VP, Communications and Marketing

Job Description:

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. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest funder of Parkinson’s disease research outside the U.S. federal government, having funded over $176 million in research projects globally in both academic and industry labs. At year-end 2009, MJFF has a $50 million annual revenue budget and 46 full-time employees. The Foundation is an international organization with a national fundraising base. Our office is located in the Wall Street area of downtown Manhattan. SUMMARY: Reporting to the CEO and working closely with members of the senior executive team, the Founder, and the Board of Directors, the Vice President of Communications and Marketing will lead the brand-building and communications efforts for this high-profile organization, directly managing activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization’s reputation. The Vice President will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of marketing and public relations activities relating to the Foundation’s strategic direction and position, its leadership, and the groundbreaking research it supports. This individual will be an ambassador for the organization and will be responsible for building relationships with the media as well as a wide range of constituent groups, including peer organizations. The Vice President’s principal objective will be to develop and execute strategies that advance the Foundation’s position as well as drive broader awareness that also generates donor support. RESPONSIBILITIES: The specific responsibilities of the Vice President of Communications and Marketing can be grouped into several key areas:  Strategy and Vision  Be the “resident expert” on the senior management team with reference to public relations, media relations, public policy, and advocacy issues. Support the initiatives of the other operating units within the Foundation from a communications and marketing perspective.  Devise and implement an integrated strategic plan for communications and marketing activities that advance the reputation of the Foundation and support its primary business objectives. The strategic plan will ideally develop messaging and outreach that will:  Advance the Foundation’s position as a leading player in Parkinson’s research and medical research philanthropy more broadly;  Use communications to help generate donor support;  Broaden awareness of the Foundation’s scientific programs and priorities;  Increase the visibility of its leadership across key stakeholder audiences; and Communicate to various constituents, including people living with Parkinson’s and their families, how they can engage with the Foundation and, in fact, help drive the Foundation’s success in achieving its mission.  Develop a comprehensive digital media strategy, comprising Foundation web sites and social media, which enables the Foundation to reach new constituents as well as deepen relationships with existing supporters.  Operations  In partnership with key Communications staff, ensure the efficient and effective development of all MJFF print and electronic communications, including materials generated in-house as well as collateral produced with outside vendors, such as:  Newsletters, Annual Report, Press Releases  PSA Campaigns  Fundraising materials, event marketing collateral, annual gala video  Serve as a spokesperson and critical advisor to the Founder, Michael J. Fox, Co-Founder, Debi Brooks, the CEO, senior staff, and the Board of Directors on Foundation-related media interactions.  Exercise judgment about what media opportunities to pursue, coordinate with the appropriate Foundation participant(s), and facilitate the preparation of talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed.  Cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences — including business, scientific, and popular press — to favorably position the organization and extend its impact.  Actively engage and manage press attendance and coverage surrounding special events, public announcements, and other Foundation-related projects.  Oversee department budgeting and expense tracking.  Leadership  Mentor and manage a high-performing team.  Lead department goal-setting and measurement of progress against these goals.  Proactively prioritize and manage workflow to ensure that the team’s emphasis is in the right places. REQUIREMENTS: The Vice President of Communications and Marketing must be a top-level strategist with outstanding instincts as well as an exceptional personal communicator with the experience, stature, and presence to represent the organization. S/he must possess a track record of leadership developing and overseeing a comprehensive marketing and communications effort. Above all, s/he must possess the ability to become a trusted, highly valued advisor to the Foundation’s senior leadership, both at the staff and Board of Directors level. S/he must be an innovative thinker, with professional experience for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output. S/he should possess the ability, intellect, and temperament to work effectively in a fast-paced, energetic, and demanding professional environment. Extensive presentation, writing, and editing experience across formats is highly valued, as is experience proactively building relationships with top-tier reporters and editors as well as successfully positioning complex subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements. As the leader of a team consisting of three direct reports, the Vice President must have a strong interest in and aptitude for management and team development. Given his/her function, however, he/she must also be comfortable working across the organization and with various staff members to ensure the Foundation has an integrated marketing and communications effort. Given the Foundation’s rapid growth trajectory, the Vice President must also possess a high degree of personal initiative and flexibility to flourish in an ever-changing environment. Candidates need not have a science or medical research philanthropy background, nor is nonprofit experience required, but the ability to communicate complex scientific, strategic, and/or policy issues in a clear and understandable manner is a must. It is equally important that s/he have a “roll up your sleeves” perspective and a sincere interest in the Foundation’s mission. Also, this person should enjoy being part of a close-working senior management team. A bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years experience in a strategic management role, ideally with a dual in-house and agency background is required. The Foundation is located in the Wall Street Area of New York City; some travel is required. How to Apply Interested candidates should send a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing your specific qualifications and interest in the position to foxjob@michaeljfox.org. Please be sure to include Vice President of Communications and Marketing in your subject line. Please, no telephone inquiries. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

Special Skills:

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