Media Relations Manager
You are excited about shaping the narrative around groundbreaking clinical research, enhancing membership satisfaction, and executing communications plans that boost brand awareness and musculoskeletal health. In this role, you will spearhead our national media and public relations efforts, thriving in a dynamic environment where your strategic communication skills will truly shine. You will work closely with the Communications Director to position AAOS and its members as the trusted leaders in musculoskeletal health. You'll be at the forefront of promoting and responding to musculoskeletal-related research, developing impactful communications strategies, and coordinating media activities that align with our strategic initiatives.
If it sounds like you, please read on!
Under the guidance of and in collaboration with the Communications Director, the Media Relations Manager leads the Academy’s national media and public relations activities—specializing in the promotion of clinical research and development, and relevant association news—to position the AAOS and its members as the trusted leaders in advancing musculoskeletal health. This includes but is not limited to proactive and reactive media relations planning, reviewing, promoting and responding to musculoskeletal-related research, conceptualizing, developing and executing communications plans and messaging that align with the AAOS’ strategic plan and its initiatives, and working in close coordination with various business unit and MCM department leads to coordinate and organize messaging and media activities for external audiences, as appropriate.
MEDIA RELATIONS
• Develops and implements external-facing brand reputation and awareness to influence membership satisfaction and growth while driving desired actions (e.g. awareness, engagement) among target audiences through the creation of strategic and targeted communications content. Fosters key relationships with journalists and media outlets, manages and responds to inbound media inquiries by facilitating connections with volunteer leaders (spokespersons), monitors, tracks and evaluates media mentions and placements. Evaluates the outcomes of communication strategies by tracking published articles, press releases, media inquiries, and other efforts to measure impact, and makes recommendations for future marketing and communications activities.
• Researches current musculoskeletal health issues/events, reports and develops compelling communications strategies (e.g., media materials such as press releases, media pitches, talking points, op-eds, letters-to-the editor, videos and other multimedia) using data, documentation and interviews to bring the Academy’s story to life from conception to completion. Reviews and develops media materials to promote clinical research news and/or patient-facing content (e.g.: accepted Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon (JAAOS) articles or OrthoInfo articles) to the media through the appropriate channels.
• Identifies emerging science/research that may impact the Academy’s public, member and stakeholder communications, as well as articles that may be appropriate for member communications or those that ladder up to the strategic plan and support the Academy’s advocacy and specialty positioning efforts.
BRAND COMMUNICATIONS AND MESSAGE DEVELOPMENT
• Serves as a communications consultant to the Office of Government Relations, Registry Program, Clinical Quality and Value, and Conventions and Exhibits business units to provide strategic communications counsel and support. Acts as staff liaison to respective Committees or workgroups, sharing communications project updates as needed.
• Continuously identifies, develops and strengthens relationships with business unit leads and integrates with respective marketing project leads to craft multi-channel and audience-appropriate communications strategies that ensure message alignment. Aid with the development of integrated marketing and communications plan development, execution and reporting.
ANNUAL MEETING
• Collaborates with the larger marketing and communications department and other key stakeholders year-round to ensure the Annual Meeting communications planning, execution and messaging is integrated with AAOS positions and goals, strategically addressing areas of opportunity and managing the AAOS’ communications approach to budding issues.
• Creates and manages the Annual Meeting Media Program, including content reviews and approvals with member volunteers, interviews with AAOS spokespersons, on-site Press Office operations, press kit and on-site logistics.
GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT
• Supports the Communications team by identifying potential AAOS brand risks, collaborates on crisis communications efforts, and provides appropriate communications counsel that relates to the department and the overall AAOS mission.
• Manages the AAOS newsroom with support from the Communications Specialist.
• Supports the governance team by reviewing and publishing website content
Exemplifies the following essential values of the Academy:
- Teamwork: Effective collaboration and team-focus to solve complex problems and drive innovation.
- Empowerment: The authority, information, and skills to make decisions and drive results.
- Accountability: Ownership of process and results that drive decisions and ensure implementation.
- Mindset of Growth/Continuous Learning: Focused on and invested in self and staff development to become more adaptable, making the Academy more agile, innovative, and sustainable.
Travel:
- Up to 10 days per year
Qualifications:
Required:
- A minimum of seven (7) years of public relations, media relations, enterprise or corporate communications experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, integrated marketing communications, public relations or related field.
- Excellent interpersonal, AP Style news writing and editing, and verbal and formal presentation communication skills. Command of grammar/punctuation.
- Strong ability to translate science into public education messages. Superior analytical, organizational, project and time management skills, and ability to prioritize assignments required.
- High level of confidence, creativity and critical decision-making capability to identify and define problems; examine relevant information and choose correct course of action required.
- Strong ability to effectively multi-task, take direction, be nimble in approach, and work well in a fast-paced environment.
- Self-motivated with a positive, collaborative and professional approach in a team-oriented environment, and able to work independently to execute projects under minimal supervision.
- Proven, and continues to cultivate, strong relationships with national and local reporters, and other media professionals to publicize and communicate the AAOS’ strategic priorities, with a proven record of securing placements with traditional and digital media.
- Excellent computer skills, with high proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe applications
- Proficient experience of media database management, monitoring and measurement tools, including Cision; website content management systems, multimedia channels and basic graphic design; social media best practices, and adept application of social media tools.
- Possess a strong work ethic and commitment to advocate for the AAOS’ core values and mission.
Desired:
- Master’s degree in journalism, integrated marketing communications, public relations, business administration or related field.
- Experience with membership-driven organizations, preferably with an association and/or healthcare-related business.
- Driven to continuously learn about the latest business communications and public relations trends, solutions and ideas to enhance, innovate, inform, engage and deliver communication best practices.
Salary Range: $95,000-$104,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Join us and be a key player in advancing musculoskeletal health and driving the conversation in medical science and shaping AAOS’ success!
If this resonates with you, apply today by sharing the following:
-Clearly communicate why you are the ideal candidate for this role, providing specific examples and experiences as proof points.
-Resumes must be accompanied by a cover letter with salary expectations to be considered.
Please note:
This hybrid position is based in Rosemont, Illinois and is open to applicants who are able to commute bi-weekly to this office.
Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of work visas.