Communication Cancer Prevention and Clinical Care Program Manager (Publc Relations)

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

SUMMARY

The Program Manager, Communications, Clinical Care and Research (inc. Cancer Prevention), reports to the Director, Communications, Clinical Care and Research, and develops, manages and measures PR efforts for cancer prevention and clinical care areas. Works with Director to develop and execute plans to support cancer prevention goals as well as those of relevant Division Heads and Department Chairs. Regularly meets with key contacts, including faculty members, to track activity and advance efforts. Review and select strategic work for media outreach and communications support. Works closely with Institutional Advancement colleagues to develop and share content. Responsible for tracking and reporting metrics.

KEY FUNCTIONS
Communications strategy and consultation
Develops, manages, measures and consults on communications strategies for cancer prevention and clinical care areas. Works closely Director to establish collaborative relationships with cancer prevention leaders as well as relevant Division Heads and Department Chairs that enable timely information sharing. Ensures alignment with institutional communications strategies and the strategic vision of MD Anderson. Develops and drives media plans to support programs, routinely attends face-to-face meetings with leadership, attends key client meetings and is available for consultation, as needed. The role includes extensive collaboration with clients, team members, PR agency partners, Institutional Advancement division colleagues, media and other key stakeholders.

Successful performance will include:

• The cultivation of strong, positive relationships with cancer prevention leadership, relevant Division Heads and Department Chairs, key clients, faculty and staff;
• Management of successful PR efforts that are aligned with MD Anderson’s strategic goals, Institutional Advancement team goals and our institutional brand standards;
• Tapping into media relationships for story placements;
• Supports national medical meeting efforts and coordinates media activity, including onsite activity, as needed;
• Prompt and accurate response and routing of beat needs;
• Knowledge and implementation of departmental resources (media list database, release distribution platform, agency support, etc.);
• Collaboration with IA colleagues to enhance content creation and sharing, message consistency and full integration;
• Ensuring patient information protection in communications, such as in accordance with HIPAA;
• Following and reporting on media interests, trends in coverage and issues;
• Ensuring brand compliance of all written and visual collateral of, and for, constituents;

Writing, content development and media relations
Research, develop, edit and distribute written, visual and online materials for relevant audiences that further the institution’s mission. Sets, meets or exceeds deadlines and requires little direction or supervision in the process. Has command of AP Style, as well as MD Anderson style, and is an excellent writer and editor. Writing responsibilities include news releases, web content, brochures, publications, etc. Must have the ability to understand science/medical content and translate it into relevant and compelling material whether lay audiences or industry. Provides media consultation to institutional experts. Builds constructive relationships with members of the news media to offer story ideas and/or guidance in light of health care trends or national/state/local issues. Has experience and strong results pitching stories to media and developing content into meaningful coverage for the institution.

Measurement and reporting  
Tracks and analyzes PR efforts on an ongoing basis to make informed decisions about next steps and success measurements. Works with director to provide regular metrics reports to key stakeholders and leadership. Establish metrics that require traditional and innovative approaches to accomplish goals.