Communications Program Manager - Public Relations

The External Affairs department at MD Anderson Cancer Center serves as the institution’s bridge to the broader community, advancing its mission to end cancer through strategic communication, advocacy, and partnership-building. The team leads efforts in public policy, community engagement, media relations, and institutional messaging, ensuring that MD Anderson’s voice is clear, trusted, and influential across Texas, the nation, and the world. By fostering strong relationships with government leaders, stakeholders, patients, and the public, External Affairs helps secure the support and awareness needed to drive groundbreaking research, exceptional patient care, and meaningful progress in the fight against cancer.

The Communications Program Manager brings a strong scientific communications background and applies it to develop and advance Public Relations strategies for priority research and innovation areas. The Communications Program Manager must demonstrate independent planning, sound decision-making, respect for confidentiality, and effective problem-solving. This position reports to the Program Director, Communications (Research & Innovation) and works closely with a collaborative, remote-based team of health care PR experts.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong scientific writing and communication skills, bring public relations experience, and have a background in an academic or government institution. They will preferably have healthcare communications experience or other relevant writing expertise, and the ability to develop, track, and analyze key performance indicators, including website analytics tools such as Google Data Analytics.

Onsite travel may be required as needed for meetings and business needs. This position may occasionally require weekend work to support specific events as needed.

At MD Anderson, we offer careers built on care, growth, and balance. Our employees enjoy a benefits package designed to support every stage of life, starting on day one.

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
• Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
• Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program

• Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups

JOB-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Communications Strategy and Consultation

• Build on a strong scientific communications background to develop, manage, measure, and advise on communication strategies for basic and translational research programs, including industry collaborations, aligned with MD Anderson’s strategic goals.
• Work directly with the Program Director, Communications to establish strong relationships with institutional leaders, faculty, and staff to support timely communication and responses to media or internal needs.
• Develop and implement media plans; attend leadership and client meetings and serve as a knowledgeable resource.
• Collaborate effectively with clients, team members, PR agencies, Institutional Affairs colleagues, media, and other stakeholders.
• Support institutional communication efforts at national medical and scientific meetings.
• Protect patient information in all communications and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Ensure brand consistency across all written and visual materials produced for or by internal partners.

Writing, Content Development, and Media Relations

• Research, write, edit, and distribute content that supports the institution’s mission. This includes news releases, MD Anderson publications, and additional written materials.
• Understand basic and translational research topics and translate complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging content for a range of audiences.
• Meet or exceed deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate strong command of AP Style and MD Anderson style, with excellent writing and editing skills.
• Provide media guidance to institutional experts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with news media, especially science reporters, by offering story ideas and relevant context related to health care trends or national and local issues.
• Demonstrate successful experience pitching stories to health and science media that result in meaningful coverage.
• Work as a collaborative team member, including productive partnerships with PR agencies to support priorities.

Measurement and Reporting

• Track and analyze PR work on an ongoing basis to guide decisions and evaluate effectiveness.
• Partner with the Program Director to deliver regular metrics reports to leadership and stakeholders.
• Establish and track metrics using both traditional and innovative methods to support goals.

Other duties as assigned.

Why Join MD Anderson

• Contribute to work that supports one of the nation’s leading cancer centers and its mission to end cancer.
• Collaborate with respected experts across research, clinical care, and communications.
• Work in an environment that values integrity, professionalism, and high-quality work.
• Access opportunities for professional growth in scientific communications and health care PR.
• Be part of a team that advances impactful research and innovation stories on a national stage.