Position Overview:

Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) is a leading voice in the cancer research policy field, driving collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and patient advocates to accelerate the delivery of life-saving treatments.  

We are seeking a Director or Manager of Communications (title and salary commensurate with experience) to lead the development and execution of communication strategies that amplify our research and policy initiatives. This role will focus on translating complex scientific findings into clear, accessible content for diverse audiences, while also developing strategies for social media, email campaigns, media relations, and content creation. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of experience in communications, preferably within a health-nonprofit, medical research or biotech or pharma setting, and be skilled at analyzing and optimizing the dissemination of organizational collateral. Additionally, the candidate should have strong foresight to direct and strategize campaign needs with the ability to effectively align our research portfolio with relevant policy and legislation, enhancing the visibility of our research. This is an opportunity to shape impactful communication strategies in the cancer research policy space while working with a dynamic, mission-driven team. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Strategic Communications: Assist in the development and execution of comprehensive public affairs strategies, leveraging emerging policy trends to effectively communicate Friends’ research, policy initiatives, and impact to diverse audiences, including government, biotech, the media, policymakers, and the patient advocacy community.  
  • Scientific Translation: Work closely with our research and policy teams to translate complex scientific findings and policy initiatives into accessible, understandable content that can effectively be shared with a diverse range of external stakeholders. 
  • Content Creation: Guide content development across multiple communications platforms, blog posts, newsletters, social media, and email marketing campaigns.  
  • Digital Media: Assist VP of Public Affairs in directing digital content strategy to ensure messaging aligns with organizational priorities to enhance audience engagement and information dissemination. 
  • Email Communications & Analytics: Direct email communications campaigns, including segmentation, content creation, and performance analysis. Use data-driven insights to optimize messaging, audience targeting, and overall effectiveness. 
  • Media Relations: Assist VP of Public Affairs and CEO to cultivate relationships with journalists and develop media plans to elevate Friends’ presence in the media landscape. 
  • Collaborative Leadership: Ensure cross-functional collaboration by aligning communication strategies with the organization’s research, policy, and advocacy efforts. Promote cohesive messaging, foster an integrated approach to stakeholder engagement, and ensure alignment on key initiatives. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with external stakeholders, including partner organizations, industry leaders, and patient advocates, to expand research visibility and enhance the influence of of Friends’ initiatives within the cancer research landscape and community. 

Qualifications: 

  • 8+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or public affairs, with a background in science & healthcare (non-profit health advocacy, biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical research organizations preferred). 
  • Proven ability to translate complex scientific and policy research into clear, accessible communications for a diverse range of audiences. 
  • Strong social media strategy and content creation skills, with demonstrated success in driving meaningful engagement with key audiences on platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn. 
  • Strong experience in email marketing platforms and analytics, with a data-driven approach to improving engagement and outreach. 
  • Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with attention to detail and the ability to tailor messaging for specific audiences. 
  • Proven experience in managing social media strategies that drive engagement, particularly in scientific or healthcare sectors. 
  • Experience with media relations, including pitching stories and managing relationships with reporters. 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 
  • A passion for advancing cancer research and a commitment to advancing Friends’ mission to improve outcomes for patients. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Strong knowledge of cancer research, biomedical research and regulatory policy. 
  • Experience working with health advocacy groups or patient-centered organizations. 
  • Experience managing high-profile public communications efforts. 
  • Experience with website editing. 


Location: Must be based in the Washington, D.C. area (with some remote flexibility)

 

Why Join Friends of Cancer Research? 

  • Opportunity to make a significant impact on advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes. 
  • Be part of a dynamic, mission-driven team committed to driving innovation and change in cancer care. 
  • Competitive salary and benefits package. 

 

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience, strength of candidacy, and salary requirements to jobs@focr.org. 

 

Friends of Cancer Research is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. 

Job Category:

Associate