Medical/Science Communications

Are you currently at a PR firm working for medical clients? A science writer looking to make the jump to media? A pharmaceutical comms person interested in working more directly with physicians and scientists? If you’re ready to refocus while also spreading your wings, the American Gastroenterological Association has a great opportunity for you!

This position in our communications department focuses on media relations: promoting science from our influential journals and practice guidelines, managing the newsroom at Digestive Disease Week, the largest gathering of GIs in the world, and keeping up with the latest news from the exciting world of digestive health. Think: colon cancer screening, new treatments for GI diseases, the gut microbiome, efforts to address racial disparities in health care and supporting policies that protect patient access to care.

You will also have responsibility for general communications projects and promotion of content to clinicians and researchers. So, familiarity with social, WordPress, email distribution systems, Canva, PPT, etc. will be helpful.

The comms team is a creative, supportive group and AGA offers solid work-life balance with generous benefits.

WHY WORK AT AGA?

• We care about our core values: innovative, engaged, collaborative, open, inclusive.
• We value work-life balance and provide generous time off.
• Market competitive compensation plus 7% employer contribution to retirement plan.
• Remote/hybrid work environment.
• Comprehensive health care benefits at a reasonable cost.

AGA INSTITUTE POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:       Manager, Communications & Media Relations

REPORTS TO:             Senior Director, Communications

SUMMARY:                   Join a creative, supportive and results-driven communications team! This position will be AGA’s frontline media contact, responsible for engaging with reporters and creating strategies to build relationships with the media and increase AGA media coverage. This position will plan and implement member- and public-facing promotional campaigns for AGA content. The ideal candidate will have proven success in media relations, excellent oral and written communication, a drive for successful outcomes, and a positive “can-do” attitude.

Duties and Responsibilities

Media Relations

1. Serve as primary internal point of contact between AGA and media on proactive and responsive media requests.
2. Draft press releases, media alerts and pitches to reporters on AGA science, guidelines, meetings and positions.
3. Establish and maintain relationships with reporters. Grow our media contact database.
4. Maintain speakers’ bureau of physician spokespersons.
5. Oversee PR agency responsible for the Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) Newsroom.
6. Monitor, track and promote media coverage, sharing noteworthy placements with the team and public.

Communications

1. Create and implement promotional plans to promote AGA’s science, clinical guidance and member resources.
2. Develop newsletter articles, web copy, blast email and social media posts.
3. Update website with new content using content management system.
4. Assist others on the team with content development needs, blast emails, video projects, social campaigns and other work, as assigned.
5. Create and implement methods for tracking and evaluating success and impact of communications strategies for assigned projects.
6. Provide proofreading support, reviewing documents before public dissemination for style, grammar, clarity and length.

Qualifications

1. Experience with health/medical/science communication.
2. Solid media relations experience and demonstrated news coverage placements. Agency experience is helpful.
3. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
4. Strong attention to detail and organizational and writing skills.
5. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and media platforms (ex. MuckRack).
6. Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and work in a fast-paced team environment.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

AGA is a professional member association. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, AGA has grown to include more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology.