Senior Communications Manager

Sarah Cannon Research Institute•Nashville, TN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Communications | Media Relations plays a key role in shaping and executing a comprehensive, enterprise-wide communications strategy that strengthens brand reputation, elevates thought leadership, and supports organizational priorities. This role partners closely with physician leaders, executive stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to deliver integrated, high-impact communications across earned, owned, and shared channels. The ideal candidate brings a strategic mindset, strong storytelling skills, and the ability to navigate a complex, fast-paced healthcare environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree required
7+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or media relations (healthcare or life sciences preferred).
Proven experience developing and executing successful media strategies and securing coverage.
Strong writing and editing skills with experience drafting press releases and executive-level content.
Experience working with senior leadership and subject matter experts.
Knowledge of healthcare, clinical research, or oncology communications strongly preferred.
Highly collaborative with strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to develop and execute integrated communications strategies that align with organizational priorities and elevate brand reputation.
Proven ability to identify compelling narratives, pitch media effectively, and secure impactful earned coverage across national and trade outlets.
Advanced writing and editing skills, with experience crafting press releases, executive messaging, thought leadership, and media materials with precision and clarity.
Confidence and credibility to advise and partner with senior leaders and physicians on communications strategy, messaging, and media engagement.
Ability to translate complex clinical and research concepts into clear, compelling, and patient-centered communications (strongly preferred in oncology or clinical research environments).
Strong ability to work across marketing, digital, operations, and business development teams to deliver cohesive, integrated communications.
Experience evaluating media coverage, sentiment, and performance metrics to inform strategy, optimize messaging, and demonstrate impact.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to build trust with journalists, internal stakeholders, and external partners to drive successful communications outcomes.
Strong decision-making skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity, manage sensitive issues, and respond quickly to evolving circumstances.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of healthcare, clinical research, or oncology communications strongly preferred.
Ability to translate complex clinical and research concepts into clear, compelling, and patient-centered communications (strongly preferred in oncology or clinical research environments).

Responsibilities

Lead and execute proactive media relations strategies to elevate organizational visibility and credibility.
Identify and secure media opportunities through strategic pitching, relationship-building, and storytelling.
Manage inbound media inquiries and coordinate interviews with physicians, executives, and subject matter experts.
Develop and place thought leadership content, including bylines, interviews, and expert commentary.
Draft and manage all organizational press releases, ensuring alignment with brand voice and strategic priorities.
Review and approve external press materials where the organization is referenced or quoted to ensure accuracy and positioning.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners on announcements, messaging, and media strategy.
Partner closely with physicians to identify and elevate research, clinical expertise, and patient impact stories.
Advise executive leadership on communications strategy, positioning, and visibility opportunities.
Prepare spokespeople for media engagement, including talking points and briefing materials.
Oversee media monitoring and reporting, including tracking coverage, sentiment, and share of voice.
Translate insights into actionable recommendations to refine PR strategy and improve impact.
Maintain awareness of industry trends, media landscape shifts, and competitive positioning.
Oversee key communications deliverables such as business development newsletters and targeted stakeholder updates.
Partner with digital, marketing, and communications teams to ensure alignment across campaigns and channels.
Support integrated communications planning across owned, earned, and paid efforts.