Description

The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Communications Manager - Science Media Relations . This is a remote and flexible location position. In this role, you will be responsible for the implementation of multi-year strategic communication plans supporting and promoting scientific manuscripts published in the Association’s 14 peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals and abstracts presented at the Association's scientific meetings to the media and the public. Responsible for developing appropriate resources and translating science for the media and the public, to reinforce the Association’s role as a leading science voice and Association’s impact goals. Responsible for securing media coverage, establishing and cultivating relationships with journalists, and supporting our leaders and research authors presenting at our scientific meetings or publishing in our scientific journals, and other projects as assigned.

Responsibilities 

• Review manuscripts accepted for publication in our scientific journals and abstracts accepted for presentation at our scientific meetings.
• Develop news releases or other news materials, media pitches, and multi-media assets to promote scientific research featured in abstracts and manuscripts, published in the Association’s 14 peer-reviewed scientific journals, and presented at any of the Association’s 7 scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with team members to review and select abstracts to promote, provide peer edits for colleagues’ news releases, develop talking points, key messages for research authors and/or experts for commentary and perspective.
• Leads development of news kits for EPI/Lifestyle and Hypertension Scientific Sessions meetings, which includes review and selection of abstracts for promotion; developing detailed news releases that include expert quotes/perspectives as well as research author perspective; producing or collaborating with other teams for all related news materials, which may include video interviews, talking points, key messages, FAQs and/or infographics.
• Work with the Director and Vice President on a day-to-day basis to help the team implement and collaborate across the organization on multi-year strategic communication plans supporting traditional and social media, as well as Association-owned channels.
• Develop media opportunities and relationships to promote the Association’s science-related work.
• Monitor the traditional media, digital media and social media landscape to ensure the Association can respond appropriately to breaking news related to heart and brain health and latest evidence-based recommendations to mitigate risk, as well efforts to protect the Association’s reputation and integrity.
• Lead or support other Communications initiatives as applicable and relevant.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related area, or equivalent work experience.
• At least three (3) years of excellent writing and editing skills and solid knowledge of AP Style. Five (5) years preferred.
• At least three (3) years of experience managing the submission of press, promotional, or related content. Five (5) years preferred.
• At least three (3) years of proficient computer skills, including all Microsoft Office programs, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• At least three (3) years of project management experience, including managing multiple projects concurrently.
• At least three (3) years of demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, while facing competing demands and priorities for multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proven ability to review scientific abstracts and manuscripts, develop newsworthy ideas, write and pitch stories to media outlets, manage media interviews, including prepping authors and experts, crafting talking points and/or key messages, and foster collaborative relationships with reporters that position the organization as a primary resource for their stories.