Communications Officer, YCC Media Relations & Audience Development
Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, us, 06540
Overview
Reporting to the Director of Media Relations and Audience Development, this role will be responsible for the development and execution of a media relations strategy that elevates and enhances the reputation of the Yale Cancer Center (YCC) and Smilow Cancer Hospital (SCH). The successful candidate will also produce the weekly Yale Cancer Answers radio show and podcast. Additionally, the communications officer will work to elevate the reputation of Yale Cancer Center and highlight the expertise of its leadership nationally. Salary Range $68,000.00 - $120,500.00 Essential Duties (Responsibilities)
Cultivate relationships with journalists and secure placements within local, national, and international consumer and trade media outlets. Maintain regular contact and develop a vast network of media contacts to further brand awareness and share of voice. Attend cancer conferences and national meetings in person, as needed, representing Yale Cancer Center on-the-ground in the media room and networking with journalists to get coverage for our faculty. Develop a close working relationship with faculty as well as colleagues in marketing and media relations at the Yale New Haven Health System, Yale Medicine, and Yale University. Collaborate with media colleagues on pitching and messaging (as needed), effectively utilizing this network to increase media visibility. Expand opportunities for audience development, including content partnerships, syndication, and engagement with professional associations, such as with the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Cancer Society, to promote awareness of YSM faculty research in key areas. Communicate with the social media specialist to ensure that key media placements are shared through relevant channels to maximize shares, likes, and reach. Network within the institution to efficiently highlight YCC and SCH experts’ research and prominence within the medical field. Attend weekly YCC grand rounds to network with faculty and gain knowledge. Cultivate relationships with media entities at oncologic professional organizations and trade outlets. Maximize breaking news opportunities, which can occasionally occur off-hours and on weekends. Track, analyze, and share press coverage through our internal systems and provide dashboard reports monthly or as needed. Provide video reels on an as-needed basis. Coordinate all consents for patient media interviews, always protecting our patients’ protected health information and needs first. Accompany all media and documentary filmmakers during on-site interviews to ensure privacy of our patients in clinical areas and protection of data in research labs. Accompany faculty to studio interviews as needed. Continuously monitor brand reputation for YCC and SCH and ensure proper brand identity in media placements. Work with Yale Medicine and Yale School of Medicine on established and future collaborative partnership efforts that strengthen brand reputation and strategically advance audience development. Collaborate well with YNHH colleagues at the various Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Centers across the state to maximize coverage. Consistently brand monitor media mentions for YCC and SCH. Other duties as assigned. Position responsibilities most closely align with the details written above. Required Skills and Abilities
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences. Strong media relations expertise, including managing inquiries, building relationships, and crafting effective press materials. Demonstrated experience in crisis communications, including the ability to work under pressure and make decisions in fast-paced environments. Production-related experience in producing quality broadcasts or podcasts. Preferred Skills and Abilities
10 years of experience in media relations and writing Science and/or healthcare experience Principal Responsibilities
Manages relationships with external media sources. Pursues media coverage creatively and aggressively. Responds to inquiries from national and international news media, student media, the University community and the general public. Enhances the overall quality of media relations for key stakeholders by preparing them for media interviews. Manages relationships with key campus stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism, judgment and understanding of stakeholder goals. Creates compelling story ideas and narratives; produces content for both external and internal channels; writes copy and social media posts and manages content. Plans social media strategies for key University communications and programs. Monitors University social media assets for negative comments or misinformation. Supports short- and long-term communication planning with insights into audiences, channels and culture; coordinates with other communications professionals to achieve institutional goals; leads the communications process within developed standards and protocols. Supports effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University’s position via personal interviews or written responses. Produces multimedia content and manages the work of graphic and web designers, student interns, printers, video producers and photographers. Manages communication plans for all stakeholders by understanding the significance of campus initiatives and/or academic work; creates compelling stories and messages to translate the significance through language that is clear and accessible for public awareness. Develops and maintains regular contact with media representatives in multiple disciplines. Maintains the Yale brand and graphic identity standards; supports and maintains standard operating procedures; contributes to digital asset management. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field and five years of experience in public relations, journalism, television, corporate communications or agency work or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in developing communications for a range of media and working with creative professionals in design, photography or video. Job Posting Date
02/05/2026 Job Category
Professional Bargaining Unit
NON Compensation Grade
Administration & Operations Compensation Grade Profile
Supervisor; Senior Associate (P5) Time Type
Full time Duration Type
Staff Work Model
Hybrid Location
50 Division Street, New Haven, Connecticut Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It’s Your Yale website. Health Requirements
Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy. Posting Disclaimer
Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department. The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran. Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA). Note
Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.
