Director Media Relations & Corporate Communications
Facility: University of Maryland Medical System
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Baltimore, MD Shift/Schedule: DAY
Department: CRP: MKTGPUBLIC AFFAIRS VP
Posted FTE: 1.0
Job Posting Category: Professionals
Hours of Work: M-F, 8:30-5:30; some nights and weekends
Job ID #: 39545
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree
License/Cert Required: Not Indicated
Minimum Experience: 10 yrs hospital & 3 yrs management experience
Specialty Type: Not Applicable
What You Will Do:
The University of Maryland Medical System is a 12-hospital system with academic, (University of Maryland Medical Center) community and specialty medical services reaching every part of Maryland and beyond. UMMC is a national and regional referral center for trauma, cancer care, neurocare, cardiac care, women's and children's health. UMMS is the fourth largest private employer in the Baltimore metropolitan area and one of the top 20 employers in the state of Maryland. No organization will give you the clinical variety, the support, or the opportunities for professional growth that you’ll enjoy as a member of our team. UMMS is currently seeking a Director of Media Relations & Corporate Communications for our downtown academic medical center location. This position will also oversee media relations/corporate communications activities for the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus and the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute.
***Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in communications, public relations, marketing, advertising or a business-related field and 10 years of hospital, corporate and/or agency communications experience including three years management experience leading a team of media relations and/or communication professionals is REQUIRED***
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
Directs the creation and execution of Media Relations & Issues Management plans and day-to-day activities. Supervises the daily activities of the joint media relations function for UMMC (University and Midtown campuses) and the UM Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute, in cooperation with the School of Medicine, and develops effective ways to distribute and amplify news originating from the 3 hospitals and the School. Develops and implements media relations strategies for therapeutic areas and for priority initiatives that align with the mission and strategic priorities of the center and the school.
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
1. Partner with hospital and School of Medicine leadership to engage in strategic, transparent, ethical communication via the news media about innovative medical research, clinical practice, patient outcomes, and hospital/system corporate operations.
2. Facilitate and provide strategic communications consultation to executive leadership on issues and activities that can impact reputation, working to deliver messages/stories proactively and to be prepared reactively. Support and protect corporate reputation through effective issues/crisis management strategies and preparedness.
3. Develop operational effectiveness within the Media Relations function including direct supervision and mentoring of a team of media relations professionals to maximize news distribution channels, streamline policies and procedures, ensure 24/7 news cycle coverage across basic science, clinical, and corporate areas.
4. Directs and manages the planning and daily operations related to organizational corporate communications, crisis management and media/public relations, and related communication, including handling media stories concurrently working across several medical/scientific specialties.
5. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key national and regional news media and support relationships between Media Relations team members and news media. Proactively garners new contacts and media leads and keep up with the changing media landscape.
6. Coordinate the development of specific media relations plans and/or events with other departments and manage the implementation of these projects as necessary, including the development of distribution procedures and contact lists.
7. Manage ongoing media relations outreach, including pro-active pitching of stories to radio, print, online and television. Draft, edit and disseminate communications materials such as press releases, media/photo advisories, videos, , calendar listings, public service announcements, articles for newsletter and website, and other materials as required. Manage preparation for and execution of satellite interviews and expert appearances. .
8. Implement systems for improving and measuring outcomes and return on investment for all media relations and corporate communications initiatives. Drive departmental innovation and performance improvement.
9. Keep current on best practices in media relations and corporate communications and conduct periodic research to determine effectiveness of our external communication channels and messaging.
10. Determines program planning and fiscal accountability. Participates in the development and implementation of goals, policies, fiscal plans and policy development for the department. Supports enforcement of communications policies.
11. Determine staffing requirements and supervise and mentors the work of all direct reports to ensure effective and efficient departmental functions. Promotes positive employee relations and resolves departmental problems. Responsible for direct supervision of employees, contractors, interns, and vendors.
