Program Manager, Communications (Public Relations )

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

This position will have an emphasis in writing. The ideal candidate will apply a background in medical/healthcare communications to develop and advance Public Relations strategies for priority clinical care and research areas. Additionally, public relations experience would also be preferred. The position requires independent planning and decision-making skills, respect for confidentiality and effective problem-solving capabilities. This position reports to the Director, Public Relations and works with a collaborative, remote-based team of health care PR experts.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Communications strategy and consultation  

• Build upon a medical/healthcare communications background to develop, manage, measure and consult on communications strategies for priority clinical care and research programs, in alignment with MD Anderson’s strategic goals.
• Work closely with Director, Public Relations to establish collaborative relationships with institutional leaders, faculty and staff to enable timely information sharing and responses to media and/or institutional needs.
• Develop and drive media plans to support programs, routinely attends meetings with leadership, attends key client meetings and is available for consultation, as needed.
• Collaborates well with clients, team members, PR agency partners, Institutional Affairs division colleagues, media and other key stakeholders.
• Support institutional media and communications efforts at national medical and scientific meetings.
• Ensure patient information protection in communications, such as in accordance with HIPAA.
• Ensure brand compliance of all written and visual collateral of, and for, constituents.

Writing, content development and media relations 

• Research, develop, edit and distribute content for relevant audiences that further the institution’s mission.
• Writing responsibilities include news releases, MD Anderson publications, etc.
• Must understand clinical/medical content and translate it into relevant and compelling material for a variety of audiences.
• Set and meet/exceed deadlines with minimal direction or supervision in the process.
• Has command of AP Style and MD Anderson style with excellent writing and editing skills.
• Provide media consultation to institutional experts.
• Leverage constructive relationships with members of the news media, particularly science reporters, 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 health/science media and developing content into meaningful coverage.
• Collaborative team player with experience working with PR agency to advance priorities. 

Measurement and reporting  

• Track and analyze PR efforts on an ongoing basis to make informed decisions about next steps and success measurements.
• Work with Director to provide regular metrics reports to key stakeholders and leadership.
• Establish metrics that require traditional and innovative approaches to accomplish goals.

Other duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

Business Acumen - Understand the impact of the job within the institution; have and use cross-functional knowledge to understand interdepartmental connections.

Innovative Thinking - Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; offer new ideas, solutions and/or options.

Self-Adaptability - Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.

Strategic Thinking - Define strategic goals and issues clearly; apply broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues; foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement.

Technical/Functional Expertise - Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.

Service Orientation
Provide service to our stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, colleagues and each other, in a safe, courteous, accountable, efficient and innovative manner to include:

•        Promoting inclusiveness and collegiality that demonstrates respect and professionalism to our stakeholders at all times

•        Modeling safe, ethical behavior that mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Anderson’s Standards of Conduct, institutional policies and procedures

•        Responding to requests in a timely manner while proactively communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to stakeholders

•        Using the steps to HEAL (Hear, Empathize, Address and Learn) the relationship when service recovery is needed

People Leadership

• Provides development opportunities and ongoing feedback to employees to include timely completion of administrative staff and classified employees each evaluation period.
• Provides clear direction and communication to employees within unit.
• Demonstrates cultural competence that creates an inclusive environment for the diversity represented within unit's staff.
• Manages operating expenses to budget.
• Completes required 16 hours of continuing education for people leadership skills per year.
• Complete Management Curriculum within required timeframe.