Science Writer – $130K/yr – $140K/yr
Stand Up To Cancer (“SU2C”), a California nonprofit public benefit corporation that is affiliated with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (“EIF” or the “Foundation”), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is seeking a Senior Science Writer. This position works under the direction of the SVP, Science Programs to produce science and storytelling content for various audiences, including clinicians, researchers, and the general public, about SU2C’s scientific programs, with the focus on scientific breakthroughs. SU2C is looking for an energetic, science/non-profit savvy, go-getter who is proactive. This critical position carries a high degree of visibility and requires close collaboration with team members across SU2C and EIF, along with external partners. The Senior Science Writer is a passionate, ambitious, and professional who can deliver results in an organization and a fast-paced environment. This position will often represent SU2C in working with scientists, subject matter experts, and communication teams to translate complex scientific information into clear, engaging, and accurate materials.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To be successful, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
EIF/SU2C reserves the right to modify the job responsibilities listed below.
- Translates the SU2C Science Portfolio to various audiences, including clinicians, researchers, and the general public
- Develops a plan for communicating science concepts to those audiences
- Produces high-quality and impactful-to-patient-outcomes content about SU2C Science Programs, understanding the importance of creating an effective and engaging brand
- Collaborates with others in the development of the organization’s marketing and branding strategies from the science perspective, including development of patient stories
- Manages projects involving science content to ensure consistency in scientific messaging
- Writes and edits articles, blogs, scripts, reports, press releases, op-eds, white papers, grant proposals, Board report content, newsletters, meeting reports, and social content.
- Review and create content for presentations and decks.
- Consider ways to interface with the entertainment and influencer communities in collaboration with the SU2C Media Development and Digital teams.
- Prepares text and context for infographics and creative materials.
- Prepares and maintains cancer fact sheets and SU2C By The Numbers.
- Monitors the popular press for impactful cancer research findings and trends to inform the organization and potentially amplify, weaving into more comprehensive messaging, including findings from the SU2C Science Portfolio.
- Interfaces with key internal staff and external constituents on behalf of the SU2C leadership.
- Cultivate stories for high-quality print and news media.
- Represents the SU2C in meetings with key personnel to develop strategies and implement those strategies for SU2C goals as assigned.
- Support to corporate and other donors to ensure consistency in scientific messaging
- Participates in SU2C-funded team reviews, committee meetings, and SU2C Science Team meetings to gain insight about the SU2C Science Portfolio
- Collaborate with SU2C Development to funnel science content into fundraising messaging
- Manages content on the SU2C site about the SU2C Science Programs in coordination with the SU2C Science Team.
- Follows up with key contacts through written and verbal communications. Responds to and/or escalates issues as they arise with various projects.
- Researches and identifies national thought leaders in the field of cancer research.
- Plans and develops content for departmental meetings, including staff meetings.
- Proactively schedules and conducts internal and external meetings as needed.
- Participates in key meetings and SU2C conferences, including the SU2C Scientific Summit, summer symposia, selection meetings, and review meetings.
- Collaborates with other departments and administrative staff as needed.
- Attends departmental and other meetings as required.
- Collaborates and coordinates with vendors as needed.
- Performs all other job-related duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills with the capacity to be highly task-oriented.
- Demonstrates personal compatibility with and commitment to EIF/SU2C’s philosophies and mission while maintaining a high degree of professionalism.
- Demonstrates the ability to work independently, creatively, efficiently, and cooperatively in a fast-paced environment.
- Exhibits a professional demeanor, exhibiting the ability to listen actively and to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing), persuasively, and with confidence.
- Exhibits a personable and approachable style and is able to build relationships and trust with employees and management.
- Demonstrates proactive problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrates the ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining extreme attention to detail and refocus as the job and situations demand.
- Demonstrates the ability to work within a team and establish strong working relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or advanced degree(PhD, MD, PharmD) in communications, journalism, science, or medicine from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
- Minimum of 10-12 years of experience in science writing.
- Exceptional research, synthesis, writing, and editing skills.
- High level of discretion and professionalism.
- Public relations experience is a plus.
- Clinically oriented training and experience in clinical trials and research are a plus.
- Demonstrated experience in working with teams.
- An in-depth understanding of various issues within the scientific and corporate business community, including funding, both public and private.
- Experience working in the nonprofit, academic, pharmaceutical, and/or entertainment sectors preferred.
- Must possess or establish and maintain relationships with prominent scientists and influencers in the field of cancer research.
- Strong interpersonal skills, able to work collaboratively with multiple constituents.
- Must be articulate and display clear and dynamic communications skills (oral, written and presentation).
- Success and high comfort level with facilitating discussions between multiple stakeholders with multiple opinions and experiences.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to travel over 25%, at times with short notice.
- Ability to sit for extended periods
- Frequent alpha/numeric keyboarding
- Ability to use a computer monitor
- Operate standard office equipment
- Lift and carry boxes up to ten pounds
- File and retrieve documents
SALARY RANGE: $130k – $140k USD