A. Hire, orient, train, conduct performance evaluations, handles corrective actions, and provide an open and goal oriented work environment with establish clear and concise work procedures and productivity standards. Reviews recommendations of and provides guidance and counseling to staff regarding employee relations matters.
B. Develops staff by providing opportunities and training programs to enhance individual employee’s career development.
***Employee Benefits***
As a University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) employee, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits program designed with you and your dependents in mind. Subject to any eligibility waiting period, all of the benefits are available to regular full-time employees and most benefits are available to regular part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work twenty (20) or more hours per week. Many benefits are provided at no cost to employees. For others, the cost is shared between UMMS and employees.
*LI-AB1
~CB
What You Need to Be Successful:
1. Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Communications, public relations, marketing, graphic design, advertising or a business-related field is required. Advanced degree in communications, marketing, graphics design or related degree is preferred.
2. Ten years of hospital, corporate and/or agency communications experience is required; including three years management experience leading a team of media relations and/or communication professionals required. Experience with crisis and issues management strongly preferred.
3. Experience in health care including communicating to the news media about scientific advances, clinical trials, and medical research strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Possess a strong understanding of issues and trends impacting the health care industry along with the ability to create and capitalize on news-making opportunities.
2. Thorough understanding and interest in how news is made and how the Medical Center and School of Medicine can capitalize on today’s news opportunities.
3. Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with multi-dimensional points of view and to take accountability for deliverables, and results; able to manage multiple complex tasks and projects concurrently; exceptional organizational skills.
4. Proficiency in utilizing Word and other Microsoft Office programs required. Understanding and working knowledge of the Internet, social media, and database and Internet applications required. Understanding of media monitoring and measurement tools required. Working knowledge of HTML and video editing skills preferred.
5. Excellent news style writing and oral communication skills required, with experience packaging stories for broadcast and web.
6. 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 Medical Center and School of Medicine.
7. Extensive skills in influencing laterally and with senior leadership as well as demonstrated experience, and success in scientific/health care media relations –both traditional and on-line as well as corporate communications.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Facility: University of Maryland Medical System
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Baltimore, MD Shift/Schedule: DAY
Department: CRP: MKTGPUBLIC AFFAIRS VP
Posted FTE: 1.0
Job Posting Category: Professionals
Hours of Work: M-F, 8:30-5:30; some nights and weekends
Job ID #: 39545
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree
License/Cert Required: Not Indicated
Minimum Experience: 10 yrs hospital & 3 yrs management experience
Specialty Type: Not Applicable
What You Will Do:
The University of Maryland Medical System is a 12-hospital system with academic, (University of Maryland Medical Center) community and specialty medical services reaching every part of Maryland and beyond. UMMC is a national and regional referral center for trauma, cancer care, neurocare, cardiac care, women's and children's health. UMMS is the fourth largest private employer in the Baltimore metropolitan area and one of the top 20 employers in the state of Maryland. No organization will give you the clinical variety, the support, or the opportunities for professional growth that you’ll enjoy as a member of our team. UMMS is currently seeking a Director of Media Relations & Corporate Communications for our downtown academic medical center location. This position will also oversee media relations/corporate communications activities for the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus and the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute.
***Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in communications, public relations, marketing, advertising or a business-related field and 10 years of hospital, corporate and/or agency communications experience including three years management experience leading a team of media relations and/or communication professionals is REQUIRED***
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
Directs the creation and execution of Media Relations & Issues Management plans and day-to-day activities. Supervises the daily activities of the joint media relations function for UMMC (University and Midtown campuses) and the UM Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute, in cooperation with the School of Medicine, and develops effective ways to distribute and amplify news originating from the 3 hospitals and the School. Develops and implements media relations strategies for therapeutic areas and for priority initiatives that align with the mission and strategic priorities of the center and the school.
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
1. Partner with hospital and School of Medicine leadership to engage in strategic, transparent, ethical communication via the news media about innovative medical research, clinical practice, patient outcomes, and hospital/system corporate operations.
