Senior Science Writer (Proposals)

Job Title: Senior Science Writer (Proposals)

Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Senior Science Writer (Proposals) position. This role is a seasoned writer and editor who will hold primary responsibility for distilling complex scientific subject matter into relatable, practical and compelling proposals for gifts from significant donors. A key partner to the fundraising team, this individual will play a critical role in the success of the Foundation’s multi-year $2.5-billion fundraising campaign by creating tailored, engaging and scientifically accurate storytelling that illustrates the objectives and promise of the Foundation’s programmatic initiatives to speed a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

This position leads on the development of high-quality writing with special focus on proposals, pitch decks and grant reports for individual donors, corporations, and foundations; stories for the Foundation’s publications; and other content as needed. This individual closely collaborates with the Development and Research teams — and works directly with executive leadership — to create persuasive materials that win major gifts from philanthropic donors in support of the Foundation’s ambitious research mission.

This position can be based anywhere in the U.S.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Translate technical content into clear, lay-oriented and compelling writing and storytelling for current and prospective significant and principal donors, Board members and other philanthropic partners whose financial support can accelerate the Foundation’s mission to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease
Work closely and productively with colleagues and executives across the Foundation to create time-sensitive, high-quality, lay-oriented scientific proposals to significant donors
Conceptualize and deliver materials tailored to donors and prospective donors with capacity to give $100,000 to multi-million-gifts
Prepare, edit, proofread, and finalize documents and related materials including, but not limited to, funding reports, proposals, pitch decks, briefs, and fact sheets; long- and short-form stories in our publications; blogs and other digital assets
Gather and collect information from internal and external research key opinion leaders on scientific and other content required for writing assignments
Work proactively to understand the Foundation’s scientific strategy (via white papers, press releases, trial results and lectures) to translate our approach and the latest research into compelling and persuasive materials
Be (or quickly grow into) a subject matter expert on Parkinson’s and neurology research, providing mentorship and inputs to non-technical content creators on the Communications team

Qualifications and Skills:

Relevant experience in journalism or marketing/communication; specialization in public health, biology, or life sciences is preferred
Relevant experience in communications at nonprofit and/or mission-based organizations, preferably in biomedical research, life sciences, public health or health care
Superior writing and strategic messaging capability to distill complex scientific concepts into compelling, accessible storytelling and materials to engage high-capacity donors and prospective donors in our mission
Demonstrated success in producing high-quality work with competing deadlines, working cross-functionally across internal and external stakeholders
Ability to understand and absorb the Foundation’s optimistic, problem-solving approach to Parkinson’s drug development, and incorporate its clear organizational voice in professional writing
Comfort interacting directly with PhD scientists to understand and communicate their work
Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, write and compile multi-faceted written reports, publications, and the like to drive philanthropic gifts to a nonprofit organization
Ability to edit the work of others for scientific accuracy and editorial excellence
Track record of meeting or exceeding stated deadlines; experience in proactive and collaborative development of work plans and timelines

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $115,000. 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 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. 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.

About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research 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, 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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