Media Relations Manager (Hybrid)

American Medical Association•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Media Relations Manager works on the American Medical Association’s Editorial and Channel Strategy team and promotes AMA programs, policies, and initiatives through comprehensive strategic communications. The role serves as the Public Information Officer for Advocacy and coordinates with the manager of communications planning to align communications across business units. It secures favorable media placements and provides public relations counsel to AMA leaders to position initiatives effectively. This is a hybrid position based at the AMA’s Chicago office, with three days per week required in the office. The role is exempt and eligible for participation in an incentive plan. The stated salary range is $87,394–$115,797. The AMA describes itself as a nonprofit organization and an inclusive, people-first workplace that supports employee professional development and social responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of experience in journalism, media relations, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Medical, health, or government media relations experience.

Responsibilities

Develop strategic communications messages for key AMA programs and initiatives, particularly assigned beats.
Advise AMA leaders and senior-level staff on messaging.
Meet regularly with business unit and Advocacy senior leaders to plan communications for assigned beats and other AMA priorities.
Identify strategic opportunities for the AMA, including editorial board visits, op-eds, and letters to the editor, in coordination with the Senior Director of Media Relations and Social Media.
Work with Advocacy and other business units to develop media approaches, pitches, and press materials for major announcements, issues requiring a response, and assigned beats.
Write news releases, backgrounders, talking points, quotes, statements, pitches, and other editorial content communicating the AMA’s position on timely issues.
Build and maintain relationships with business unit and AMA leadership to understand priorities, anticipate breaking news, manage sensitive media inquiries, and counsel leaders and Trustees on media implications.
Use relationships with Washington, D.C., reporters to secure media placements for AMA Trustees and other leaders and promote AMA messages, advocacy, and programs.
Develop media opportunities around Trustees’ and leaders’ travel and speaking appearances to support business unit work.
Serve as a primary liaison among the AMA, its spokespeople, and the media on timely health and medical issues; use judgment about when to engage, push back, or refer reporters elsewhere.
Develop relationships with national and regional media and initiate contact by scheduling appointments and preparing AMA officers and Trustees for interviews and media events.
Support senior leadership at events, media opportunities, and speaking engagements.
Use media management software to target media, monitor AMA mentions and placements, and assess whether the AMA is reaching appropriate reporters.
Use communications planning software to support calendaring and coordination of tactics and activities.
Handle incoming media inquiries for assigned beats and as needed; work with business units and subject-matter experts to vet opportunities and with executive assistants to coordinate scheduling and draft briefings.
Work with Social Media to identify proactive media opportunities arising from social channels and media priorities that may be amplified through social media.
Carry out other responsibilities as assigned.