The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), Office of Public Affairs & Communications, is currently seeking a Senior Medical and Public Relations Specialist to proactively communicate UMSOM’s expanding and exciting portfolio of discoveries and clinical innovations. Responsible for coordinating media outreach pertaining to UMSOM and working on day-to-day basis with a full range of print, on-line, and broadcast news media, with a specific focus on national as well as local media. This position supports implementation of the UMSOM’s strategic priorities including publicizing medical and scientific research, programs and activities of the school reporting to the Senior Director of Public Relations.

This is a hybrid position, requiring in person duties on the Baltimore campus, 3 days a week.

Benefits: Exempt Regular

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of.  This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland.  All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Essential Functions:

• Research and write news releases, announcements, and other critical and complex communications for external distribution to the media and internal distribution to faculty and staff.
• Tracks media metrics and prepares media coverage reports to provide to Dean’s office and faculty.
• Coordinate media interviews, conducts media training with faculty, and staffs in person interviews with broadcast media. Proactive at obtaining media coverage on new research and placing faculty on national media to comment on breaking medical news.
• Assist the Senior Director of Public Relations in planning and coordinating media events to publicize ground-breaking innovations, biomedical research discoveries, and community initiatives to improve public health.
• Produce range of health and medical content for social and multimedia platforms. Help build social media presence and influence of UMSOM.
• Proactively pitch members of the media– particularly those who cover medicine, health care and life sciences. Respond promptly to media queries. Develop and maintain relationships with local and national journalists.
• Develop specific media relations plans and/or events with other departments and oversee the implementation of these projects as necessary, including the development of distribution procedures and contact lists. Ensure database files on assigned materials are kept up to date.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, English, Journalism, or Business or relevant scientific/health care field

Experience: Three (3) years of related communications, marketing, media, public or client relations experience preferably in health care/ medical/ life sciences environment, (e.g., agency, university, non-profit or corporation). Experience in newswriting, media relations or public affairs – with a specific emphasis on medical/ science health care preferred

Other: Clery act designated job as campus security authorities (CSA) member and will comply with Clery Act requirements.

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with health care or scientific writing and ability to understand and communicate about scientific and medical research topics
• Demonstrated knowledge of press releases, media tracking, and how to pitch media
• Familiarity with digital communications and social media platforms
• Health care association, government, or agency experience
• Ability to handle multiple-tasks at once and work in a fast-paced team environment
• Strong attention to detail, as well as solid organizational, writing and editing skills
• Direct experience in working daily with national media organizations, including cultivating reporters and editors, proposing stories, and leveraging social communications
• Self-motivated, self-directed and highly organized individual who will promote a productive, collegial workplace and serve as an effective, professional brand ambassador for the University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Proficiency in utilizing Word and other Microsoft Office programs. Understanding of media monitoring and measurement tools. Working knowledge of HTML and video editing skills preferred.

Hiring Range $70,000 – $76,000, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran’s status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact [email protected].   Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

To apply, please go to:  https://umb.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=260000BR&lang=en