Manager, Policy Communications

Job Description

Job Title: Manager, Policy Communications
 
Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is seeking top talent for its Manager, Policy Communications position. This is a versatile opportunity for a skilled communications strategist with strong writing and editing skills who successfully engages with the press to advance business objectives in support of MJFF’s mission. This role will be responsible for leading the strategic conception, production and implementation of communications plans that advance the Foundation’s policy and advocacy initiatives.
 
This position offers location flexibility — working in person at our New York (Midtown) office, in close proximity to colleagues in Washington D.C., remote or a hybrid schedule. Some travel may be required (~10%). 
 
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, this position develops, manages, and actively implements MJFF’s communications strategy in support of the organization’s public policy, government relations and advocacy agenda. This role will serve as a critical link between the Policy, Marketing and Communications teams, promoting collaboration and data-driven strategies. Responsibilities include:
 
Communications Planning:

• Develop and execute national, trade, and multi-state communications strategies to advance policy goals, amplifying MJFF’s work in Washington, D.C. and in key states.
  • Collaborate with Marketing colleagues to develop data-driven marketing plans.
• Coordinate and align policy communications plans with other communications across the Foundation (e.g., research, fundraising, etc.) so policy activities are in sync with MJFF goals.
• Vet and coordinate media interviews and brief MJFF spokespeople on policy activities.
  • Communicate regularly with journalists and influencers to maintain engagement for potential story opportunities.
• Regularly engage people with Parkinson’s and their families, scientific researchers, clinicians, and others to identify news and story opportunities that advance policy goals.
• Serve as a bridge between the Policy, Marketing and Communications teams; identify and proactively present policy stories across all MJFF communications that highlight progress and impact.
• Support crisis communications on policy-related issues and be able to quickly lead or participate in a cross-functional team when needed.

 
 
 
 
Content Creation:

• Write policy and advocacy content to be shared in both earned and owned communications channels, including social and traditional media.
• Draft and/or edit press releases, statements, quotes, blogs, FAQs, fact sheets, backgrounders, pitches, social media posts, video scripts, and key messages, among other materials.
• Provide ad hoc communications and messaging support to the grassroots advocacy and government relations teams.

 
Qualifications and Skills:
The successful candidate must bring the following skills and experience:

• Proven and recurring success in policy communications, public affairs or media relations campaigns and engagements
• Strong experience developing and executing campaigns in health, public policy, government relations, research and/or cause-based setting
• Knowledge of the legislative process and related federal and state government relations
• Candidate location in greater Washington, D.C. is a plus
• Ability to dive deeply on public policy issues and make connections to the Parkinson’s community for effective storytelling and news hooks
• Demonstrated experience in proactively building and maintaining relationships with media and influencers in the public policy, health care, and advocacy space
• Ability to define and measure public affairs and policy communications KPIs and metrics
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Productive and effective project management skills, including proactive and collaborative development of work plans and timelines
• Very strong oral and written communications skills, and the ability to work effectively and empathically with a wide range of constituencies
• Bipartisan political discernment and the ability to work with individuals of many ideologies
• Ability to understand and absorb MJFF’s optimistic, problem-solving approach to Parkinson’s drug development, and incorporate its clear, organizational voice in their professional writing. 

 
Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $105,000. In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

•  15+ options for medical insurance (with MJFF 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; 1 Floating Holiday; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4. 

 
Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. MJFF provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events. The Foundation values workplace flexibility, with staff and leadership working together 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. The cover letter should include concrete examples of past work in policy communications that led to successful outcomes.
 
If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted. 
 
 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 $1.5 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.
Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information.
 
Vaccination 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.

MJFF is an equal opportunity employer. The Michael J. Fox Foundation strongly encourages 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.
 
 

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