Job Description

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), the largest non-governmental funder of lupus research in the world, is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Director of Strategic Communications to lead the development and execution of the organization’s communications strategy. This individual will play a critical role in elevating LRA’s brand, amplifying its mission, and driving engagement with key stakeholders, including donors, researchers, policymakers, and the lupus community.

The Director of Strategic Communications will oversee the creation of compelling content, manage media relations, and lead integrated campaigns to support fundraising, advocacy, research, clinical work, and awareness efforts. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a skilled storyteller, and an experienced leader with a proven track record in nonprofit or healthcare communications.

The Director of Strategic Communications will work closely with the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications to drive LRA’s varied and integrated communications products and services including but not limited to: all print publications; newsletters; Web, E-news and other online communications; media and public relations; and marketing. This position in working with LRA’s media/PR consultants, will serve as an ambassador for the organization and build relationships with the media. In addition, the role will have the following responsibilities:

Communications Strategy, Vision and Leadership

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance LRA’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs, impact, and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs and overall work across key stakeholder audiences

• Create marketing/public relations strategy that will allow LRA’s leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, external audiences, including the media and key influencers

• Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them

• Collaborate with leadership, the development team, scientific advisors/researchers, and patients to craft compelling narratives about LRA’s impact.

• Identify and execute thought leadership and speaking opportunities for the organization (e.g., via interviews, op eds, bylines, desk sides, and industry conferences)

• Work across the Marketing & Communications team to ensure collaboration, effective communication, and trust.

Team Development/Management

• Build and manage a communications team: staff, interns, volunteers, consultants, and vendors, to support the development and execution of the communications strategy

• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality

• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis

• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct annual performance reviews

Communications Operations

• Oversee the development of all print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including website, and social and digital media

• Identify key audiences and have the ability/versatility to tailor messaging based on the appropriate audiences (i.e. translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging messaging for diverse audiences)

• Oversee the collection and cataloguing of all content for the creation of all materials: print, online, or video

• Manage relationships with associated vendors, consultants, and project staff

• Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities for LRA’s leadership, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed

• Manage with Media/PR consultant that active engagement, cultivation and managing of press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding LRA’s programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects

• Manage with Media/PR consultant any crisis communication plans

• Manage/collaborate with outside science writer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Master’s degree preferred.

• This hire will ideally have a healthcare/pharma or healthcare/nonprofit background

• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in management role and with communications experience

• Including planning, writing, editing the production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print or online publications

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, to multi-task, and to work under pressure on time- sensitive issues

• Must have experience managing a team, including consultants and/or vendors, and developing and implementing plans and related metrics.

• Demonstrates extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills for multiple audiences

• Creative and thoughtful on how new approaches and new media technologies can be utilized to best serve the organization

• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills, results oriented

• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs

• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team member and leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance, and administration initiatives

• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, LRA Board of Directors and all staff

• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker

• Passion for the work and mission of LRA

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV/resume. The Lupus Research Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to equal opportunity for all regardless of race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/orientation/preference, class or socioeconomic status, marital status, age, ability, or Veteran status.

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