2. Facilitate and provide strategic communications consultation to executive leadership on issues and activities that can impact reputation, working to deliver messages/stories proactively and to be prepared reactively. Support and protect corporate reputation through effective issues/crisis management strategies and preparedness.
3. Develop operational effectiveness within the Media Relations function including direct supervision and mentoring of a team of media relations professionals to maximize news distribution channels, streamline policies and procedures, ensure 24/7 news cycle coverage across basic science, clinical, and corporate areas.
4. Directs and manages the planning and daily operations related to organizational corporate communications, crisis management and media/public relations, and related communication, including handling media stories concurrently working across several medical/scientific specialties.
5. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key national and regional news media and support relationships between Media Relations team members and news media. Proactively garners new contacts and media leads and keep up with the changing media landscape.
6. Coordinate the development of specific media relations plans and/or events with other departments and manage the implementation of these projects as necessary, including the development of distribution procedures and contact lists.
7. Manage ongoing media relations outreach, including pro-active pitching of stories to radio, print, online and television. Draft, edit and disseminate communications materials such as press releases, media/photo advisories, videos, , calendar listings, public service announcements, articles for newsletter and website, and other materials as required. Manage preparation for and execution of satellite interviews and expert appearances. .
8. Implement systems for improving and measuring outcomes and return on investment for all media relations and corporate communications initiatives. Drive departmental innovation and performance improvement.
9. Keep current on best practices in media relations and corporate communications and conduct periodic research to determine effectiveness of our external communication channels and messaging.
10. Determines program planning and fiscal accountability. Participates in the development and implementation of goals, policies, fiscal plans and policy development for the department. Supports enforcement of communications policies.
11. Determine staffing requirements and supervise and mentors the work of all direct reports to ensure effective and efficient departmental functions. Promotes positive employee relations and resolves departmental problems. Responsible for direct supervision of employees, contractors, interns, and vendors.
A. Hire, orient, train, conduct performance evaluations, handles corrective actions, and provide an open and goal oriented work environment with establish clear and concise work procedures and productivity standards. Reviews recommendations of and provides guidance and counseling to staff regarding employee relations matters.
B. Develops staff by providing opportunities and training programs to enhance individual employee’s career development.
***Employee Benefits***
As a University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) employee, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits program designed with you and your dependents in mind. Subject to any eligibility waiting period, all of the benefits are available to regular full-time employees and most benefits are available to regular part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work twenty (20) or more hours per week. Many benefits are provided at no cost to employees. For others, the cost is shared between UMMS and employees.
*LI-AB1
~CB
What You Need to Be Successful:
1. Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Communications, public relations, marketing, graphic design, advertising or a business-related field is required. Advanced degree in communications, marketing, graphics design or related degree is preferred.
2. Ten years of hospital, corporate and/or agency communications experience is required; including three years management experience leading a team of media relations and/or communication professionals required. Experience with crisis and issues management strongly preferred.
3. Experience in health care including communicating to the news media about scientific advances, clinical trials, and medical research strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Possess a strong understanding of issues and trends impacting the health care industry along with the ability to create and capitalize on news-making opportunities.
2. Thorough understanding and interest in how news is made and how the Medical Center and School of Medicine can capitalize on today’s news opportunities.
3. Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with multi-dimensional points of view and to take accountability for deliverables, and results; able to manage multiple complex tasks and projects concurrently; exceptional organizational skills.
4. Proficiency in utilizing Word and other Microsoft Office programs required. Understanding and working knowledge of the Internet, social media, and database and Internet applications required. Understanding of media monitoring and measurement tools required. Working knowledge of HTML and video editing skills preferred.
5. Excellent news style writing and oral communication skills required, with experience packaging stories for broadcast and web.
6. 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 Medical Center and School of Medicine.
7. Extensive skills in influencing laterally and with senior leadership as well as demonstrated experience, and success in scientific/health care media relations –both traditional and on-line as well as corporate communications.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.