What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, External Communications and Social Media position at City of Hope?
About City of Hope,
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope's uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope's growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas.
The position leads external communications, media and public relations, reputation management, and social media implementation while also overseeing the clinical communications lead, collaborating closely across the Marketing, Communications and Physician Relations departments to ensure alignment, consistency, and impact. The role will also be overseeing City of Hope's public relations agency members.
External Communications & Public Relations
*Develop and execute comprehensive external communication and media relations strategies that elevate City of Hope's national and local profile, with a focus on innovative research and advanced clinical care. A full PR plan with monthly details will be created by the program manager.
*Manage relationships with external public relations agencies, write and oversee the development of news releases, bylined articles, blog posts, and other earned media content.
*Identify, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and local media, including consumer, business, healthcare, science, physicians and medical trade outlets either directly or indirectly via our PR agency.
*Secure positive media coverage across traditional, digital, and social platforms.
*Plan, write, and secure approvals for a wide range of written and multimedia content for online and print publications via City of Hope leaders, patients, caregivers and physicians.
*Craft and manage media materials including press releases, media advisories, key messages, backgrounders, Q&As, video content, and spokesperson toolkits.
*Develop and lead media training for high-profile physicians, researchers, and executive leadership.
*Support crisis communications and reputation management efforts in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
*Understand and implement brand strategy and tactics informed by Brand Survey insights.
*Manages the science and clinical specialist along with all communications elements as well as outside public relations agency team.
*Conducts daily, weekly reading and organization of assigned publications to keep abreast of trends and stories.
*Serves as a media back up to the Executive Director of Marketing, Communications and Physician Relations.
Content Development & Storytelling
*Build and maintain a robust database of patient stories, physician collateral, photography, and videography to support public relations and social media campaigns.
*Collaborate with clinical experts and City of Hope leadership to ensure accurate, compelling, and aligned messaging as well as develop all clinical materials for the Physician Relations team.
*Foster relationships with influencers, partners, and community stakeholders to strengthen brand loyalty and enhance reputation.
*Maintains up-to-date knowledge of issues relevant to City of Hope and its work, both those occurring at City of Hope and those occurring elsewhere. Uses this knowledge to arrange interviews with City of Hope expert spokespersons.
*Organizes and logs patient and physician stories for marketing and PR purposes.
Community Relations & Outreach
*Support community engagement, outreach, and partnership initiatives that enhance visibility and trust in the City of Hope brand. Overseeing all COH Phoenix awards and recognition.
*May support event-based, philanthropic, and community-focused communications as needed.
Social Media Strategy & Management
*Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies aligned with organizational goals across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others.
*Coordinate consistent branding, voice, and messaging across all social media channels.
*Manage day-to-day social media activities including content creation, scheduling, posting, and community engagement in collaboration with the City of Hope system social team.
*Conduct social listening to monitor brand sentiment, industry trends, and competitor activity.
*Partner with the system social team to manage campaigns and evaluate performance using Google Analytics and other web analytics tools.
*Partner with physicians and clinical teams on social media topics and implementation.
*Oversight of clinical platforms and analytics to develop attribution strategies, i.e. Doximity, Medscape
Measurement, Analytics & Tools
*Track and manage media and social initiatives using Monday.com.
*Measure and report on media performance, reputation metrics, impressions, share of voice, and coverage using Muck Rack.
*Monitor competitive healthcare communications and brand awareness to inform strategy and positioning.
*Clinical Platforms
The successful candidate:
The Manager of External Communications and Social Media is responsible for developing and executing strategic external communication initiatives that effectively convey City of Hope's brand, values, and messaging to key audiences. This role serves as a primary ambassador for City of Hope Phoenix, including the hospital and outpatient clinics, and builds strong, mutually beneficial relationships with media, community partners, and external stakeholders.
The position leads external communications, media and public relations, reputation management, and social media implementation while also overseeing the clinical communications senior specialist, as well as collaborating closely across the Marketing, Communications and Physician Relations departments to ensure alignment, consistency, and impact.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field. Experience may substitute for minimum education requirements. A proven experience in social media management, digital marketing or related roles.
Five (5) years relevant experience in marketing and communications plus a minimum of 2 years of experience in managerial capacity, including at least one year in health care marketing communications.
Knowledge of AP style, excellent written, verbal communication skills, ability to work well with department colleagues, administrators, academic medical professionals, senior leadership. Ability to translate complex or technical scientific subjects for a lay audience. Problem solving skills, conflict resolution, time management, media relations, ability to work on multiple tasks, ability to work independently, follow instruction and deadlines, instruct and train others, research, interpersonal communication skills. Strong knowledge of SEO principles, keyword search, web analytics and social listening tools. Ability to create engaging content including graphics, photography, videos and written posts. Excellent proofreading skills with attention to detail in content creation. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Work processing and media list database programs, Microsoft Outlook and PowerPoint. Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite and video editing software. Must be willing to learn media list database programs.
City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits, click here:Benefits Information
City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.
This position is eligible for an annual incentive bonus.
City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.