Research Communications Manager, Neuroscience

BrightFocus Foundation is a global nonprofit funder of scientific research and provides expert information to increase awareness and defeat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. BrightFocus is currently supporting a more than $75 million global portfolio of 287 active scientific research projects in 17 countries. Earlier this year BrightFocus announced nearly $24 million in new grants to better prevent, treat, and end brain and vision diseases. 

BrightFocus Foundation is seeking a highly deadline-driven, collaborative Research Communications Manager-Neuroscience who will work closely with Integrated Marketing and Communications (IMC) departmental leadership, the Scientific Affairs team and the Director of Scientific Programs, Neuroscience, and across departments to convey the global impact of scientific Alzheimer’s and dementia research advancements, news, and programs to external audiences and stakeholders.

The Manager will “own” scientific neuroscience research communications for BrightFocus and its Alzheimer’s Disease Research program and will develop, produce, execute, evaluate, promote, and report on comprehensive strategic research communications.

The Manager is responsible for proactively developing and promoting research content that supports BrightFocus’ overall strategic objectives, with an emphasis on researching and writing comprehensive short-and-long form content—including, but not limited to, news stories, position statements, backgrounders, presentations, scripts, programs, interview questions, thought leadership content, talking points, media alerts, and press releases—that translate complex scientific concepts into useful and compelling information for stakeholders, including the scientific community, donors, the public, and news media, that inspires them to take action.

The Manager must have a detailed working knowledge of issues and trends in the areas of research, technology, science, and health. In addition to initiatives related to these areas, the Manager is expected to provide support for BrightFocus programs, events, and partnership or other activities as needed.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Functions

• Under direction from the VP, Integrated Marketing and Communications, and Director, Marketing and Communications, and in close collaboration with the Director of Scientific Programs, Neuroscience, the Manager will work closely with the Scientific Affairs team to support BrightFocus’ short- and long-term objectives and strategic initiatives through audience-appropriate integrated research communications content production and management.
• Write and edit short-and-long form cross-channel research news content for brightfocus.org and other mediums; work with Scientific Affairs and IMC colleagues to identify sources and review content, as needed; fact check and obtain full approvals before publication; interview medical experts and grantees for article content.
• Ensure scientific communications and content calendar is up to date across channels; ensure all reviews and approvals are followed before content is shared for distribution.
• Summarize and synthesize the work of BrightFocus research for use in fundraising, digital, and promotional projects; ensure fact sheets, disease information, and impact stats are current and used properly.
• Manage and proactively report on external communications related to scientific collaborations, publications, educational programs, white papers, scientific conferences, BrightFocus scientific leadership, scientific speaking engagements/panels, and educational research communications programs, including Fast Tracks and virtual and in-person Alzheimer’s events.
• Produce profiles and interviews of scientists and medical experts for use in a wide range of public-facing capacities across multiple mediums as required, including the annual report and annual research portfolios.
• Ensure scientific content database is current with assets for external communications; work with external institutions and partners on shared communications as needed; liaise with freelance writers and editors.
• Write press releases; monitor and shape content and new developments that connect BrightFocus-funded research to important progress being made in each of our focal diseases and research fields, including external communications related to scientific papers produced by the Foundation as well as its scientific journal, Molecular Neurodegeneration.
• Draft scripts and talking points for informational and scientific events for Alzheimer’s Disease Research donor audiences, the public, and science community; report on discussions and correspond with speakers and internal stakeholders.
• Work with Marketing and Communications Coordinator to develop and obtain targeted research news media lists and consistently report on media coverage; build relationships with scientific and research news outlets/journalists and proactively share news and story ideas.
• Ensure that scientific content gets delivered in accordance with defined goals across all mediums, including the website, email communications, and publications; deliver approved and edited content on time for external print and digital publishing.
• Provide integrated levels of support and interaction with donors and partners in collaboration with Development and Strategic Partnership departments.
• Ensure web stories and press releases about research news are accompanied by images and/or video assets as determined.
• Provide in-person and virtual support for BrightFocus programs, events, and partnership activities other activities as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ communications, public relations, content marketing, or other scientific, medical, or health communications experience; proven experience communicating scientific, medical, or health content related to neuroscience for multiple audiences or comparable journalism experience preferred; non-profit experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, science, or related field in science communications. Background in science writing for lay audiences preferred; proven track record of successful neuroscience communications preferred.
• Ability to grasp and communicate complex topics and subject matters to multiple audiences, including donors, partners, the public, and the scientific community.
• Exceptional writing, editing, fact checking, and proofreading skills.
• Adherence to the AP Stylebook for research news releases and to BrightFocus editorial guidelines.
• Media relations experience.
• Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills; ability to effectively interact with cross-departmental colleagues and researchers to produce content.
• Working knowledge of SEO principles and best practices and ability to implement them.
• Knowledge of content marketing best practices and ability to write for multiple platforms, including print and digital; experience with video marketing and best practices in communication across platforms.
• Comfort working with colleagues across departments and external stakeholders to obtain information for stories and ability to communicate required deadlines effectively.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple projects against deadlines and deliver approved content on time. Working knowledge of Asana a plus.
• Strong news judgment and ability to produce and prioritize the timeliest content as identified with leadership.
• Commitment to the mission and values of BrightFocus with specific knowledge of its distinguished research programs, characteristics, goals, and accomplishments.
• Exemplify best practices in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
  communications, ensuring that materials are formatted to meet ADA and low vision requirements.  
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a part of a hybrid/remote team in a professional and collegial manner.
• In-person meetings and events required.
• Travel required (approx. 25% or less).

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants are required to submit a resume, salary requirements, cover letter, and writing samples to hrjobs@marcumllp.com with “Research Communications Manager-Neuroscience” in the Subject line for consideration. Applicants without required documents submitted will not be considered. Your cover letter should include an overview of your experience, your connection to our mission, and what you expect to accomplish in this position. Writing samples are required. Selected candidates will be required to complete a timed writing exercise as part of their candidate review process.

BrightFocus is committed to the full utilization of all human resources and to a policy of equal opportunity. In accordance with applicable laws, it is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals, as well as administer any and all personnel actions, without regard to any legally-protected characteristic including, but not limited to, race, age, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.

BENEFITS: BrightFocus offers a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, life, accidental death and dismemberment, and a retirement plan.