Research Events Manager

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 (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Research Events Manager position.  Reporting to the Senior Manager of Research Events, this role will support research events pertaining to the Foundation’s Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) portfolio.  These events include 25+ retention events around the world, meetings in the Foundation’s office in New York City and the PPMI Annual Meeting.  This role will work with internal and external stakeholders to provide best in class events to ensure PPMI participants continue in the study, steward site relationships, provide opportunity to advance science and continue the overall success of the PPMI study.

This position requires the ability to work out of the Foundation’s office in New York City as needed and can be hybrid-flex or remotely based within the U.S.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to provide logistical support for a wide range of in-person, hybrid, and virtual research meetings and events that take place at the Foundation’s office including scheduling, booking travel and catering, expense reports, negotiating vendor agreements and helping with onsite event needs
• Assist in the planning and execution of large, single, and multi-day summits/meetings held offsite (both in the US and internationally), providing logistical support and communicating important travel and event details with internal and external stakeholders
• Assist the Community Fundraising & Events department on other projects that may arise, as needed
• Work closely across internal teams at the Foundation

Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge in project management and event planning
• Knowledge in managing the execution of off-site events
• Ability to think big picture while maintaining excellent attention to detail
• Have entrepreneurial approach; excellent decision-making, problem-solving and judgment skills; creative outside of the box thinking
• Possess strong analytical skills and the ability to shape decisions based on data and experience
• Be proactive and action-oriented
• Possess strong interpersonal skills
• Can prioritize work at hand and excellent time management skills required
• Ability to work productively and proactively, both independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility in approach and willingness to adapt when necessary
• Knowledge in customer relationship management and project management tools like Salesforce or Asana
• Excellent computer skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability and willingness to travel and work weekend events, and events outside non-traditional working hours
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and valid passport (or willingness to get one)
• Ability to work out of New York City office when needed
• Ability to lift and move boxes up to 50lbs.

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000. 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 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. The Foundation 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.