Senior Communications Specialist (External Communications)

Align yourself with an organization that has a reputation for excellence. Cedars-Sinai was awarded the National Research Corporation’s Consumer Choice Award 19 years in a row for providing the highest-quality medical care in Los Angeles. We were also awarded the Advisory Board Company’s Workplace of the Year. We offer an outstanding benefits' package that includes a 403(B), healthcare and generous paid time off. Join us! Discover why U.S. News & World Report has named us one of America’s Best Hospitals.
What you will be doing in this role:

As a member of the External Communications team, the Senior Communications Specialist will promote Cedars-Sinai’s clinical and research expertise by identifying, writing and successfully pitching original news, features and science stories to the media. You will secure local and national earned media placements for high-profile clinical and/or research areas and serve as a key contributor to the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom, with a particular emphasis on science content. The Senior Communications Specialist will support and amplify Cedars-Sinai’s strategic and business priorities by cultivating strong, trusted relationships with physicians, researchers and other organizational leaders while collaborating on shared initiatives with Marketing & Communications partners in Social Media, Service Line Marketing and Organizational Communications. This team member will contribute to crises communications planning and response, using sound judgment to assist clinical, operational and academic leaders in addressing time-sensitive communications requests from the media and the public. The Senior Communications Specialist will be a self-starter, a collaborative team player, a strategic planner and a highly sophisticated writer with experience in healthcare communications, preferably in an academic medical center setting or commensurate experience as a reporter/producer covering healthcare for a major media outlet. You will juggle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment that is engaging, fun and rewarding. The Senior Communications Specialist will work collaboratively with other members of the External Communications team to manage priorities, workflows and shared responsibilities to deliver a wide range of communications assets over a variety of channels. Primary duties include:

Responsible for covering specific clinical and/or research areas, representing External Communications with department chairs and other organizational leadership. The specialist will develop trusted relationships with leadership, providing highly responsive and timely communications support for a range of needs and requests.
Proactively generate story ideas—for both video and text—for the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom, and report and write stories approved by Newsroom editors. Content includes but is not limited to news patient features, scientific research studies and consumer news. Produces clear, well-written, grammatically correct and factually accurate copy and content.
Successfully pitch stories to local, national and trade media, developing relationships with key high-value reporters.
Keep up with general U.S. health news and be able to pivot to quickly offer media interviews with Cedars-Sinai experts and/or generate timely content for the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom and for distribution to media.
Collaborate closely with internal partners in Marketing and Communications as well as with external partners throughout Cedars-Sinai to promote high-value stories and communications, in support of departmental and organizational priorities.
Maintain confidentiality as required by Cedars-Sinai policy and state and federal law.

What we're looking for:

Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing or related studies required.

A minimum of 5 years of experience writing, editing, developing, and delivering in-depth content or related communications experience required.

Proven experience of at least 5 years in an academic medical center, hospital or healthcare, broadcast news, nonprofit or and/or foundation experience preferred.

Why Work Here?

Beyond outstanding employee benefits including health and dental insurance, vacation, and a 403(b), we take pride in hiring the best employees. Our accomplished staff reflects the culturally and ethnically diverse community we serve. They are proof of our dedication to creating a dynamic, inclusive environment that fuels innovation.

Base Pay:$95,400.00 - $152,500.00