Media Relations Strategist

The Media Relations Strategist is responsible for developing and executing proactive earned media strategies to raise the visibility of the organization and the specialty of pathology. Primary responsibilities include serving as the primary point person for all media and public relations activity including overall management of adverse events and crisis communications, working closely with communication team partners aligned to specific business functions (advocacy communications, laboratory quality communications, internal communications, membership communications, brand writing, etc.) as well as business unit subject matter experts.

Qualified candidates must possess the following skills:

• Proven written and oral communication skills, including ability to persuade and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders.
• Fluid working knowledge of industry tools for news release distribution and research (Cision, Meltwater, Burrell’s, PR Newswire, etc.)
• Experience developing communication content tailored to the specific medium and audience requirements (e.g., emails, speeches, scripts, press releases, talking points, web sites, briefing packets, preparation materials, backgrounders, training decks).
• Strong influencing skills and ability to adapt to a precise and professional organizational culture, navigate across the organization (eg, matrix structures, leadership, key stakeholders), and work with outside agencies and consultants.
• Strong project management, meeting management, and critical thinking skills.
• Must be able to work to tight deadlines, manage through ambiguity, manage multiple projects at once, be willing to challenge the status quo, and maintain professionalism under pressure.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a communications related field is required; Master’s degree is preferred. A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in public relations, ideally in healthcare, diagnostics or medical device industries is required. Public relations agency experience is a plus.
• A portfolio of successfully pitched and published news stories in well-known consumer (USA Today, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, etc) and health outlets (Prevention, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, etc.) as well as health-related trade publications (Modern Healthcare, CAP Today, etc) is required. Must be able to travel and ensure 24/7 coverage.

• Competitive salaries 
• Paid time off 
• Paid holidays 
• Comprehensive insurance coverage (including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, flexible spending, life, and short- and long-term disability) 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Retirement plan 
• Wellness programs 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Flexible hours 
• Pleasant, smoke-free environment