Senior Manager, Policy Communications

Job Category:        Full-time /Exempt

Department:          Science Policy and Government Affairs

Reports To:           Director Science and Health Policy

Location:              1401 H Street NW, Room 740, Washington, DC, 20005

Organizational Profile:

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with more than 40,000 members residing in 120 countries, is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to advances in all areas of high-quality, innovative cancer research. Its mission is to prevent and cure all cancers.  The programs and activities of the AACR foster the exchange of new knowledge among scientists and physicians in the cancer field as well as in related sciences. AACR publishes eight peer-reviewed scientific journals and an award-winning magazine for cancer patients and their loved ones; convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 22,600 participants; offers educational workshops that train young investigators in a variety of scientific and clinical areas; funds fellowships, career development awards, and research grants for both senior and junior investigators; raises public awareness of the progress in and reasons for hope in the biology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer; engages actively in advocacy for increased federal research funding and other national policies that accelerate progress against cancer; and interacts with regulatory agencies to support regulatory science and policy.

Position Summary:

Manages policy communications projects to advance the AACR’s policy priorities. Develops science and health policy-related communication products and materials: the monthly Cancer Policy Monitor e-newsletter; the AACR Biennial Policy Report and policy section of the annual Cancer Progress Report; press releases; one-pagers and fact sheets for Capitol Hill, executive agencies, advocacy organizations, and general public audiences; content for the AACR website; materials for AACR policy events such as the Rally for Medical Research website; and social media content. Serves as a “science translator” for the AACR’s many stakeholders. Coordinates policy communications projects with the AACR Communications and Public Relations Department at AACR headquarters in Philadelphia.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

•Works to enhance AACR member awareness of cancer research-related policy issues. Specific focuses include legislative and executive agency activities affecting the funding and conduct of biomedical research, regulatory science policy, and cancer-related health policy.

•Promotes awareness among the general public and policymakers of the value of cancer research and biomedical science.

•Produces products for Capitol Hill and AACR members such as testimony preparatory materials, one-pagers, pamphlets, and reports that highlight cancer-related science policy issues and explain the interrelatedness between AACR’s science policy positions and the broad spectrum of cancer science and medicine.

•Prepares materials for high-level meetings and AACR-led initiatives.

•Attends policy and science-related meetings and summarizes key discussion points for AACR’s leaders and members.

•Coordinates initiatives, including facilitating webinars, to get AACR members more active in advocacy-related activities.

•Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements:

•Bachelor’s degree required.

•Advanced degree (MPH, PhD or equivalent) preferred.

•Background in biomedical or science-related field and/or public policy preferred.

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

•Minimum of five (5) years relevant professional work experience in public policy, communications, marketing, public relations, or similar field OR advanced degree and minimum of two (2) years relevant professional work experience in a biomedical or science-related field.

•Excellent project management skills.

•Exceptional communication skills: writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal.

•Ability to write from diverse audiences.

•Ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a clear, concise, compelling manager.

•Ability to analyze and research legislative and policy materials.

•Ability to read, understand and translate scientific literature for a non-scientific audience.

•Detail-orientated and highly organized approach with creative instincts and good judgement.

•Ability to interact collaboratively with colleagues at all levels.

•Strong computer and web literacy, including experience with social media.

Technical Competencies & Special Skills:

•Familiarity with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and/or the broader biomedical research community.

•Familiarity with policymaking and legislative processes.

•Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

•Experience with cancer-related policy issues including research funding, cancer prevention, cancer health disparities, cancer survivorship, tobacco policy a plus.

•Familiarity with internet content management systems and email marketing software a plus.

•Experience with the use of social media technologies for promotional purposes a plus.

How To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume (including salary expectations) to: Attn: Human Resources

615 Chestnut Street, 17th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

E-mail: [email protected]

Fax: (215) 440-1045

Equal Opportunity Employer