Communications Specialist - Temp

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The Part-Time Temporary Specialist, Communications will work with the Science Media Relations team within the National Marketing and Communication department to gain professional experience with a national non-profit organization while working directly to create compelling, accurate news materials and learning how the team engages and supports science and health care journalists. In this position, the candidate will have first-hand experience to learn and assist with the extensive media relations strategy that supports the Association’s 14 peer-reviewed scientific journals and 7 annual scientific meetings.

Position Overview:

• Time Commitment: We will gladly work with your class schedule, however, we are expecting the position to work approximately 20-25 hours each week remotely, and this is a special one-year position with the Association’s National Science Media Relations team.
• Position Duration: 06/01/2025 – 05/31/2026
• Remote Position
• Salary: $23.00 per hour

Position Goals:

Provided with an opportunity to:

• Gain important and practical job skills to be successful in a non-profit environment.
• Opportunity to explore a career-path with a reputable voluntary health/service organization.
• Learn skills in a position that enriches your academic and professional resume as well as enriching your personal life by making a difference in the lives of others.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and at heart.jobs.

• Assist in supporting the Science Media Relations team for the weekly review of articles publishing in the Association’s 14 scientific journals
• Assist in the review of science selection process for the Association’s scientific meetings
• Assist in the development of a news release
• Assist in drafting support materials for promotion such as resource links, internal tools, photos or other multimedia, etc.
• Assist with proofreading of press materials
• Assist in pulling media coverage reports and tracking of, top media clips, hyperlinks for media dashboard report and overall reports Assist in researching new collaboration opportunities and new strategies and tactics

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Prefer candidates who are rising juniors, seniors in college, or graduate students pursuing a degree in journalism, news writing, communications or science writing, or public health with an interest in non-profit and health care communications.
• Typically requires three (3) years minimum prior relevant work experience, but not necessary for this position.
• Strong awareness of and interest in current events and what’s in the news daily related to health care, heart disease, stroke and nonprofit organizations
• Proficiency in AP Style
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including professional interaction with colleagues
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and seek assistance in a timely manner
• Teamwork skills and the ability to work with other staff, taking project direction quickly
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail
• Self-motivated, resourceful, problem-solving and solutions-oriented approach

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work professionally in a corporate or non-profit environment and in a virtual/remote capacity, and assume responsibility for guiding projects from inception through completion.
• Effective oral, written and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment managing multiple priorities involving multiple entities.
• Intermediate to excellent proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of Adobe Suite and Canva are a plus.
• Minimum availability of 20 hrs/wk, M-F between the hours of 8:30am-5pm CST.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship, now or in the future.  For any roles working remotely, the work must also be performed inside the United States, not in a foreign country.
• Required Equipment:
  • Reliable WiFi Connection

Pay rate: $23.00 per hour. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary.  That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
  
  
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success by merit increases and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position.  
  
  
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution.  As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
  
  
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  HeartU is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
  
  
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees.  The number of days will increase based on seniority level.  You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
  
  
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees.  This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the AHA will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.

This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities