Communications Manager - Science Media Relations

Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Communications Manager - Science Media Relations. This is a remote and flexible location position.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

• 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 American Heart 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.
• Lead development of news kits for one or more of our scientific 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 Senior Director and Vice President on day-to-day basis to help the team implement and collaborate across the organization on multi-year strategic communication plans supporting and 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 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.

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related area
• Three (3) years of excellent writing and editing skills and solid knowledge of AP Style (5 years is preferred)
• Three (3) years of managing the submission of press, promotional, or related content
• At least three (3) years of proficient computer skills, including all Microsoft Office programs, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• At least two (2) years of project management experience, including managing multiple projects concurrently, is preferred
• At least two (2) years of demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, while facing competing demands and priorities for multiple projects, is preferred

• Five (5) years of relevant experience
• Proven ability to review and translate scientific abstracts and manuscripts; develop newsworthy ideas and approaches; write and pitch stories to media outlets; manage media interviews and produce news conferences including prepping research authors and experts; craft talking points and/or key messages; foster collaborative relationships with reporters that position the organization as a primary resource for their stories.
• Portfolio demonstrating successful expertise in developing and implementing multi-faceted media strategies that generate visibility for scientific publications, journals and scientific meetings.

The expected pay range is $75,000 - $85,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may…