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JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Associate Director of Public Relations at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University manages and implements public relations communications to increase awareness, visibility and positive perceptions of Winship, enhances and protects its brand reputation, informs and engages its stakeholders, promotes its programs and expertise, and advances its lifesaving mission. This role is responsible for helping position Winship as a go-to resource for cancer research, care and education and helping establish Winship experts as thought leaders. The Associate Director works proactively and reactively to lead media relations, manage reputation issues, develop internal and external messaging, and contribute to the production of a variety of multimedia, multichannel content. Reporting to and collaborating with Winship's Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Associate Director of Public Relations develops and executes strategic communications plans for public affairs, media relations and crisis management for the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. This role also partners with Winship marketing and communications colleagues to integrate public relations, marketing and communications.

Job responsibilities:

• Generate favorable, prominent local, national and foreign press coverage by liaising with reporters and pitching stories; newsjacking to positively align Winship with applicable trending news and issues; managing media inquiries in a timely fashion; coordinating interviews and event coverage; preparing interviewees for press opportunities by providing media coaching and talking points; drafting and distributing media alerts and press releases; leading press conferences and media briefings; advising on and placing op-eds; and providing b-roll, images and background information to assist reporters
• Exercise keen judgment and provide communications counsel in response to sensitive and critical reputation issues, anticipate and prepare for challenges, and craft messaging, talking points and statements to effectively manage crises
• Utilize research, analytics and insights to inform, measure and report on public relations campaigns and tactics
• Create and source content for owned and shared channels, including selecting visuals and writing and editing articles, announcements, fact sheets, presentation slides, video scripts, speeches and other news and public information materials
• Coordinate with photographers and videographers to produce videos and photos
• Coordinate with designers to develop print, digital and presentation materials and signage
• Manage dissemination of communications and distribution lists
• Interview sources and obtain quotes and background information
• Consent subjects, fact check for accuracy, and manage consistent, quality messaging and application of brand and style standards
• Participates in strategic communications planning for Winship; builds and maintains relationships with research, clinical and administrative faculty and staff, patients, donors, trainees, government agencies, elected officials, community organizations, affiliated institutions, news media and the general public; and collaborates with communications colleagues across Emory University and Emory Healthcare to coordinate and align on cancer-related communications.
• May supervise staff and may support various aspects of social media, website, newsletters, publications, marketing and corporate and executive communications.
• Supports and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion; represents Winship and Emory in a professional manner; keeps a pulse on new communications tools and emerging public relations trends; and performs related responsibilities as required.
• Potential for minimal professional travel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or related field, and seven years progressive experience in public relations, OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• History of successfully implementing public relations campaigns and initiatives.
• Proven expertise in media outreach and placement in top press outlets.
• Preference given to candidates with experience working in cancer or heath care, ideally in a large academic medical center Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed to support crisis response and events.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong knowledge of Atlanta media and national medical and science media.
• Demonstrated experience in managing crisis communications to minimal negative impact. Persuasive communicator and exceptional storyteller with excellent written, verbal and visual communications skills.
• Thorough understanding of diverse internal and external constituencies and how to tailor and segment communications to target audiences.
• Proficiency in use of various communications tools and channels and in managing multimedia projects.
• Deadline driven, reliable, cool-tempered and accurate with an attention to detail.
• Creative, idea generator critical thinker and problem solver.
• Strong relationship management, troubleshooting and customer service skills.
• Experience working in a nonprofit environment.

The COVID-19 vaccine or an approved exemption is currently only required for individuals working in a clinical setting. For more information on the University or Hospital policies, including exemptions, please see our website.

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.