About Us

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. PCORI is committed to continually seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Integrated Communications, the Senior Executive Communications Officer will play a leading role in elevating the visibility and reputation of PCORI's executive leaders by developing and executing a successful executive outreach and visibility strategy on behalf of the organization.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive executive visibility strategy that positions PCORI's executive leadership at the forefront of patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research.
  • Develop distinct "executive voices" for each senior leader, crafting positioning and messaging that aligns with their expertise and PCORI's overall mission.
  • Work with Communications colleagues to align with PCORI's overall communications strategy.
• Proactively identify, pursue and manage thought leadership opportunities for executives to speak about PCORI and its work, including conferences/events, media interviews, op-ed and opinion piece placements, deskside briefings and other channels.
• Lead media training, rehearsals and outreach for PCORI executives, including reporter cultivation; responding to media inquiries, media partnership development; pitching and placement; training sessions, media interview rehearsals; as well as media alert, release, and related story generation and content development. Develop and maintain media lists related to executive outreach.
• Prepare executive leadership for media interviews. Includes preparing comprehensive briefing materials and collateral such as talking points, pitch memos, Q&A documents and briefing papers.
• Through internal collaboration with such groups as the patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research program team, actively monitor PCORI's funded portfolio of research and research-related projects and findings, as well as trade and nationwide news media for executive coverage opportunities. Develop a comprehensive knowledge of PCORI-funded research and projects for use as examples.
• Work closely with media relations colleagues to align executive communications with PCORI's broader media relations work. Provide backup support for media relations as requested.
  • Work with internal colleagues such as the public policy and government relations team to identify emerging trends and topics in healthcare research to position PCORI executives as experts within the context of PCORI's work.
  • Research potential areas of focus. Monitor speeches, journal publications, op-eds, etc., of peer leaders and share key takeaways and insights to drive inspiration and innovation.
• Collaborate on the social media action plan for executives, including content creation, curation and engagement tactics.
• Partner with the executive speech writer to ensure accuracy, fluency, cohesiveness and consistency of messaging and thought leadership opportunities. Contribute to executive speech and presentation strategy and development. Provide executive speechwriting support as needed.
  • Collaborate with internal communications colleagues to create internal messaging, internal-facing presentations, emails, and materials that keep staff informed and engaged with executive initiatives. Provide backup support for internal communications as requested.
  • Directly supervise staff, interns, freelancers or contractors as assigned.
  • Develop and monitor adherence to performance metrics.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate trends and pivot communications strategies as needed.
• Detail-oriented; strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, handle multiple tasks, work in a fast-paced environment, perform well under pressure, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines and objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with media, develop a media relations strategy and work cross-functionally to support integrated communications strategies.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present and communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt tone and style for various executives and platforms. Familiarity with standard style manuals (e.g., AP, AMA).

• Bachelor's degree required; specialization in communications, public relations, journalism or a related discipline strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in executive communications in health or health research sectors.
• Specialization in health, health care, health policy, or a related field required.
• Strong media relations experience and established network of relevant media contacts.
• Experience working effectively with C-suite executives.
• Proven track record developing and executing successful executive visibility campaigns. Experience with public speaking coaching and media training preferred.
• Proficiency in using database and media monitoring platforms.
• Experience managing staff, contractors and freelancers.
• MS Office Suite proficient (i.e., Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and familiarity with SharePoint preferred.