As the Director of Communications, Media Relations for Greater Houston you will make an extraordinary impact by working with development and health strategies colleagues to craft and deliver strategic communications to external and internal audiences.
Responsibilities involve working with the Senior Director of Communications, Director of Marketing and other staff and volunteers in the Greater Houston area to create and execute strategic media relations campaigns in support of AHA fundraising efforts, educational programs, awareness campaigns, advocacy platforms and branding.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Support Greater Houston staff and volunteer communications by serving as the strategic media relations and public relations expert in the market.
- Serve as the primary media contact supporting media relations efforts for Greater Houston to build awareness for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
- In collaboration with Senior Director of Communications, develop, lead and drive comprehensive and integrated traditional media PR/Communications plans for the Greater Houston market.
- Synthesize national AHA research, statements and program materials to develop local story angles and pitches for media.
- Create written media materials including press releases, advisories, fact sheets, bios, messaging/talking points, pitches, PSA scripts, radio rip-and-reads, etc.
- Develop and manage the Greater Houston social media platforms, including strategy, content creation and monitoring.
- Develop speakers’ bureau, including media spokespeople from our base of volunteers and conduct annual spokesperson media training.
- Develop and build on strong media partnerships in the market, including growing our online media presence with bloggers and non-traditional media outlets.
- Engage sponsors in effective and appropriate media activation activities and provide results for end of campaign reports.
- Provide volunteer and staff training and additional resources as necessary related to new and on-going AHA programs and campaigns.
- Increase and steward volunteer engagement through community relations and the recruitment of leadership volunteers to help achieve revenue and mission goals.
- Develop, implement and monitor systems and procedures necessary to the smooth operation of the marketing/communications/public relations function.
- Working with the Senior Communications Director and Marketing Director, secure local media sponsorships for AHA events and programs.
- Works with Senior Director and/or VP to manage local crises or sensitive issues.
- Works in collaboration with media advocacy staff to develop appropriate media advocacy strategies and implements strategies as appropriate.
- Manages and implements other projects as identified by the Senior Director.
You will make sure we have the best communications possible (we are talking quality here), so our plans and our execution of these plans makes and extraordinary impact on the mission of the organization. This is an in-office position where event attendance is vital.
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in communications, public relations, journalism or related field preferred. College coursework combined with related experience may be substituted for a degree.
Skills/Experience:
- Related experience may be substituted as follows: 1½ years’ experience equates to 1 full time year of higher education.
- 3+ years of experience in public relations/media relations communications, public/media relations, marketing or journalism. This experience may also count toward satisfying the educational requirement.
- 2+ years of social media management and/or communications experience.
- Skill in writing and editing for a variety of audiences via numerous platforms, including writing for online and mobile. Experience with AP Style preferred.
- Existing media relationships in the Greater Houston market mandatory.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus.
- PR agency experience strongly preferred.
- Intermediate knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office used for word processing, email, presentations, and spreadsheets. Advanced knowledge and skill with these programs is preferred.
- Proven ability to develop and implement communications plans and to create and place stories and promotional ideas with journalists and promotions directors in print, broadcast and social media platforms.
- Previous experience securing media sponsorships to provide maximum coverage.
- Experience producing short format video, including script writing, shooting video and editing and/or directing external agencies on such projects and the ability to create radio and TV PSAs.
- Able to lift at least 20 lbs. from the ground to waist level with or without reasonable accommodation.
- 18 years old or older.
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Oct 2 2019
Active Until:
Nov 2 2019
Hiring Organization:
American Heart Association | American Stroke Association
industry:
Nonprofit