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 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.

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• 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.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. 

Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Required Experience 

• 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.

 Compensation and Benefits 

Salary Range: $139,142 - $173,928

The above range represents the salary range expected for the position; however, final offers are based on several factors such as the position’s responsibilities; the candidate’s experience, education, and skills; location; travel required; and current market conditions.  

Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, eligible employees may participate in PCORI-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employee’s eligible dependents. 

Conflict of Interest.

PCORI wants to ensure that prospective employees are aware of its conflict-of-interest policies so that employment deliberations take into consideration this aspect of PCORI employment. PCORI requires all PCORI employees to disclose upon commencement of their employment and on an annual basis all individual and close relatives financial, business, and personal association with the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one’s decisions relating to PCORI. All disclosures made by employees are made publicly available on PCORI’s website. Disclosures must include all financial and business and personal associations with any health or healthcare-related organizations and include all associations with any other organizations that have the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one’s decisions relating to PCORI, including but not limited to vendors or other third parties with whom PCORI has a contract or that PCORI has funded. For more information please visit PCORI-Conflict-of-Interest-Policies-Outside-Employment-Policy.pdf

PCORI conducts reference and background checks on all applicants. 

PCORI recommends all members of the PCORI workforce adhere to the CDC recommendations regarding staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccination. 

PCORI’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:? 

PCORI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity both internal and external to the workplace. You can learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.?All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.? 

About Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is authorized by Congress to conduct research to provide information about the best available evidence to help patients and their health care providers make more informed decisions. PCORI’s research is intended to give patients a better understanding of the prevention, treatment and care options available, and the science that supports those options.

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