Director, Communications and Engagement

REPORTS TO: President & Chief Operating Officer

LOCATION: Washington, DC (preferred) or New York City

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Exempt

About the Melanoma Research Alliance and Our
Impact:

The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) is the largest private
non-profit funder of melanoma research worldwide.  Founded in
2007, MRA’s mission is to end suffering and death due to melanoma
by advancing the world’s most promising science and research. 
MRA provides critical funding for melanoma research that propels
advances in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, metastasis, and
survivorship.   MRA brings together and connects a global
brain trust in science and cancer research and provides them with
the funding and flexibility to pursue their most innovative ideas
enabling our funded researchers to make discoveries and
breakthroughs in record time.   MRA-funded researchers
have been behind every major breakthrough in melanoma research.
Since our inception, more than 17 new therapeutic approaches for
melanoma have earned FDA approval. Today, patients have more
treatment options than ever before and many are living longer,
fuller lives as a result. The melanoma community is leading the way
for oncology as a beacon of innovation and scientific excellence.
Despite this progress, it still isn’t enough, as half of patients
facing advanced melanoma are still not benefiting from available
treatments and with more than 100,000 new cases of melanoma that
will be diagnosed in the United States this year, there is more
critical work to be done. MRA is recognized as one of the most
fiscally efficient non-profits in the country. Because MRA’s
Founders, Debra and Leon Black, generously cover 100% of MRA’s
administrative and operating costs, every dollar donated is
invested directly into MRA’s scientific and research program. 
MRA is hard at work unraveling some of the biggest unanswered
questions facing melanoma patients today. Breakthroughs happen when
we work together. Join our team!

www.curemelanoma.org

About the role:

MRA is looking for a Director of Communications and Engagement
who can bring strategy, innovation, and creativity to effectively
draw greater awareness of our mission, importance, and
impact.  The Director of Communications and Engagement
oversees all aspects of MRA’s integrated communications and
engagement strategies and programming.  This role leads
communication strategies across multiple channels, donor audiences,
the scientific and patient community, and corporate partners to
elevate and enhance MRA’s public profile.   With one
direct report (digital engagement and communications manager) and
support from external agencies and vendors, the Director of
Communications and Engagement has oversight of MRA’s branding,
storytelling, email marketing, public relations, media
partnerships, publications, creative design, multimedia and video,
websites, social media, media relations and issues management and
all other external communications.   The Director of
Communications and Engagement will work closely with MRA’s senior
leadership team, Board of Directors, scientific leadership, and
advisors to develop and implement strategies that effectively
communicate MRA’s mission, the extraordinary progress of melanoma
research as well as MRA’s leadership position in the field of
scientific research.   

What you will do:

• Develop brand building and storytelling strategies that further
  MRA’s strategic goals and elevate MRA’s brand recognition across an
  array of audiences.
• Lead communications strategy and media relations for key
  pillars including Melanoma Awareness Month, scientific investment
  cycles, MRA signature events and thought leadership.
• Serve as the strategic lead for the launch of MRA’s investment
  in a website refresh including content strategy and development,
  site architecture and search engine optimization. 
• Develop and implement MRA’s digital strategy. Ensure a growing
  digital and social media presence that deepens engagement and
  increases revenue while maintaining brand integrity and message
  consistency.
• Lead MRA’s patient engagement efforts including content
  resources to educate the broader melanoma community about the
  impact of MRA’s work and recent advances in the field. Serve as
  strategic lead for MRA’s Patient Forum held with MRA’s Scientific
  Retreat. 
• Manage concept creation, development, and promotion of
  high-quality MRA materials, including: our annual report,
  brochures, press releases, blog posts, op-eds, reports,
  backgrounders, etc. 
• Assist in marketing, promotion, and patient engagement with
  MRA’s RARE Melanoma Registry (www.raremelanoma.org). 
• Direct and monitor communications and engagement vendors,
  consultants, and freelancers within the allocated budget for the
  department.

