Lead Editor (Publications)

Job Title: Lead Editor (Publications)

Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“MJFF”) is seeking top talent for its Lead Editor role. Reporting to the VP, Head of Editorial, this position produces extraordinary printed and digital content tailored to MJFF’s ﬂourishing audience of donors and prospective donors, and people with Parkinson’s and their families. This role will direct and produce, write, oversee and/or edit, a high volume of persuasive, clearly written and beautifully designed materials, capturing a range of authorial voices and tones, which drive results across varied mission-critical calls to action (CTAs).

On a day-to-day basis, this role works with internal colleagues across MJFF, including executives, and external programmatic and fundraising stakeholders, to shape editorial and content strategy with a special focus on MJFF’s core (annual) and emerging publications. This position also supports the writing and editing of a range of materials including collateral, event program/agendas, long-form donor proposals, email marketing content, and other content as required to serve MJFF’s ambitious fundraising goals.

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Oversee and conceptualize, write, edit, and produce MJFF’s biannual newsletters, end of the year review and other key (emerging) printed publications as required

Collaborate with medical communications to provide editorial oversight for MJFF’s educational guides, white papers and other materials

Collaborate with marketing on the development of a range of content for audience development, engagement, and conversions

Write and edit proposals, donor reports, speakers’ comments, appeals, promotional materials, website copy, talking points and other materials as needed

Write and edit fresh and engaging blog content, community and donor proﬁles, general Parkinson’s news, research updates, grassroots policy activations, event recaps, etc.

Mentor staﬀ and freelancer writers, provide tangible feedback on their editorial contributions; assign and support the management of a range of freelance contacts

Lead the regular maintenance, governance, publishing and dissemination of MJFF’s editorial style guide

Qualifications and Skills:

Proven experience in strategic communications within nonproﬁts and or mission-based organizations, biomedical research, public health and/or health care
Proven experience with all stages of print publication; ability to guide publication development from concept to delivery
Proven track record of aligning print and digital content strategy

Proven experience in science communications (i.e., working in the communications or news oﬃce of a research institute or university) or, at minimum, strong interest in biology and neuroscience

Superior and distinctive writing and strategic messaging experience in a cause-based, fundraising setting (preferably in health care or scientific research)

Strong editing skills and fastidious attention to detail. Impeccable grammar, spelling, and language facility; experience working with other writers giving constructive feedback

Top-notch project management, including proactive and collaborative development of work plans and timelines

Possess a good eye for design; experience art-directing and conveying messaging goals to graphic designers

Ability to initiate and manage relationships with internal and external partners at all levels, including staﬀ

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $115,000 - $130,000. In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

15+ options for medical insurance (with MJFF 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 days Paid Time Off (PTO); 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) 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. MJFF 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.

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.

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information.

Vaccination Statement

At The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), the health and safety of our team and our community is a priority. MJFF has made the decision to require all staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. Successful applicants for this position must be fully vaccinated by date of hire and proof of vaccine is required. Full vaccination is defined as two weeks after both doses of two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine has been administered. Anyone unable to be vaccinated, because of medical or religious reasons, can request a reasonable accommodation for consideration.

Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.

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