Manager, External Communications and Social Media

Manager, External Communications and Social Media

About City of Hope,
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas.

The Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic external communication initiatives that effectively convey City of Hope’s brand, values, and messaging to key audiences. This role serves as a primary ambassador for City of Hope Phoenix, including the hospital and outpatient clinics, and builds strong, mutually beneficial relationships with media, community partners, and external stakeholders.
The position leads external communications, media and public relations, reputation management, and social media implementation while also overseeing the clinical communications lead, collaborating closely across the Marketing, Communications and Physician Relations departments to ensure alignment, consistency, and impact. The role will also be overseeing City of Hope’s public relations agency members.

External Communications & Public Relations
• Develop and execute comprehensive external communication and media relations strategies that elevate City of Hope’s national and local profile, with a focus on innovative research and advanced clinical care. A full PR plan with monthly details will be created by the program manager.
• Manage relationships with external public relations agencies, write and oversee the development of news releases, bylined articles, blog posts, and other earned media content.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and local media, including consumer, business, healthcare, science, physicians and medical trade outlets either directly or indirectly via our PR agency.
• Secure positive media coverage across traditional, digital, and social platforms.
• Plan, write, and secure approvals for a wide range of written and multimedia content for online and print publications via City of Hope leaders, patients, caregivers and physicians.
• Craft and manage media materials including press releases, media advisories, key messages, backgrounders, Q&As, video content, and spokesperson toolkits.
• Develop and lead media training for high-profile physicians, researchers, and executive leadership.
• Support crisis communications and reputation management efforts in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Understand and implement brand strategy and tactics informed by Brand Survey insights.
• Manages the science and clinical specialist along with all communications elements as well as outside public relations agency team.
• Conducts daily, weekly reading and organization of assigned publications to keep abreast of trends and stories.
• Serves as a media back up to the Executive Director of Marketing, Communications and Physician Relations.
Content Development & Storytelling
• Build and maintain a robust database of patient stories, physician collateral, photography, and videography to support public relations and social media campaigns.
• Collaborate with clinical experts and City of Hope leadership to ensure accurate, compelling, and aligned messaging as well as develop all clinical materials for the Physician Relations team.
• Foster relationships with influencers, partners, and community stakeholders to strengthen brand loyalty and enhance reputation.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of issues relevant to City of Hope and its work, both those occurring at City of Hope and those occurring elsewhere. Uses this knowledge to arrange interviews with City of Hope expert spokespersons.
• Organizes and logs patient and physician stories for marketing and PR purposes.
Community Relations & Outreach
• Support community engagement, outreach, an