At PCOM, we espouse to grow a culturally competent workforce to advance healthcare that touches the lives of underserved communities. Diversity and inclusion is the core component of our institutional identity and a key pillar of PCOM’s strategic vision. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine affirms that diversity and inclusion are crucial to the intellectual vitality of the campus community. It is through freedom of exchange over different ideas and viewpoints in supportive environments that our graduates develop the critical thinking and citizenship skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Since 1899, PCOM has trained highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners, and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care - treating people, not just symptoms. As the field of medicine has changed, we've changed with it - adapting our program offerings to better meet the needs of healthcare providers and the communities they serve. At the main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PCOM), the branch campus in Suwanee, Georgia (PCOM Georgia), and our newest location in Moultrie, Georgia (PCOM South Georgia), PCOM students learn to approach problem-solving in a more professional, more team-oriented manner, which prepares them to work successfully in integrated healthcare settings with other health professionals. At Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine you will be part of a caring, professional, and committed community focused on making the PCOM experience the best possible for our students.

We are currently seeking to fill our Assistant Director of News and Media Relations position at the Georgia campus with a highly qualified and passionate individual.

Job Title: Assistant Director of News and Media Relations

Department: Marketing and Communications

FLSA: Exempt

Location: Suwanee, GA

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of News and Media Relations is responsible for developing proactive strategies and messaging to promote news and stories about PCOM, including, but not limited to, its mission, research, programs, and faculty and student accomplishments. In addition to serving as a primary contact for media queries, the incumbent identifies and pursues opportunities to publish PCOM-related news articles and stories to external and internal platforms such as local, regional and national media outlets; newswires and services; the external newsletter; the PCOM website; podcast outlets; social media channels; employee communications; and the PCOM alumni magazine.

This position plays a key role in managing crises and incidents which impact the institution. As such, the incumbent serves as a primary contact for external media and provides internal guidance on crisis management and participates in developing formal institutional responses to such events. This is a supervisory position with potential responsibility for staff in PA and GA locations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The successful incumbent will perform the following duties, with or without reasonable accommodations:

Support administrative activities for PCOM’s public relations, including, but not limited to, strategy development, policy administration, and reporting.
Secure high-level local, regional, and national placements about PCOM’s mission, programs, achievements, and feature stories in print, broadcast, and online media.
Coordinate proactive and reactive responses to crises and incidents which impact or affect the institution; serve as a PCOM Georgia spokesperson, as needed; develop messaging points and FAQs, as necessary.
Establish and maintain professional relationships with local and regional media contacts at print, online, and broadcast outlets; leverage relationships to pitch and place PCOM Georgia related news and stories with regular frequency.
Identify news opportunities and create compelling stories for target audiences; author press releases and media advisories.
Prepare regular ad hoc reports and track progress toward achieving strategic priorities, including key performance indicators and outcomes; distribute to stakeholders, as appropriate.
Serve as communications counsel for institutional leaders, including the president and members of the Executive Leadership Team; facilitate or coordinate internal training and information sessions regarding media interactions.
Facilitates participation in community events and programs.
Perform talent and performance management activities for direct reports, including establishing, documenting and implementing professional development plans, performance goals, performance evaluations, and pay-for-performance actions, in accordance with organizational guidelines.
Develops and maintains key relationships with peers at local organizations and institutions.
Perform other role-related duties as assigned or requested.

Required Skills And Experience

Minimum of seven years’ experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, developing and directing all aspects of public relations strategies to meet organizational objectives, preferably in a higher education, nonprofit, or healthcare organization.
Demonstrated record of establishing and maintaining relationships with local and regional media contacts at print, online, and broadcast outlets.
Demonstrated record of creating news stories and achieving successful placements in print, online, and broadcast outlets.
Demonstrated ability to manage communication activities during a crisis.
Strong communication skills, including verbal, written, and interpersonal, with diverse audiences.
Must be available on a 24/7 basis as necessary to respond to crises and issues as they arise.
Strong planning and organizational skills, including time and priority management.
High level of technical fluency with word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, email, and virtual meeting applications, preferably on the Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 platforms.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field (required)

Required documents for your application to be considered:

Cover Letter
3 to 4 writing samples

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000

PCOM is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration. We adhere to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Assistant Director of News and Media Relations