Manager, Communications - Media Relations

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN

Full Time

Senior

17 days ago

Job Description

About the Role

The Communications Manager - Media Relations role is responsible for protecting Mayo Clinic's reputation and positively elevating the organization's visibility through earned media. This role will support Mayo Clinic's Research and Practice shields, with a particular emphasis on the Cancer clinical line. 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 role requires 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.

Key Responsibilities

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 coverage.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify timely story opportunities and ensure alignment with brand messaging.
Serve as a primary point of contact for incoming media requests and coordinate timely and accurate responses in collaboration with subject matter experts.
Provide strategic leadership in media relations issues management, offering timely and reputationally aligned recommendations during sensitive or high-profile situations.
Monitor media and industry trends to anticipate emerging issues and proactively shape response strategies.
Support issues after hours if needed.
Lead the creation of high-impact media materials including press releases, media statements, talking points, media briefs, and op-eds.
Evaluate medical studies and institutional research for earned media potential and draft/distribute embargoed press releases.
Partner with multimedia team to develop video packages and press kits.
Maintain high editorial standards with proficiency in AP Style, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
Provide media training and guidance to internal stakeholders.
Organize and prepare for media events and assist with media logistics.
Maintain media contact lists and support media workflow integration into project management platforms.
Track and analyze media coverage, prepare reports, and translate insights into strategic recommendations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 5 years of relevant work experience.
Experience in media relations and/or journalism, preferably in or with a healthcare organization.
Strong written and oral communication skills that create clarity and simplify messages.
Knowledge of communication channels and ability to build effective communication and engagement strategies.
Self-starter with the ability to independently identify opportunities, solutions, and resolve challenges.
Ability to deliver impactful results and actively seek out change, embrace critical questioning, innovation, service, and continuous improvement.
Understanding of how to navigate ambiguity and act without having the total picture.
Demonstrated professionalism, ethics, and credibility through integrity and transparency.
Ability to motivate others, demonstrate engagement, and foster a collaborative spirit.
Strong management skills including strategy, visioning, change management, resource management, and sound judgment.
Proficiency in delegation, organization, and execution to maximize project value.
Excellent interpersonal skills including presentation, negotiation, persuasion, team facilitation, and written communication.
Superior project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
Interest in continuous learning and professional development.

Nice to Have

Experience supporting a Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Proven track record of media engagement in oncology or research-driven environments.
Experience working with multimedia teams to develop visual storytelling assets.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Benefits & Perks

Not specified in the description.

Working at Mayo Clinic

The role requires a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, values integrity and transparency, and demonstrates a commitment to service excellence and continuous improvement.

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