Manager, Communications - Media Relations

Mayo Clinic•Phoenix, AZ

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Manager – Media Relations role is responsible for protecting Mayo Clinic’s reputation and positively elevating the organization’s visibility through earned media. The ideal candidate will bring experience in healthcare communications and demonstrate the ability to translate complex scientific and clinical information into compelling narratives that resonate with both professional and public audiences. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and relationship builder who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is comfortable working on high-profile matters with cross-functional teams and senior leaders across the organization in an agile environment. This role will be skilled in having discerning and excellent judgement in media strategies that protect Mayo Clinic’s reputation and generate positive brand awareness. They must demonstrate strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, and be detail-oriented with a high degree of accountability and follow-through.

Requirements

Experience in healthcare communications
Ability to translate complex scientific and clinical information into compelling narratives that resonate with both professional and public audiences
Strong communicator and relationship builder
Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Comfortable working on high-profile matters with cross-functional teams and senior leaders across the organization in an agile environment
Skilled in having discerning and excellent judgement in media strategies that protect Mayo Clinic’s reputation and generate positive brand awareness
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
Detail-oriented with a high degree of accountability and follow-through
Proficiency in AP Style

Nice To Haves

Experience with a proven track record of news media engagement

Responsibilities

Proactive Media Relations: Lead the development and execution of strategic media relations plans that align with institutional priorities and elevate Mayo Clinic’s visibility across local, national, and trade media. Proactively identify and pitch compelling stories that showcase clinical, research, and operational excellence. Cultivate strong relationships with journalists and editors to secure high-impact earned media coverage. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify timely story opportunities and ensure alignment with brand messaging.
Media Inquiry Management: Serve as a primary point of contact for incoming media requests. Coordinate timely and accurate responses in collaboration with subject matter experts.
Media Relations Issues Management: Serve as a strategic lead in media relations issues management, providing timely, sound, and reputationally aligned recommendations during sensitive or high-profile situations. Collaborate closely with cross-functional leaders to ensure accuracy, alignment, and agility in response. Monitor media and industry trends to anticipate emerging issues and proactively shape response strategies. Supporting issues after hours if needed is a normal course of business in the role.
Content Development & Media Strategy: Lead the creation of high-impact media materials including news releases, media statements, talking points, media briefs, multimedia story packages, and op-eds that align with Mayo Clinic’s brand voice, strategic messaging, and values. Ensure all content is crafted with sensitivity to reputational considerations and tailored for diverse audiences and platforms.
Research Promotion & Earned Media: Evaluate medical studies and institutional research for earned media potential. Draft and distribute embargoed news releases in coordination with researchers and peer-reviewed journals to maximize visibility and impact.
Multimedia Collaboration: Partner with the multimedia team to develop compelling video packages and press kits, incorporating visual assets that enhance storytelling and media engagement.
Editorial Excellence: Maintain high editorial standards with proficiency in AP Style. Demonstrate strong writing, editing, and fact-checking skills to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency across all content.
Media Training & Guidance: Provide media training and guidance to internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment with brand and messaging protocols.
Press Event Support: Organize and prepare for virtual and in-person media events and assist with media logistics for press events and interviews.
Media Database & Workflow Management: Maintain media contact lists and relationships, and support integration of media workflows into project management platforms.
Media Monitoring, Analytics & Reporting: Track and analyze media coverage to identify trends, inform strategy, and measure impact. Prepare regular reports using media intelligence tools and translate insights into actionable recommendations. Embrace new and emerging technologies.