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Reporting to the Director of Media Relations and Audience Development, this role will be responsible for the development and execution of a media relations strategy that elevates and enhances the reputation of the Yale Cancer Center (YCC) and Smilow Cancer Hospital (SCH). The successful candidate will also produce the weekly Yale Cancer Answers radio show and podcast. Additionally, the communications officer will work to elevate the reputation of Yale Cancer Center and highlight the expertise of its leadership nationally. Salary Range $68,000.00 - $120,500.00 Essential Duties (Responsibilities)
Cultivate relationships with journalists and secure placements within local, national, and international consumer and trade media outlets. Maintain regular contact and develop a vast network of media contacts to further brand awareness and share of voice. Attend cancer conferences and national meetings in person, as needed, representing Yale Cancer Center on-the-ground in the media room and networking with journalists to get coverage for our faculty. Develop a close working relationship with faculty as well as colleagues in marketing and media relations at the Yale New Haven Health System, Yale Medicine, and Yale University. Collaborate with media colleagues on pitching and messaging (as needed), effectively utilizing this network to increase media visibility. Expand opportunities for audience development, including content partnerships, syndication, and engagement with professional associations, such as with the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Cancer Society, to promote awareness of YSM faculty research in key areas. Communicate with the social media specialist to ensure that key media placements are shared through relevant channels to maximize shares, likes, and reach. Network within the institution to efficiently highlight YCC and SCH experts’ research and prominence within the medical field. Attend weekly YCC grand rounds to network with faculty and gain knowledge. Cultivate relationships with media entities at oncologic professional organizations and trade outlets. Maximize breaking news opportunities, which can occasionally occur off-hours and on weekends. Track, analyze, and share press coverage through our internal systems and provide dashboard reports monthly or as needed. Provide video reels on an as-needed basis. Coordinate all consents for patient media interviews, always protecting our patients’ protected health information and needs first. Accompany all media and documentary filmmakers during on-site interviews to ensure privacy of our patients in clinical areas and protection of data in research labs. Accompany faculty to studio interviews as needed. Continuously monitor brand reputation for YCC and SCH and ensure proper brand identity in media placements. Work with Yale Medicine and Yale School of Medicine on established and future collaborative partnership efforts that strengthen brand reputation and strategically advance audience development. Collaborate well with YNHH colleagues at the various Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Centers across the state to maximize coverage. Consistently brand monitor media mentions for YCC and SCH. Other duties as assigned. Position responsibilities most closely align with the details written above. Required Skills and Abilities
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences. Strong media relations expertise, including managing inquiries, building relationships, and crafting effective press materials. Demonstrated experience in crisis communications, including the ability to work under pressure and make decisions in fast-paced environments. Production-related experience in producing quality broadcasts or podcasts. Preferred Skills and Abilities
10 years of experience in media relations and writing Science and/or healthcare experience Principal Responsibilities
Manages relationships with external media sources. Pursues media coverage creatively and aggressively. Responds to inquiries from national and international news media, student media, the University community and the general public. Enhances the overall quality of media relations for key stakeholders by preparing them for media interviews. Manages relationships with key campus stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism, judgment and understanding of stakeholder goals. Creates compelling story ideas and narratives; produces content for both external and internal channels; writes copy and social media posts and manages content. Plans social media strategies for key University communications and programs. Monitors University social media assets for negative comments or misinformation. Supports short- and long-term communication planning with insights into audiences, channels and culture; coordinates with other communications professionals to achieve institutional goals; leads the communications process within developed standards and protocols. Supports effective response strategies, often in crisis situations requiring 24/7 attention and intense media/public scrutiny, and articulates the University’s position via personal interviews or written responses. Produces multimedia content and manages the work of graphic and web designers, student interns, printers, video producers and photographers. Manages communication plans for all stakeholders by understanding the significance of campus initiatives and/or academic work; creates compelling stories and messages to translate the significance through language that is clear and accessible for public awareness. Develops and maintains regular contact with media representatives in multiple disciplines. Maintains the Yale brand and graphic identity standards; supports and maintains standard operating procedures; contributes to digital asset management. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field and five years of experience in public relations, journalism, television, corporate communications or agency work or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in developing communications for a range of media and working with creative professionals in design, photography or video. Job Posting Date
02/05/2026 Job Category
Professional Bargaining Unit
NON Compensation Grade
Administration & Operations Compensation Grade Profile
Supervisor; Senior Associate (P5) Time Type
Full time Duration Type
Staff Work Model
Hybrid Location
50 Division Street, New Haven, Connecticut Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It’s Your Yale website. Health Requirements
Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy. Posting Disclaimer
Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department. The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran. Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA). Note
Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.
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