Responsibilities

• Implements and executes media relations strategies aligned with organizational priorities, brand standards, and best practices for healthcare, academic, and research communications.
• Serves as the lead media relations strategist for the cancer and children’s service lines across UNC Health.
• Identifies proactive opportunities to elevate cancer and pediatric research, clinical care, and institutional leadership through earned media.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Serves as the primary media contact for cancer and children’s inquiries across UNC Health and UNC Lineberger.
• Manages inbound media requests, coordinates interviews, and prepares subject matter experts for media engagement.
• Partners with communications leadership, legal, and clinical stakeholders on sensitive issues and reputational risk management related to cancer and children’s services.
• Develops and pitches compelling story ideas to local, regional, national, and trade media, with an emphasis on oncology, science, and health reporters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field
• 5–7 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications
• Demonstrated experience writing about complex scientific, medical, or research-focused topics
• Experience in healthcare, academic medicine, or research communications strongly preferred
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, particularly for scientific and clinical content
• Proven ability to secure earned media coverage across local, regional, and national outlets
• Excellent news judgment and a proactive approach to media pitching
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under deadline

Preferred

• Experience in healthcare, academic medicine, or research communications strongly preferred
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, particularly for scientific and clinical content
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and enthusiasm for learning in a dynamic healthcare communications environment