The Board & Executive Operations Lead provides high-level operational, governance and communications support to the Foundation’s executive leadership and Board of Directors.
About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.
Core to our philosophy is how we think of our capital and its risk profile relative to other stakeholders in the drug development pipeline. We work aggressively to de-risk various therapeutic strategies and tools in the hopes of building a robust pipeline of new treatments for patients. In order to achieve our mission of finding a cure for PD it is critical that we engage with, and bring together, members of the PD community including researchers, physicians, health professionals and most important, people with Parkinson's and their families.
We believe that to find a cure for PD as quickly as possible, our capital needs to push research forward today—we therefore deliberately hold no endowment or excessive reserves. We instead seek to deploy funds raised as quickly and wisely as possible. MJFF raises over $100 million annually. Today, the Foundation has approximately 300 full-time employees. We offer a collegial and collaborative environment where optimistic problem-solvers and entrepreneurial, resourceful individuals can thrive and make a tangible difference for millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Board & Executive Operations Lead position. This role serves as a strategic partner to the Chief of Staff, providing high-level operational, governance and communications support to the Foundation’s executive leadership and Board of Directors.
This position leads core governance processes, manages executive and Board meeting operations and ensures organizational priorities are effectively coordinated across teams. The ideal candidate brings a balance of strategic thinking and operational precision—someone who can anticipate needs, connect information across departments and execute complex deliverables with professionalism and attention to detail.
This is a hybrid-flex position that will require in-person attendance on a monthly basis at the Foundation’s office in New York City.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Board Governance & Management
Oversee ongoing Board governance and compliance in partnership with the Legal team
Manage and maintain the Foundation’s Board platform, ensuring materials, records and data are accurate and accessible
Coordinate preparation of Board packets and central presentations in collaboration with the Chief of Staff, executive team and analytics functions
Lead logistics for Board and committee meetings, including agendas, timelines, materials and follow-up actions
Partner with the fundraising team to onboard and engage new Board members, providing ongoing support and service
Executive Operations & Coordination
Support the Chief of Staff in tracking executive team priorities and ensuring alignment with organizational goals
Draft executive briefings, talking points and internal communications
Coordinate and project-manage executive team meetings, retreats and on-sites, driving clarity on objectives and outcomes
Collaborate across communications and analytics teams to turn insights into clear, compelling executive presentations and narratives
Qualifications and Skills:
Proven experience in a Chief of Staff, governance or executive operations role within mission-driven or corporate settings
Proven knowledge of Board governance, compliance and executive operations
Proven strategic acumen linking executive priorities to organizational goals
Exceptional communication and presentation skills for senior audiences
Strong project management and coordination abilities across complex initiatives
Proven relationship builder with leaders, staff and external stakeholders
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and Board platforms (e.g., BoardEffect, Boardvantage, Diligent)
Highly organized, discreet and adaptable professional with integrity and sound judgment
Skilled in information design and visual storytelling
Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000. In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
Competitive dental and vision plans
401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
Flexible spending accounts
Employer paid life and disability insurance
18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2 p.m.) and a summer holiday week over July 4
Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work. We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.
Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.
MJFF is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Diversity may refer to characteristics including, but not limited to, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstance, geographic background, ability and disability, political ideology and age.