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.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for the implementation of multi-year strategic communication plans supporting and promoting scientific manuscripts published in the American Heart Association’s 14 peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals and abstracts presented at the Association’s 7 annual scientific meetings to the media and the public. Responsible for developing appropriate resources and translating the 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. 

Essential Job Duties:

• 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.

Want to help get your resume to the top? Take a look at the experience we require: 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications or equivalent experience. 
• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected pay range is $75,000 - $85,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary.  That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position. 
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution.  As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees.  The number of days will increase based on seniority level.  You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees.  This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities

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