What you bring:

• At least 5 years of marketing and communications experience in
  a nonprofit or corporate setting with strengths in brand building,
  innovating engagement strategies, inspiring commitment to mission
  and sound business acumen.  Experience in medical research,
  cancer research and/or patient engagement communications a
  plus.
• Deep interest in MRA’s mission, medical research, and the
  ability to distill complex scientific material and communicate
  compelling stories, data, research breakthroughs and scientific
  insights to a broad cross-section of audiences.
• Understanding of the continuously evolving communications,
  media, and digital engagement landscape.
• Brand positioning development, management experience across all
  media, including digital platforms.
• Experience working with design for both print and web,
  including basic competencies in html, search engine optimization,
  and design with various programs for both print and web.
• Data-driven approach to evaluating impact and overall
  decision-making.
• Experience functioning as a strategist and partnering with
  senior leadership, board members and others.
• Ability to create and drive strategy while being a hands-on
  implementor. 
• Accustomed to working, problem solving and collaborating
  thoughtfully in a dynamic environment.
• Proven success in leading, mentoring and motivating a high
  performing team.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public
  relations, journalism, or related field. Master’s degree in
  communications or public health a plus.

What we offer:

• MRA is committed to practicing salary transparency. The salary
  range for this role is $110,000 to $130,000. We construct our
  salaries in such a way that staff can move through the range within
  their position level. As such, most candidates will start at
  $110,000 to $115,000, with flexibility for a possible few
  outstanding candidates based on the above required on specific
  skill sets and experiences. This position is also eligible for
  performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits including
  an employee assistance program to help with mental health,
  financial and legal matters for all employees and their eligible
  dependents. 
• A 403b retirement investment plan with a 5% match.
• Life & Disability insurance (Basic, voluntary and AD&D,
  short-term and long-term).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health, dependent coverage,
  transit/commuters FSAs).
• A generous and flexible schedule of paid time off in addition
  to the paid holidays we observe.
• Paid parental/family leave. 
• An investment in everyone’s professional development including
  learning cloud programs, scientific retreats and forums, networking
  opportunities, lunch and learns, conferences, leadership mentoring
  with access to top minds in science, research, medicine, and
  business.

The fine print:

• This position is based in Washington, DC; however, for the
  right candidate, we will also consider the potential of a New York
  City based candidate.  While performing the duties of this
  role, you would work in a hybrid, in-office (two days a week) and
  remote arrangement.
• Some travel is required for this role including MRA events,
  scientific, and patient engagement conferences.
• We are committed to ensuring a safe environment for our staff,
  partners, and visitors.  All MRA staff are required to be
  fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless an exemption required by
  law is applicable.   
• Successful candidates will be subject to an authorized
  background check.
• We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to
  work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas
  at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a
  precondition of employment.

The statements herein are intended to describe the overall
nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not
to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they
do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to
change at the discretion of the employer. 

How to apply:

Please send your resume to [email protected] with the
following subject line: Director, Communications and
Engagement

Deadline to apply is Friday, April 12, 2024. Only short-listed
candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.  All
inquiries will be held in confidence.

What you can expect if you move forward in the
recruitment process:

1. Initial interview with MRA’s President and Chief Operating
   Officer Interview (45 minutes)
2. If you are selected for the next round, an interview with MRA’s
   Chief Executive Officer, Chief Science Officer, and Digital
   Engagement & Communications Manager (90 minutes in total)
3. Reference check and background check 
4. Offer

Our culture and commitments:

Every person at MRA is treated with respect, supported with
resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of
experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to
share knowledge and passion with colleagues and the scientific and
patient communities we serve. We are committed to building a
diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where
everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our
commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that
creates opportunities for everyone. MRA upholds an equal
opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard
to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
marital status, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status,
military obligations, genetic information, or any other basis
protected by applicable law.   

This policy applies to all applicants, employees, consultants,
and third-party workers. To request disability accommodation to
participate in the job application or interview process, please
contact us at [email protected].