PR & Media Relations Specialist, Life Sciences
Grey Matter Marketing seeks an exceptional and experienced PR & media relations expert in getting earned media for clients and brands in creative, innovative and breakthrough ways—both planned and opportunistic— to help drive business goals.
The PR & Media Relations Specialist will play a crucial role in crafting and executing the PR and media relations strategy for the agency and our innovative clients across several different therapeutic areas. You will be responsible for developing relationships with journalists, pitching stories, and securing media coverage across various channels. Additionally, you will collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and leverage newsworthy angles and events to build visibility and credibility for Grey Matter Marketing. The role works as part of a larger agency team to facilitate integrated marketing communications campaigns for our clients.
The ideal person also has a strong grasp of the tactical execution of a PR campaign, the know how to reach a variety of stakeholders, and the appetite to tackle new challenges and drive communications programs. This person should be equal parts contributor and collaborator, avid reader of life sciences/innovation news, and can apply timely trends to client's messages and program goals.
If you are a skilled storyteller with a strong media network and a deep understanding of the life sciences agency industry, we would love to hear from you.
Key activities and responsibilities include:
Build and execute corporate media relations strategy and key initiatives, partnering closely with the internal team and client stakeholders to tell a coordinated and compelling story, identify appropriate opportunities and ensure alignment of messaging and timing.
Maintain and enhance relationships with top-tier media and key trade outlets to help improve our ability to share messages proactively and respond effectively to reporters.
Liaise with members of the news media, including proactive pitching, responding promptly to requests from journalists, and coordinating and facilitating media interviews for various spokespeople.
Collaborate with client stakeholders in Investor Relations, Government Affairs & Policy, Legal and other parts of the organization to evaluate and respond to incoming media inquiries, often on tight timelines to ensure that reporters meet their deadlines.
Prepare company spokespeople for media interviews and other engagements in partnership with client compliance stakeholders. This includes media training spokespeople, as needed, and ensuring that company’s most frequent spokespeople are prepared to address key issues as they emerge.
Plan and implement PR and media relations services with third parties, such as SMTs/VMTs/Mat releases, etc.
Support crisis communications, including proactively planning for and managing issues affecting the company and industry.
Research and track media stories and trends of importance to Grey Matter Marketing, our clients, and the life sciences industry.
Identify and track relevant industry awards and speaking opportunities, and craft submissions and speaking abstracts.
Develop and write a variety of content aimed at internal and external audiences including, but not limited to, news releases and feature stories, newsletter stories, leadership emails, video scripts, online news and feature stories, social media posts, and infographics.
Analyze PR coverage and provide written reports
Required skills:
Bachelor’s degree plus minimum of 6 years of PR and media relations experience, including pitching and press release writing, at an agency within the life sciences space.
Demonstrated track record in media relations including relationships with top-tier healthcare and industry media, as well as demonstration of how media stories have been influenced as a result of your work.
Ability to support and effectively interact with senior leaders. Executive communications experience a plus.
Excellent storyteller with strong verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills.
Strong ability to engage and manage multiple stakeholders (internal and external) to achieve objectives.
Team player who is comfortable working in a collaborative environment but can also work independently.
Ability to flawlessly create, plan and execute on high-stakes programs under tight deadlines. Must be able to manage multiple, high-urgency projects simultaneously; flexibility is essential.
Comprehensive understanding of the life sciences industry, R&D and product commercialization, including the regulatory framework.
Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Proficiency in monitoring and analyzing PR metrics and KPIs.
Excellent copywriting skills (spelling, grammar, and proofreading) and fluent in AP style; AMA style a plus
Proficient in Google Drive, Google applications and Microsoft Office programs. Some experience with project management tools (i.e., Asana) and social media management tools (i.e., Hootsuite) is preferred.