Media Specialist IV

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Develop talking points and key messages on Unit topics including, infection control, healthcare-associated infections, food safety, drug-resistant gonorrhea and tuberculosis, and antibiotic resistance.
• Under the guidance of the ARX unit help prepare spokespeople for media interviews.
• Under the guidance of the ARX unit help write media related materials including, but not limited to: press release, media pitches, op-eds, blogs, commentaries, and letters to the editor.
• Develop relationships with CDC reporters and media staff throughout the agency.
• Under the guidance of the ARX unit help ensure program messaging consistency of CDC's messages in media reports.
• Collaborate with media, communications, and policy staff to develop proactive media strategies and implement the strategies, including traditional and digital media.
• Under the guidance of the ARX unit help pitch information to key reporters based on media strategy.
• Provide reporters with timely, accurate information for their use.
• Develop a weekly written summary of media interviews and metrics for communications team and senior leadership.
• Write relevant media clips to scientific staff to ensure situational awareness.
• Coordinate and provide logistical support at approved conferences and meetings in relation to communications and antimicrobial resistance activities.
• Attend CDC approved trainings required to learn new CDC government systems to complete required tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communication, English, or Journalism or a minimum of 5 years of experience in social media or health communications.
• Knowledge of media industry terminology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, prioritization skills.
• Ability to recognize client needs.
• Exceptional organizational and collaboration skills.
• Capable of taking direction and being adaptable to change.
• Exceptional customer service orientation.
• Attention to details and deadlines ensuring effective task management.
• Be a comfortable public speaker who can provide presentations and reports on their findings, and work well as part of a team.

Nice to Have

• Experience in media relations within health or government sectors.
• Familiarity with CDC systems and protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communication, English, or Journalism or a minimum of 5 years of experience in social media or health communications.

Benefits & Perks

• Robust employee benefits program.
• Management engagement and quality leadership.
• Teamwork-oriented atmosphere.
• Recognition for performance.
• Promotion opportunities.