Director, Research Communications – The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association – Washington, DC

Reporting to the Chief Scientist, the Director, Research Communicationswill manage the day to day activities of the research program, including progress report review; dissemination of progress in lay terms for specific donors, communication of program highlights and investigator publications to the ALS community and particularly ALS Association chapters. The Director, Research Communications will be responsible for keeping abreast of all developments in the ALS field and work with the Chief Scientist to explore new avenues of research that would add to the value of current programs. In addition, the Director, Research Communications will cultivate the trust and confidence of national staff, chapters and other business partners, to establish effective relationships and communications. The Director, Research Communications will be accountable for a current knowledge base of ALS research. The position would involve travel to scientific meetings of importance to the research programs.

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

In collaboration with Chief Scientist, communicate The Association’s mission and the impact of The Association’s research program to all stakeholders.

Assist the Communications and Marketing team in producing research information materials for lay external audiences.

Provide current and appropriate research information to the Development team and strategize with them how this can best be promoted for further development opportunities.

Coordinate with the Chapter Relations and Development team presentations at chapter symposiums to help inform the local community.

Collaborate with the Chief Scientist, Science writer and the Communications and Marketing Department to help promote The Association’s research program globally.

Work with the Chief Scientist and Public Policy Team to plan the annual drug company working group meeting at the American Academy of Neurology, research panels at the National Public Policy Meeting and Clinical Workshop.

Follow up on research progress in the Milton Safenowitz Fellowship program and ensure that fellows are receiving the appropriate mentorship and leadership in their projects.

Generate a grant review report for each of the applicants in the Investigator-Initiated program scientific review that can be distributed to the investigators after the review. Develop a summary document for the Research Committee of the Board that highlights the relevance and scientific merit of each of the grants recommended for funding.

Develop meeting reports and updates from the co-operative alliances that have been initiated as part of the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Keep President and CEO, Executives and Chapters current on research related matters.

Maintain an ever-increasing body of knowledge and skill set concerning ALS, clinical care, research, treatment development and patient and caregiver needs.

Work together with the Communications Department to further develop and maintain contents on the research website to make it highly relevant for researchers and the lay community. Ensure that Chapters have the appropriate materials to communicate about research to their constituents.

Attend major ALS meetings and issue reports of relevant presentations as required or requested.

Coordinate and manage monthly research webinars.

Convey a professional and positive image at all times that reflects favorably on The ALS Association.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Advanced degree in a medical or health profession discipline, public health or health related field or the equivalent in education and related work experience.

Progressive research communications experience in a nonprofit setting.

Familiarity with ALS or general neurology.

Proficient computer skills, especially with Microsoft Office products.

Ability to travel up to 60% as required or requested for business purposes.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

A person with integrity.

A strong communicator with a good knowledge of the science and the scientific community and how to work professionally with both academic and industry partners.

A person with a passion and optimism for the work of The ALS Association and a strong commitment to the organization’s mission and goals.

A team-builder, enthusiastic about promoting the growth and success of The Association nationwide.

A person able to build consensus, effect and manage change, and establish a productive and harmonious environment.

A good listener, able to balance diverse agendas and points of view, while maintaining a sense of common purpose and organizational vision.

A strategist, who is organized, creative, politically aware and financially astute.

A self-motivated professional with willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of programs, procedures and policies.

AA/EOE
Please send cover letter, resume and salary history to: E-mail: jobs@alsa-national.org / Fax: (818) 880-9442

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