As the Temporary Media Relations Specialist (part-time) for Houston/Gulf Coast 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 Communications, Director of Media Relations and other staff and volunteers in AHA’s Houston office to create and execute strategic media relations and communication campaigns in support of AHA fundraising efforts, educational programs, awareness campaigns, advocacy platforms and branding. This position offices in Houston and requires ability to travel regularly in the territory, with occasional overnight travel. This is a temporary position expected to last approximately 4-6 weeks and will be part-time, 20 hours a week (end date and hours worked are subject to change).
- Support Houston & Gulf Coast staff and volunteer communications by serving as the strategic media relations and public affairs expert in the market.
- Serve as the primary media contact supporting media relations and public affairs efforts for Houston & Gulf Coast communities, 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 media relations plans for the Houston/Gulf Coast market.
- Synthesize national AHA research, statements and program materials to develop local story angles and pitches for media.
- Create written media materials including news releases, media advisories, fact sheets, bios, messaging/talking points, pitches, PSAs, scripts, radio spots, etc.
- Develop and manage contents for social media platforms, including strategy, content creation and monitoring.
- Develop and build on strong media partnerships in the market, including growing our online media presence with bloggers and other non-traditional media outlets.
- Develop and maintain media lists using online tools.
- Develop and maintain calendar listings for events across the Houston/Gulf Coast area.
- Distribute news releases using local and national services as appropriate.
- Ensure that the market regularly conducts relevant media relations research and coordinate and oversee this activity.
- Monitor trends to keep informed of developments in the fields of media relations.
- Leads projects as assigned, such as localizing national AHA research stories with ties to Houston/Gulf Coast for special events.
- Work closely with the development team to support the team in meeting its objectives by generating news stories that are picked up by print, radio, TV, and non-traditional news outlets.
- Develop, implement and monitor systems to measure media relations efforts by gather data on things such as impressions, engagement and reach.
- Cultivate relationships with reporters, editors, assignment editors, anchors and other media professionals.
- Engage sponsors in effective and appropriate media activation activities and provide results for end of campaign reports.
- Work with Sr. Director to provide volunteer and staff media relations 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 OP/Ed materials and work for placement in collaboration with the Sr. Director. 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.