking a Media Relations Specialist for a maternity leave coverage to start ASAP through December 2023.

Media Relations Specialist

Remote/Hybrid - will need to be onsite for media shoots as needed. Onsite address will vary, but will be Boston based.

Hours: 8:30-5pm

**Work is hybrid. Busy pace with frequent deadlines and telephone interruptions. Work may entail last-minute media events, some earlier or later than normal business hours.

• Nice to Haves: Analytics/meltwater experience, strong media contacts, science-writing or healthcare background
• Must Haves: Media pitching experience, must be local (within a one hour commute), and a strong writer

OVERVIEW

This position supports the mission of the external communications team to effectively communicate hospital news externally to the news media and support integrated communication efforts across MGB. The specialist will manage local and national broadcast crews as well as members of online and print media outlets, including photographers, producers and reporters, in a hospital environment. Additionally, the position will respond to and execute daily media requests and develop communication materials, including media advisories, press releases, media pitches and media coverage reports. This position will report to the Director of External Communications and Media Relations for Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Reports to the Director of External Communications and Media Relations

· With input and guidance from Director, develops strategies and communications assets, including media advisories, press releases and media pitches, to enhance the reputation of the hospital as a leader in patient care, medical education, biomedical research and community health.

· Manages reactive requests from local and national media inquiring for expert perspectives on various stories.

· Monitors the media relations inbox for external and internal requests and facilitates reactive media requests when applicable. Lifts important requests, including those for research promotion, to team.

· Supports our research and innovation promotion by creating targeted media lists and pitching to appropriate reporters.

· Manages the daily media monitoring program, through manual search as well as through the department’s media monitoring services, and updates the online newsroom each morning with links to media coverage.

· Builds strong relationships with clinicians, researchers and staff to identify areas where the Brigham stands out as a unique health care provider and research institution.

· Builds strong relationships with reporters and producers in local, regional and national media outlets to forge communications that highlight Brigham care, research, and community and education initiatives.

· Assists in the facilitation of media interviews for Brigham experts, including obtaining necessary approvals, arranging logistics, and conducting advance preparation sessions.

· Supports the integrated communication efforts by participating in team meetings, contributing to projects through content creation, and sharing information across the team. Closely monitors print, broadcast and online news reports for news trends and potential proactive areas of interest.

· Works in a hybrid model.

QUALIFICATIONS

§ Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism with 4+ years’ experience in a team-centric, public affairs environment with proven ability in media relations activities. Health care experience a plus.

§ Proficiency in managing media monitoring databases, Microsoft Outlook and Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

§ Proven ability to develop and manage strategic communication plans with multiple projects and deadlines.

§ Experience developing communication materials (e.g., press releases, media advisories, pitches, media prep documents, newsletters, reports) for both internal and external audiences.

SKILLS REQUIRED

§ Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and strong interpersonal skills.

§ Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and demonstrated ability in managing multiple projects simultaneously while working effectively under the pressure of last-minute deadlines and changing priorities.

§ Ability to effectively communicate scientific ideas in laypeople’s terms.

§ Takes initiative and functions effectively, both independently and as a member of a team, with a willingness to assist with routine and last-minute projects.

§ Exceptional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential issues.

§ Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.