External Communications Senior Specialist

Position Overview:

The External Communications Senior Specialist plays a critical role on the Mass General Brigham (MGB) team, effectively supporting the development and implementation of an organization-wide public relations and communications strategy. The Senior Specialist proactively seeks out newsworthy research findings, important system initiatives and engaging patient stories to pitch them to members of the national, regional and local media and support a positive image of the MGB healthcare system. The Senior Specialist communicates MGB clinical and institutional activities through an ongoing media relations and communications program, including the development and dissemination of newsworthy materials. Duties involve developing communication materials, including proactive media pitching, media advisories, press releases, reactive response and interview prep documents.

Reporting to and working closely with the Senior Manager, the Senior Specialist's main focus will be on MGB's core, community health and health equity initiatives. These will center on community health, maternal health, behavioral health and substance use disorder. MGB's United Against Racism initiative and its core equity values will run through the heart of this proactive work. The Senior Specialist will work with the Senor Manager, the Senior Director and team members to promote key initiatives, efforts, research, patient stories and thought leadership in these areas. The Senior Specialist will also work with the Senior Manager to promote and support pediatrics and women's health.

The Senior Specialist also must be capable of handling numerous responsibilities and media inquiries simultaneously. They must have strong, multi-faceted communication expertise with an emphasis on writing skills, digital media, organizational savvy/relationship skills, and the ability to meet deadlines. Excellent communication skills, including writing, a fresh and creative approach to engaging media, as well as strong organizational abilities are essential, as is the capacity to plan, coordinate and evaluate multiple projects and programs. The position requires strong professional skills, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to establish priorities and work well under pressure and tight deadlines. Also required are an understanding of and respect for sensitive issues related to patient care and confidentiality, as well as an understanding of and appreciation for embargoes associated with scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals. The Senior Specialist must be able to work as a team member as well as independently on projects.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

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  Reports to the Senior Manager.

  
  
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  Supports the execution of media relations strategy, activities and proactive placement of positive messages for MGB across select earned and owned media channels, to support key clinical services, system priorities, and departmental goals.

  
  
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  Researches, writes and disseminates news releases as appropriate, as well as media advisories and story pitches to appropriate news media outlets, in accordance with media relations procedures and policies and within deadlines.

  
  
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  Initiates proactive media coverage about patient care, research, and community initiatives to local, regional and national media.

  
  
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  Responds to the many inquiries from the local, regional, national, international and trade media in accordance with media relations' procedures and represents the system in a professional manner to the media.

  
  
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  Develops relationships and established trust with various departments, employees and staff throughout the system to determine the need for publicity, identify the opportunities, initiate media coverage and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy. Has an acute awareness of the interests, needs and sensitivities among the system's various audiences, including patients, families, employees, volunteers, physicians, donors, trustees and the general public.

  
  
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  Assists in the facilitation of media interviews for MGB experts, including obtaining necessary approvals, arranging logistics, providing media training, conducting advance preparation sessions and staffing story opportunities.

  
  
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  Escorts media representatives, news crews and photographers through our hospitals when needed.

  
  
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  Develops and enhances relationships with members of the media and follows changes in staffing among reporters and editors who may be involved with news and features that relate to the MGB system.

  
  
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  Coordinates across the MGB MarComm department to ensure news content is distributed to appropriate audiences across appropriate internal, social media, digital and marketing channels.

  
  
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  Responsible for awareness of media activity and placements related to key coverage areas in order to remain competitive and relevant.

  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, English, communications or related field. Minimum 3-5 years of public relations or communications experience.
  
• Must have experience in media relations and/or experience in or with news media. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills including a thorough understanding of correct grammar; experience in writing news releases, advisories, pitch letters, statements and talking points; and ability to create targeted messages for a variety of media outlets.
  
• Knowledge and proficiency in the use of communication-based technology platforms.
  
• A track record of consistently meeting performance measures and service standards.
  
• Knowledge of Mass General Brigham institutions, communication channels and processes a plus.
  
• Must understand the importance of balancing the information needs of the media while keeping the best interests and right to privacy of patients first and foremost.
  
• Must be an effective and accurate writer who understands the importance of and is committed to meeting deadlines.
• Ability to turn complicated clinical information into relatable communication a must.
  
• Must possess excellent interpersonal, public speaking and presentation skills.
  
• Science writing experience a plus.
  

Skills/Abilities/Competencies:

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of communication development and delivery.
• Exceptional demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Spanish language proficiency a plus.
• Sound editorial judgment regarding publication content, design, and effectiveness.
• Experience writing communications for wide and diverse audience using a range of channels.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation and delivery skills.
• Ability to effectively formulate and execute messages and strategies using a variety of communication vehicles.
• Understanding of personal computer software applications, including desktop publishing and how to apply them to effectively communicate with large groups.
• Strong organizational, planning and project management skills, including the ability to handle risk and/or difficult situations and manage effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex ideas, including problem-solving skills necessary to gather and interpret data and to diagnose needs.
• An organized self-starter who can work autonomously and manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver under tight deadlines.
• Requires minimal direction from leadership and possesses the ability to learn quickly.
• Maintains awareness of and proficiency in current trends and practices in marketing, public/media relations and healthcare management.
• Maintains skill levels in technology tools required to perform job requirements.

Fiscal Responsibility:

• Demonstrates fiscal responsibility by effectively using Mass General Brigham resources.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work environment, consisting of remote and on-site office and hospital locations.
• Monday to Friday, occasional weekends and extended hours

Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.

Mass General Brigham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives, and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under the law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment.