Media relations lead

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is seeking an experienced, connected and proactive Media Relations Lead to become the face of the ESC Press Office and help bring some of the world's most important cardiovascular science, policy developments and expert voices to journalists, healthcare professionals and the wider public.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a global scientific community, collaborating with leading cardiologists, researchers, journal editors and communications professionals to ensure the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine reach the audiences who need them most.

About the role

As Media Relations Lead, you will serve as the primary point of contact for journalists, media outlets, content creators and external stakeholders seeking access to ESC expertise, scientific breakthroughs and congress news. You will lead all ESC press office activities, identify and promote compelling stories, facilitate media engagement opportunities and support the organisation's reputation through accurate, timely and impactful communications.

This role sits at the intersection of science, media and stakeholder engagement. On any given day, you could be coordinating an interview with a world-renowned cardiologist, identifying a high-impact research paper for media promotion, briefing volunteer Media Leads ahead of ESC Congress - the world's largest cardiology congress attracting +35,000 delegates and hundreds of journalists from around the world - managing journalist accreditation or supporting reputation management scenarios.

What you’ll do

Be the face of the ESC Press Office

• Develop and maintain relationships with international, healthcare, scientific and policy journalists.
• Manage media enquiries and connect journalists with the most appropriate spokespersons and experts.
• Facilitate interviews, media briefings, press conferences and other media engagement activities.
• Manage journalist accreditation and access to congresses, scientific resources and embargoed materials.
• Support spokesperson preparation and media readiness activities.

Help tell the stories that matter

• Collaborate with Congress Programme Chairs to spotlight important scientific breakthroughs presented at ESC events.
• Partner with Editors-in-Chief across the ESC Journal Family to identify impactful research suitable for media promotion.
• Work hand in glove with our public affairs team to develop compelling data-based narratives to drive forward the EU's Safe Heart Plan
• Coordinate the development of press releases, media statements, FAQs, key messages and background materials.

Facilitate and support a unique volunteer network

• Act as the primary operational liaison for the ESC volunteer Media Leads and Communications Committee.
• Coordinate and facilitate regular Media Lead meetings, including agenda development, preparation of presentations and briefing materials, follow-up actions and reporting.
• Support the Chair and Communications Committee with updates, recommendations and performance reporting.
• Manage the operational implementation of the ESC Embargo Policy and wider media governance framework.
• Coordinate media training activities for volunteer leaders, spokespersons and subject matter experts.

Contribute to the ESC's reputation and visibility

• Manage ESC media channels, including press office content on the ESC website and LinkedIn News.
• Maintain spokesperson databases, journalist contacts and media resources.
• Monitor media coverage, trends and emerging issues.
• Support reputation management and issues management activities as part of the wider Communications team.
• Coordinate with external PR, media relations and public affairs agencies to maximise the impact of ESC communications.

Who we’re looking for

You are a natural relationship-builder who enjoys connecting people, spotting stories and working in a fast-paced environment. You are equally comfortable speaking with a journalist on a breaking story, briefing a senior volunteer leader, coordinating an agency or helping promote groundbreaking scientific research.

You will likely bring:

• 5 to 10 years of experience in media relations, journalism, healthcare communications or scientific communications.
• Strong media contacts and experience working directly with journalists and media organisations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (native speaker level)
• Experience operating a press office or managing media activities around scientific meetings, healthcare organisations or policy issues.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and priorities simultaneously.
• A keen interest in science, healthcare and public affairs.

At the ESC, everything we do is driven by one purpose: improving cardiovascular health and helping patients receive the best possible care. Through our congresses, journals, scientific programmes and advocacy activities, we help shape cardiovascular practice around the world.

As Media Relations Lead, you will have a front-row seat to the latest developments in cardiovascular medicine and the opportunity to work with some of the most respected experts in the field. You'll help ensure that important scientific discoveries reach global audiences and have real-world impact for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Contract:

• Permanent contract based in Sophia-Antipolis
• French labour law provisions
• Business travel in Europe is to be expected, including weekends

Conditions:

• "Cadre" status,
• Fixed salary + 13th month and vacation bonus (1%)
• Possibility of teleworking up to 3 days a week, after two months' integration at ESC + fixed daily allowance
• Employee savings scheme: PERCO

Who we are:

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is a leading non-profit organisation representing over 100,000 cardiology professionals worldwide. Its mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. The ESC delivers innovative education, supports cutting-edge research, and sets clinical practice standards through a broad network of sub-specialty associations, working groups, and councils.

Visit our website to learn more:

As part of its diversity policy, the ESC is an equal opportunity employer.

The ESC is a signatory of the “Activateur de Progrès” charter, promoting the belief that disability is a powerful driver of innovation and a key to building a more inclusive and equitable model in support of equal opportunities.

All applications will be carefully reviewed. Thank you for your interest in the European Society of Cardiology. However, if you do not hear from us within three weeks, please consider that we are not able to proceed with your application.