The Senior Media Relations Specialist is responsible for developing and coordinating communications strategies for key health system initiatives, clinical service lines and clinical research priorities. Specific tasks include: developing written materials such as press releases and media pitches, award nominations and select social media posts; developing and maintaining relationships with faculty clinicians and researchers, administrative staff and others to identify storytelling opportunities; developing and maintaining relationships with news media; coordinating with other teams, e.g. social media, internal communications and University peers; and identifying and escalating sensitive issues to department leadership. Given the nature of the work, some activities may require after or before normal work hours and weekend work, as appropriate.
Essential Duties:
- 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.
Required Qualifications:
- Req Bachelor’s Degree Degree preferably in journalism, public relations, marketing, communications (Degree in associated field accepted if other qualifications are met)
- Req 7 years Experience in public relations or media; experience researching, writing, editing and distributing/publishing communications materials
- Req Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working directly with clinical subject matter experts, clinical department chairs, University colleagues and other staff.
- Req Experience writing, editing and proofreading news media materials, including press releases and media pitches.
- Req Strong attention to detail; ability to edit others’ work for brand voice and clarity.
- Req Expertise in most social media channels (specifically LinkedIn).
- Req 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.
- Req Thorough knowledge of word processing and Associated Press stylebook.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Pref Master’s degree Degree in communications/public relations or management
- Pref Communications experience within healthcare, higher education or other highly regulated organization or agency
Required Licenses/Certifications:
- Req Driver's License (CA DMV) Valid California Driver's License
- Req 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)
The annual base salary range for this position is $81,120.00 - $133,010.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
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