Media Relations and Public Affairs

Job Description

Time zones: PST (UTC -8)

Become an integral member of a collaborative team dedicated to administratively supporting scientific research. Gladstone Institutes, a nonprofit biomedical research institute located in San Francisco, CA, is seeking a responsible, resourceful, and team-oriented individual to join its Communications Team as the Media and Public Relations Specialist. 
Reporting to the Associate Director of Communications, the Media Relations and Public Affairs Specialist will be responsible for creating and executing Gladstone’s new Media and Public Relations strategy while adhering to Gladstone’s core values. You will be a key member of the Gladstone Team who will develop deep relationships with science reporters and key collaborators as a way to expand the Gladstone name and brand through public and media relations.  In addition to excellent communication, writing, and organization skills, the successful candidate will operate as an independent professional with a focus on collaboration. This position requires the ability to: prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines; interface with various reporters and stakeholders; exercise strong project management skills, as well as have a proven track record in media relations.

Contract work that may lead to a full-time, permanent position. After return to work, candidate will be required to spend 2-3 days a week onsite working, meeting with scientists as well as building relationships with members of the media and other partners.

• Create a media relations strategy that will position Gladstone’s experts in various local and national media outlets. 
• Write stories and press releases featuring Gladstone’s scientific findings and people.
• Pitch and place articles and bylines in key media outlets.
• Organize media interviews with spokespeople.
• Post to media wires, monitor success, report successes, and adjust as needed.
• Build strong relationships with scientific-related media outlets, people, and organizations. 
• Meet with scientists to identify compelling stories and stay abreast of speaking engagements and future scientific articles to be published.
• Build a robust set of media resources on Gladstone’s website.
• Identify organizations and place our scientists as speakers and experts.
• Build partnerships with like-minded organizations to increase the visibility of Gladstone.
• Create media materials, fact sheets, Q&As, and talking points.
• Monitor inbound media inquires, follow up and ensure needs are met.
• Track and report on media relations performance metrics reporting to leadership and other stakeholders.

Who You Are

• 5+ years experience in communications, public relations, and/or journalism.
• Ability to digest complex scientific material and translate it into stories and materials for the public.
• Proven track record of media relations success.
• Strong pitching skills and storyline development. 
• “Rolodex” of media contacts.
• Project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to work with strict deadlines and embargoes. 
• Excellent communications skills both written and oral.