Sr. Communications Manager - Science Media Relations

Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association (Association) has an excellent opportunity for a Senior Communications Manager - Science Media Relations.

This is a position that can be home-based and a flexible location.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for the implementation of multi-year strategic communication plans supporting and promoting scientific manuscripts published in the American Heart Association’s 14 peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, abstracts presented at the Association’s scientific meetings and the Association’s clinical care guidelines, scientific statements and advisories to the media and the public. Responsible for developing appropriate resources and translating the science for the media and the public, to reinforce the Association’s role as a leading voice in cardiovascular and brain health science and care, and the Association’s mission and impact goals. Responsible for securing earned media coverage, establishing and cultivating relationships with journalists, and supporting our science leaders and research authors of scientific manuscripts and abstracts presenting at our scientific meetings or publishing in our scientific journals, and other projects as assigned. 

Essential Job Duties:

• Review manuscripts accepted for publication in our scientific journals and abstracts accepted for presentation at our scientific meetings.
• Develop news releases or other news materials, media pitches, and multi-media assets to promote scientific research featured in abstracts and manuscripts, published in the American Heart Association’s 14 peer-reviewed scientific journals and/or presented at any of the Association’s 7 scientific meetings, or to promote the Association’s clinical care guidelines, scientific statements, and advisories.
• Collaborate with team members to review and select abstracts to promote, provide peer edits for colleagues’ news releases, develop talking points, key messages for research authors and/or experts for commentary and perspective.
• Lead development of news kits for one or more of our scientific meetings, which includes review and selection of abstracts for promotion; developing detailed news releases that include expert quotes/perspectives as well as research author perspectives,; producing or collaborating with other teams for all related news materials, which may include video interviews, talking points, key messages, FAQs and/or infographics.
• Work with the Senior Director and the Vice President on the traditional and social media, as well as Association-owned channels.
• Develop strategic communications plans, media opportunities and relationships to promote the Association’s role as a thought leader in cardiovascular science and brain health, including the Association’s clinical care guidelines, scientific statements and advisories.
• Monitor the traditional media and social media landscape to ensure the Association can respond appropriately to breaking news related to heart and brain health and latest evidence-based recommendations to mitigate risk, as well efforts to protect the Association’s reputation and integrity.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Science and Medicine, Science Operations, Scientific Publishing, Science Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Health and Science Programs, and Enterprise-Wide Mobilization teams, and external collaborators to optimize communications reach and amplify the Association’s life-saving mission among volunteers, internal stakeholders, and external partners.
• Supervise up to 2 members of the Science Media Relations team in close collaboration with the Senior Director.
• Lead or support other Communications initiatives as applicable and relevant.
• Mentor and coach Science Media Relations team members and internal and external collaborators.

Want to help get your resume to the top? Take a look at the experience we require: 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) years of excellent writing and editing skills, translating scientific research for the public, and solid knowledge of AP Style.
• Five (5) years of managing the submission of press, promotional, or related content, building relationships with journalists, and securing quality earned media coverage.
• Five (5) years of proficient computer skills, including all Microsoft Office programs, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Five (5) years of project management experience, including managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Five (5) years of demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, while facing competing demands and priorities for multiple projects.
• Ability to travel up to 10%-15% local and overnight stay.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Eight (8) years of relevant experience.
• At least three (3) years of experience in a successful supervisory role.
• Proven ability to review and translate scientific abstracts and manuscripts; develop newsworthy ideas and approaches; write and pitch stories to media outlets; manage media interviews and produce news conferences, including prepping research authors and experts; craft talking points and/or key messages; foster collaborative relationships with reporters that position the organization as a primary resource for their stories.  
• Portfolio demonstrating successful expertise in developing and implementing multi-faceted media strategies that generate visibility for scientific publications, journals, and scientific meetings.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary minimum to the midpoint of the range is $86,000.00 to $102,000.00. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials may apply to the pay range. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. 

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary.  That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position. 
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution.  As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees.  The number of days will increase based on seniority level.  You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees.  This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities