Lead Editor (Publications)

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 250 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 (“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.

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. 

Vaccine 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.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing their specific qualifications and interest in the position.

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.