Public Relations Specialist

Senior Media and Public Relations Specialist
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 portfolio of discoveries and clinical innovations.

Position is hybrid and requires in person duties on the Baltimore campus, three days a week.

Position Details
This position supports implementation of UMSOM's strategic priorities including publicizing medical and scientific research, programs and activities of the school. It reports to the Senior Director of Public Relations.

Benefits
UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance and professional development. The position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous paid leave package that includes over four weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, three personal leave days, unlimited accrued sick time, 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).

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.

Track media metrics and prepare media coverage reports for the Dean's office and faculty.

Coordinate media interviews, conduct media training with faculty, and staff in person interviews with broadcast media. Proactively obtain media coverage on new research and place 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 breakthroughs, biomedical research discoveries, and community initiatives.

Produce a range of health and medical content for social and multimedia platforms and help build the 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 and develop and maintain relationships with local and national journalists.

Develop specific media relations plans and/or events with other departments, oversee the implementation of these projects as necessary, including distribution procedures and contact lists, and 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, Business, or a relevant scientific/health care field.

Experience:

Three (3) years of related communications, marketing, media, public or client relations experience preferably in a 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 or science health care.

Other:

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

Additional related experience and formal education may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year‑for‑year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits equivalent to one year of experience.

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, cultivating reporters and editors, proposing stories, and leveraging social communications.

Self‑motivated, self‑directed and highly organized individual who promotes a productive, collegial workplace and serves as an effective brand ambassador for UMSOM.

Proficiency in Word and other Microsoft Office programs; understanding of media monitoring and measurement tools; working knowledge of HTML and video editing skills preferred.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer
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), please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact

jobs@umb.edu . 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.

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