Senior Corporate Communications Specialist (Science Press Communications)

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 a Senior Corporate Communications Specialist to support the planning and execution of corporate announcements and media relations — both proactive and responsive — to help advance the Foundation’s mission.  

The Senior Corporate Communications Specialist should be a curious media strategist with experience securing scientific stories who also holds sharp judgment in evaluating press and brand requests. This role will work with colleagues in Communications, Marketing, Research and the C-Suite, as well as with agency teams and external spokespeople. A science-savvy storyteller, this role will be responsible for maintaining a steady drumbeat of press — in consumer, trade and top-tier outlets — that conveys the scientific objectives and promise of the Foundation’s programs and clinical research.
 
This is a hybrid-flex position with at least part-time in the Foundation’s office in midtown New York City. Some travel (10 percent) will also be required.
 
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Media Relations:

• Develop and implement media strategies to promote the Foundation’s research mission and encourage patient engagement with its clinical studies
• Create target lists, pitches, news releases, fact sheets and other materials
• Prepare/train internal and external spokespeople for interviews and speaking engagements through the development of strategic messaging and prompt scheduling
• Evaluate and respond to media, spokesperson and brand requests in a timely manner
• Lead the review and shepherd internal and external approval of promotional plans and materials from research grantee and partners
• Contribute to the preparation and on-the-ground support of events where press may be present
• Build relationships with an external roster of diverse key opinion leaders

Corporate Communications:

• Develop plans and content to share secured stories, including writing and editing promotional materials (blog articles, social posts and others as needed)
• Support the management of a content roadmap that includes priority events, upcoming programs and press milestones
• Serve as a key contributor to the Foundation’s project management process by relaying corporate communications timelines and emerging needs
• Contribute to general research communications writing, proofreading of content
   

Qualifications and Skills:

• Relevant experience in strategic communications/public relations with relevant experience in health care and/or scientific research
• Relevant experience translating complex scientific information in a clear, accurate and convincing manner.
• Proficiency and innate curiosity in health, research and Parkinson’s science, with a specific focus on the media landscape in these areas
• Exceptional judgment in press and brand evaluation inquiries
• Strong writing and messaging experience in a variety of mediums (emails, blogs, social, news releases/pitches)
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills to strategically connect dots across teams
• Top-notch communicator with the ability to foster relationships with stakeholders at all levels

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $105,000.  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.