The American Heart Association has a great opportunity for a Communications Manager in our Public and Media Relations department at our National Center office located in Dallas, TX . This individual will be responsible for leveraging public relations tactics to help informs the public about advances in the understanding, prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke and about AHA’s role in reducing disability and death from these diseases. By generating media coverage and other publicity (social media, website, etc.) of AHA science (scientific meetings, journal papers and comments on scientific studies); issues of concern (including high cholesterol, social determinants of health and sodium and sugary beverage consumption, etc.); and AHA’s scientific initiatives (such as One Brave Idea, Precision Medicine Institute and Center for Health Metrics), the incumbent promotes the Association as the nation’s leading source of credible, current information about heart disease and stroke.
- Develops and implements global strategic public relations plans to generate media coverage for AHA’s scientific initiatives relating to AHA scientific advances and projects such as One Brave Idea, Precision Medicine Institute and Center for Health Metrics, etc. Activities include developing custom media lists, prepping spokesperson for interviews, pitching journalists and securing coverage.
- Serves as a co-manager of the AHA journal news release program -- the main means by which the AHA disseminates information about important research in its 12 scientific journals. Leads selection of newsworthy and strategically aligned journal studies while working in conjunction with science media relations staff and science and medicine staff; manages freelance writers; edits material from freelance writers; writes news releases, talking points, FAQ and news briefs.
- Co manages news operations of two AHA scientific meetings and leads news operation for the BCVS and ATVB meetings.
- Writes and edits materials and news releases for national news media; writes text that clearly and simply “translates” for a lay audience the complex, technical language of AHA scientific information including studies published in AHA journals, scientific meetings and key initiatives (Precision Medicine Institute, Center for Health Metrics, One Brave Ideas, etc.)
- Prepares and distributes media materials (news release, scripts, FAQ, etc.); secures approvals from scientists interviewed and AHA science-medical department; as needed; selects and supervises freelance writers who may be involved in these projects.
- At least three years of experience in journalism or public relations.
- Experience in writing news releases to popular news media.
- Experience in using a computer/word processor for typing.
- Ability to communicate complex information so that it can be understood by the public.
- Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of people -- volunteer scientists, physicians, and reporters -- as indicated by comments of applicant and references.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work extra hours when project is urgent.
- Ability to travel via commercial airline several times per year to AHA conferences and related activities. Travel will involve overnight stay.