Media Relations Manager

At the American Cancer Society, were leading the fight for a world without cancer. Our employees and 1.5 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds including communities of color, the LGBTQ community, veterans, and people with disabilities. The greater the diversity of our people, the better we can serve our communities.

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

Position Description

*This is a remote position, candidates from all US geographies will be considered.*

JOB SUMMARY

At the direction of the Vice President, Media Relations, and working collaboratively with Marketing & Communications staff, the Media Relations Manager assists and executes earned media relations strategies and tactics that deepen knowledge and understanding of the work of the American Cancer Society in the context of our value proposition (Improving the lives of cancer patients and their families) to enhance its reputation as the leading nonprofit voluntary health organization and preeminent news source and authority on cancer-related issues and support mission and income-development objectives.

Together with his/her national team, the Media Relations Manager will execute on the above activities to ensure consistent earned media presence in both general market and trade print, broadcast and electronic media serving national audiences. Will also provide support and guidance for media relations needs in region markets as needed.

Collaborates with other functional areas within the Marketing & Communications department, field media relations staff in the regions and colleagues at ACS CAN to ensure a comprehensive, synergistic communications strategy in support of Society goals and objectives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages ACS Newsroom content
• Manages ACS media monitoring, metrics and reporting as well as relationship with external monitoring vendor.
• Works with Directors and Vice President to coordinate online/offline news conferences, media briefings and other media events.
• Arranges and monitors media interviews with ACS staff and volunteer experts.
• Manages contracts with vendors
• Proactively works to support national media relations strategy including but not limited to identifying and placing news and feature stories about the ACS mission with an emphasis on health equity/diversity equity and inclusion and income priorities; through the systematic cultivation of media contacts and relationships; observation and assessment of current trends and opportunities in media coverage of cancer and health-related topics; and use of appropriate technologies, materials and spokespersons in order to ensure timely and accurate delivery of Society messages. Coordinates responses to inquiries and requests from news media.
• Writes communications materials (news releases, pitches, media advisories, talking points.) in support of ACS objectives.
• Liaises and partners with intradepartmental teams and ACS CAN colleagues to create and produce comprehensive, integrated communications strategies and messaging.
• Maintains current knowledge and awareness of mission support and mission delivery strategies and most current policies and positions by working collaboratively with Marketing & Communications, field media relations staff and through regular use of internal communications channels.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Participates in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Relay For Life and other American Cancer Society events/activities, as appropriate.

Position Requirements

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Three to five years of related experience with a progressive set of responsibilities in media relations with proven media placement results.
• Healthcare/science/medical/nonprofit communications experience strongly preferred. Experience in journalism, a national health nonprofit, corporation, or PR agency preferred.
• Experience working with media serving diverse audiences desired.

SKILLS

• Demonstrates good news judgment.
• Established, proven relationships with editors, reporters, writers and producers - or demonstrated capability - and tangible past proof of performance.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively and offer counsel.
• Knowledge of new and emerging technologies and processes that track, count, manage and analyze media interaction and coverage clips; must be able to demonstrate media relations proof of performance.
• Ability to develop newsworthy ideas, pitch and write news for media outlets
• Must have demonstrated skills in writing, creativity, project management and campaign development.
• Proficient in the use of social media including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
• Highly motivated self-starter willing to take initiative and follow-through in both proactive and reactive media relations activities.
• Desire to work in an extremely fast-paced environment, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams.
• Experience with and comfort in working with top organization executives and subject matter experts and working with them for media interviews.
• Ability to communicate with volunteers, staff, and constituencies from multiple organizations, and to provide strategic guidance in a collaborative, consultative, and positive manner.
• Ability to build consensus and to work through others in achieving desired results and objectives.
• Consistent ability to set and deliver against a work plan in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have a great attitude and strong willingness to learn and be challenged.
• Commitment to the mission and goals of the American Cancer Society.

SPECIAL MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is normally performed in a home office work environment.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Ability and willingness to travel, as needed. (Currently minimal travel required.)
• Ability to be available at any time 24/7 in instances in which a communication issue arises.
• The compensation range established for this position begins at a minimum of $70,000 per year.* Actual starting pay may differ based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

The American Cancer Society has adopted a vaccination policy that requires all staff, regardless of position or work location, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (except where prohibited by state law).

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.