Communications Program Manager

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The ideal candidate will apply a background in medical/healthcare communications to develop and advance Public Relations strategies for priority clinical care and research areas.

The position requires independent planning and decision-making skills, respect for confidentiality and effective problem-solving capabilities. This position reports to the Program Director, Public Relations and works with a collaborative, remote-based team of health care PR experts.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Communications strategy and consultation

* Build upon a medical/healthcare communications background to develop, manage, measure and consult on communications strategies for priority clinical care and research programs, in alignment with MD Anderson's strategic goals.

* Work closely with Program Director, Public Relations to establish collaborative relationships with institutional leaders, faculty and staff to enable timely information sharing and responses to media and/or institutional needs.

* Develop and drive media plans to support programs, routinely attends meetings with leadership, attends key client meetings and is available for consultation, as needed.

* Collaborates well with clients, team members, PR agency partners, Institutional Affairs division colleagues, media and other key stakeholders.

* Support institutional media and communications efforts at national medical and scientific meetings.

* Ensure patient information protection in communications, such as in accordance with HIPAA.

* Ensure brand compliance of all written and visual collateral of, and for, constituents.

Writing, content development and media relations

* Research, develop, edit and distribute content for relevant audiences that further the institution's mission. Writing responsibilities include news releases, MD Anderson publications, etc.

* Must understand clinical/medical content and translate it into relevant and compelling material for a variety of audiences.

* Set and meet/exceed deadlines with minimal direction or supervision in the process.

* Has command of AP Style and MD Anderson style with excellent writing and editing skills.

* Provide media consultation to institutional experts.

* Leverage constructive relationships with members of the news media, particularly science reporters, to offer story ideas and/or guidance in light of health care trends or national/state/local issues.

* Has experience and strong results pitching stories to health/science media and developing content into meaningful coverage.

* Collaborative team player with experience working with PR agency to advance priorities.

Measurement and reporting

* Track and analyze PR efforts on an ongoing basis to make informed decisions about next steps and success measurements.

* Works with Program Director to provide regular metrics reports to key stakeholders and leadership.

* Establish metrics that require traditional and innovative approaches to accomplish goals.

Other duties as assigned

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field

Preferred: Master's degree in English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field

Experience

Required: Six years of experience public relations, communications, writing/editing or related field. With preferred degree, four years of required experience. May substitute required education degree with additional years of equivalent experience on a one to one basis.

Preferred: Experience covering medical/healthcare topics with a background in media/public relations, preferably in an academic research or hospital environment

Onsite Presence: Position is remote (home-based) with occasional on-site activities

Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information

* Requisition ID: 153975

* Employment Status: Full-Time

* Employee Status: Regular

* Work Week: Days

* Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 73,000

* Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 91,000

* Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 109,000

* FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

* Fund Type: Hard

* Work Location: Remote (within Texas only)

* Pivotal Position: No

* Science Jobs: No