Media Intelligence Specialist

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a professional and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 95,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit www.facs.org.

Our Mission
The American College of Surgeons is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.

Our Vision
To create a healthcare landscape where surgeons thrive and every patient has access to and benefits from the highest standards of surgical care, driven by innovation, education, leadership, and trust.

Summary

The Media Intelligence Specialist is an eager, detail-oriented member of the Public Relations team who will monitor, analyze, and act on the media and cultural landscape in real time. The ideal candidate is a media-savvy self-starter with strong writing skills, a genuine curiosity about healthcare and current events, and the instincts to help the team spot emerging stories, coverage, and pitch opportunities as soon as they appear.

This role continuously monitors traditional media, digital and social platforms, and emerging channels to spot trends, flag relevant and notable coverage of ACS and the surgical field and generate new ideas and angles to pitch. The Specialist supports the Director, Public Relations and the broader communications team in day-to-day media relations execution, coverage monitoring and reporting, materials development, and research.

This exempt position reports to the Reports to the Director, Public Relations in the Strategic Marketing and Communications Division. It is based in our Chicago office and is a hybrid role: 3 days per week in the office / 2 days per week remote.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $56,100 - 65,000 (commensurate with related experience).

Major Responsibilities:

• Continuously monitor traditional media, digital, and social platforms to track emerging trends and cultural moments.
• Flag relevant and notable coverage of ACS, the surgical field, competitors, and peer associations.
• Generate fresh pitch ideas and story angles that connect ACS's programs, positions and advocacy priorities to what's happening in the broader conversation.
• Create new angles to drive media coverage that will support ACS's efforts to attract new members.
• Develop media coverage reports using media monitoring and listening tools and maintain coverage trackers for the team.
• Support media pitch and campaign development by conducting research, drafting materials (pitches, media lists, briefing documents, coverage summaries), and contributing creative ideas in planning meetings and team brainstorms.
• Provide research and background support on health policy and advocacy topics to help the team develop informed, timely media outreach.
• Assist with the preparation and organization of materials for internal review processes, ensuring accuracy and adherence to ACS brand and messaging standards.
• Continually build knowledge of ACS's mission, programs, membership, and the broader healthcare, surgical, and health policy media landscape to inform thoughtful recommendations.
  
  

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.
  
  
• 0-2 years of experience in public relations, media relations, journalism, political science or a related field; healthcare, association, or agency experience a plus but not required.
  
  
• Genuine interest in healthcare, medicine, and/or health policy.
  
  
• Active consumer of media, news, and culture, with a natural instinct for what makes a good story.
  
  
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
  
  
• Professional demeanor and effective oral and written communication skills.
  
  
• Ability to work both collaboratively and autonomously.
  
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage time effectively.
  
  
• Resourceful, proactive, and an effective problem solver.
  
  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; comfort learning media monitoring/listening platforms.
  
  

Comprehensive Benefits

We're committed to attracting and retaining top talent via valuable benefits!

• Vacation, personal, and sick hours including 13 paid holidays per year
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical - comprehensive coverage through BlueCross BlueShield
• Dental, Vision, and Prescription drug program
• 403(b) Matching Program
• Pension Plan
• Flexible Spending Medical/Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Domestic Partner Coverage

The American College of Surgeons is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruitment@facs.org or call (312) 202-5000 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.