Manager, Media Relations

Job Description Summary The media relations manager advances and protects MUSC's reputation by contributing to proactive public relations strategy and executing high-level reactive media relations across clinical, academic, research and enterprise priorities. The position serves as a primary contact for journalists, identifies and develops earned media opportunities, leads day-to-day media engagement, prepares spokespeople and subject matter experts, supports issues and crisis response, and uses media intelligence and performance data to inform decisions and strengthen results. Entity Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Cost Center CC005839 SYS - CCMO - Communications Pay Rate Type Salary Pay Grade Health-29 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Job Description This role operates with the ownership, pace and judgment expected of an experienced public relations professional. The media relations manager manages multiple priorities and internal stakeholder relationships, develops and executes proactive media approaches, and provides counsel and execution for reactive inquiries and emerging issues. The individual should be strategic, driven, responsive and highly organized; continually scan the media environment for opportunities and risks; translate enterprise priorities into timely story ideas; and contribute consistently to planning, tracking and reporting processes. The role works within enterprise processes established by senior communications leadership and collaborates closely with communications, marketing, content, regional, clinical, academic, research, legal and other operational partners. Key Responsibilities: 40% - Media Relations Execution and Stakeholder Management Success Criteria Serve as a primary media relations representative and designated spokesperson, as appropriate, providing responsive, accurate and professional service to journalists and internal partners. Lead day-to-day management of media inquiries from intake through resolution, including assessing requests, identifying and preparing subject matter experts, coordinating logistics, facilitating interviews and managing follow-up. Write and distribute press releases, media alerts, pitches, responses, statements, talking points, Q&A documents and other media-facing materials aligned with MUSC core messages and AP style. Cultivate productive relationships with local, statewide and targeted national media, maintaining a strong understanding of reporters, outlets, beats and current interests. Prepare media briefings and provide interview preparation or media refreshers for leaders, spokespeople and subject matter experts. Receive and escort media on campus and at off-site MUSC events; supervise in-person and virtual interviews. Manage multiple assignments, deadlines and stakeholder expectations with strong follow-through, sound judgment and attention to detail. Participate in the on-call rotation, including after-hours and weekend coverage, to support urgent or breaking media inquiries. Coordinate media relations activities with regional health network leaders and other enterprise partners. 35% - Proactive Public Relations Strategy and Opportunity Development Success Criteria Serve as the primary media relations lead for external communications related to Board of Trustees activity, including timely agenda distribution, message preparation, press release drafting and distribution, media attendance coordination, issues support and on-site media management. This work may include occasional travel to off-site MUSC locations. Contribute to annual and initiative-specific public relations and media relations strategies, including goals, audiences, story platforms, tactics and key performance indicators aligned with MUSC and OneMUSC priorities. Translate organizational priorities into proactive earned media opportunities and executable pitch plans. Continuously scan the news cycle, media landscape, industry trends and cultural conversations to identify timely opportunities, emerging risks and areas where MUSC expertise may add value. Develop compelling, audience-relevant story angles and targeted pitches; recommend appropriate outlets, reporters, spokespeople and timing. Collaborate with communications, marketing, content, social media and regional partners to build integrated approaches and identify stories and subject matter experts. Prepare for regular planning meetings, bringing ideas and recommendations to build and maintain a forward-looking pipeline of proactive opportunities. 15% - Issues and Crisis Communications Success Criteria Manage and execute reactive media response during crises, sensitive matters and emerging issues in collaboration with communications leadership, legal, clinical, academic and operational partners. Provide media relations counsel, assess potential reputational implications and recommend response approaches within established enterprise protocols. Draft #J-18808-Ljbffr Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)