Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. University of Southern California is seeking a Senior Media Relations Specialist responsible for developing and coordinating communication strategies for key health system initiatives. The role involves creating press releases, managing media relationships, and promoting the health system's stories through various communication channels.
Responsibilities
- Determine strategy and priorities for media outreach for clinical service lines and faculty research that align with health system priorities and strategic initiatives
- Cultivate and maintain ongoing working relationships with news media (national, regional and local) for clinical service lines
- Prioritize stories to promote externally. Determine the most effective way to pitch/communicate stories and identify appropriate faculty and/or staff to include. Conduct proactive media outreach to secure media coverage
- Write and disseminate press releases, pitch letters, talking points, media statements and other communications materials
- Compile media wrap reports highlighting media relations team and department success to clinicians, administrators and leadership
- Respond to incoming media requests and staff on-campus media interviews; counsel experts on media interview protocol and appropriate messaging, as needed
- Coordinate promotion of media relations coverage with other marketing and communications teams and departments, as appropriate
- Monitor current news for trends/topics to proactively pitch Keck Medicine experts for inclusion
- Manage awards calendar, draft award entries and coordinate communication of recognitions
- Track relevant professional medical/research conferences and provide media relations support, as needed
- Draft select social media content (specifically LinkedIn), as needed
- Performs other duties as requested
Skills
- Bachelor's Degree preferably in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications (Degree in associated field accepted if other qualifications are met)
- 7 years Experience in public relations or media; experience researching, writing, editing and distributing/publishing communications materials
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working directly with clinical subject matter experts, clinical department chairs, University colleagues and other staff
- Experience writing, editing and proofreading news media materials, including press releases and media pitches
- Strong attention to detail; ability to edit others' work for brand voice and clarity
- Expertise in most social media channels (specifically LinkedIn)
- Ability to learn/utilize content management platforms for press release and newsletter distribution. Utilize internal project management system for cross-team collaboration and sharing content
- Thorough knowledge of word processing and Associated Press stylebook
- Valid California Driver's License
- Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
- Master's degree Degree in communications/public relations or management
- Communications experience within healthcare, higher education or other highly regulated organization or agency
Company Overview
University of Southern California is a private research university offering opportunities for interdisciplinary study and collaboration. It was founded in 1880, and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is http://www.usc.edu.