What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Science Writer (Proposals) position at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research?
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 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
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:
How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing their specific qualifications and interest in the position.
Apply Now
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.
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 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
- 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
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.
How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing their specific qualifications and interest in the position.
Apply Now
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.
Salary : $90,000 - $115,000
