Senior Media Relations Specialist - PR and Marketing - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Ex

The Senior Media Relations Specialist is responsible for developing and coordinating communications strategies for key health system initiatives, clinical service lines and clinical research priorities. Specific tasks include writing press releases, media pitches, award nominations, and social media posts; developing and maintaining relationships with faculty, clinicians, researchers, and news media; coordinating with internal teams; and identifying and escalating sensitive issues to leadership.
Essential Duties

Determine strategy and priorities for media outreach that align with health system priorities and strategic initiatives.
Cultivate and maintain ongoing working relationships with national, regional and local news media for clinical service lines.
Prioritize stories to promote externally and determine the most effective way to pitch and communicate them, including selecting appropriate faculty and staff.
Conduct proactive media outreach to secure media coverage.
Write and disseminate press releases, pitch letters, talking points, media statements and other communication materials.
Compile media wrap reports highlighting team and department success.
Respond to incoming media requests and staff on-campus media interviews; counsel experts on interview protocol and messaging.
Coordinate promotion of media relations coverage with other marketing and communications teams.
Monitor current news for trends and pitch Keck Medicine experts for inclusion.
Manage awards calendar, draft award entries and communicate recognitions.
Track relevant medical/research conferences and provide media relations support.
Draft select social media content for LinkedIn.
Perform other duties as requested.
Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferably in journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications (degree in an associated field accepted if other qualifications are met).
7years of experience in public relations or media, including researching, writing, editing and distributing communications materials.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience working with clinical subject matter experts, department chairs, university colleagues and staff.
Experience writing, editing and proofreading news media materials, including press releases and media pitches.
Strong attention to detail and ability to edit others’ work for brand voice and clarity.
Expertise in social media channels, specifically LinkedIn.
Ability to learn and utilize content management platforms for press release and newsletter distribution.
Thorough knowledge of word processing and the Associated Press stylebook.
Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in communications, public relations or management.
Communications experience within healthcare, higher education or another highly regulated organization or agency.
Required Licenses/Certifications

Valid California driver’s license (CA DMV).
Fire & Life Safety Training (LA City); if no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days and maintained by renewal before expiration.
The annual base salary range for this position is $81,120.00 – $133,010.00.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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