Communications Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist is primarily responsible for media outreach and communications related to health, science, and policy/advocacy initiatives, including coordinating all aspects of the annual meeting press program. The Communications Specialist serves as a writer/editor, works with spokespeople and reporters to communicate science and policy issues, and is responsible for helping to develop and execute media outreach and engagement strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a writer and editor. Typical writing assignments may include both scientific and non-scientific (e.g., health policy-related) talking points, press releases, press statements, media pitches, op-eds, and other relevant content.
• Assists with the planning and execution of annual meeting press program - from the facilitation of staff review of annual meeting abstracts for possible inclusion in the program, to the management of the annual meeting press materials development and review process. Serves as primary liaison with abstract authors involved in the press program and their institutions and sponsors.
• Works closely with the ASH Government Relations department and takes initiative to support ASH advocacy efforts through media statements and targeted press outreach. Serves as a liaison to the Government Relations team and supports the drafting of social media copy for policy-related news as needed.
• Reviews the latest research slated for publication in the Society’s journals and recommends newsworthy studies to be featured for press promotion. Works with journal editors and manuscript authors; researches and writes press releases or works closely with a freelancer who writes releases; coordinates approval with authors, their institutions, and journal editors; publishes releases to the ASH website and various other distribution channels and lists; pitches releases to relevant reporters; and coordinates author interviews. Occasionally assists with drafting promotional copy for Blood journals press releases on social media.
• Supports public awareness campaign development and execution, including but not limited to promoting the ASH Research Collaborative (ASH RC) efforts and the Society’s Sickle Cell Disease Initiative, clinical practice guidelines, and training programs.
• Follows news coverage and trends about blood disorders and health and science policy on a daily basis and leads the development of daily clips emails for staff and members. Through this news tracking, identifies opportunities for media outreach, develops relationships with reporters, pitches ASH member experts to publications to feature in stories, and prepares ASH spokespeople for interviews.
• Ensures timely responses to journalist requests for materials or experts for interview. Works closely with the Communications Manager to identify appropriate members of the ASH Media Experts Subcommittee to serve as experts or spokespeople. Supports and staffs interviews with Media Experts Subcommittee members and ASH officers. Conducts any necessary interview follow-up with reporters, offers feedback to experts, and debriefs with Communications team as needed.
• Organizes planning and execution of media training sessions.
• Maintains reporter contact lists and media inquiries tracking database, distributes relevant press materials, and monitors/tracks year-round media coverage in public relations software database as well as assists in developing media coverage reports and executive summaries.
• Works with the Society’s public relations firm on annual meeting media relations, serves as point of contact for embargo policy questions, participates in team calls, and assists the Communications Manager with running the media room and press briefings on site at the annual meeting.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL REQUIRED

• College degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, English, or related field required.
• A minimum of three years of related work experience in public relations or strategic communications, including media relations experience.
• Ability to distill complex information into lay language, and to communicate with a variety of diverse audiences.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills; specific experience with science/health/policy writing required. Familiarity with Associated Press style strongly preferred.
• Computer proficient and adept at learning new software.
• An interest in government affairs and advocacy is desirable.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Ability to efficiently manage time, meet deadlines, and handle multiple assignments simultaneously and independently.
• Strong oral communication skills and interpersonal skills, including professionalism and ability to work well with the ASH leadership.

PHYSICAL REQUREMENTS

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to use computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
• May require some out-of-town work travel.