About us

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation is a Chicago based international non-profit foundation. The mission of the DMRF is to advance research for more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for dystonia, to promote awareness and education and to support the well-being of dystonia affected individuals and families.

Reports to: Executive Director

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Director of Communications will work with the executive director and the Vice President of Awareness and Education to set and manage the strategy for all communications, development of educational resources, print and electronic, including but not limited to the website, social media platforms, webinars, and podcasts. The Director of Communications and Outreach will also be responsible for the development and dissemination of a public relations strategy to consistently articulate the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation’s mission. The Director of Communications and Outreach will ensure that the foundation is viewed as the primary source of accurate and balanced information on dystonia.

Responsibilites include:

1. Serves as chief planner and writer and production manager for the Dystonia Dialogue. This includes working with the Editorial Board to identify topics for inclusion in the publication that meet the needs of the community and that support the annual communications plan.

2. Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic resources including, but not limited to brochures, annual reports, research updates.

Serves as lead writer of copy for the educational brochures, the Annual Report, and other publications/resources, print and electronic, to support the annual communications plan.

3. Responsible for the website, content, operations, monitoring metrics and management of vendor providing technical support for the site.

4. Working with the executive director to develop, implement and evaluate the annual plan for webinars, podcasts and educational programs.

5. Working with the Senior Associate Director of Marketing and Data Management in developing, posting and evaluating social media messages.

6. Develop and disseminate media releases to support the programs and activities of the DMRF.

7. Manage all media contacts

8. Provides staff support for the Dystonia Dialogue Editorial Board and DMRF Awareness and Education Committee

9. As needed, will assist with the development of foundation applications.

10. Performs any other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have 5 to 7 years of communications experience, preferably in a non- profit organization, and covering areas such as website content, patient education resources, newsletters, and donor communications. Must have a command of Word Press, social media operations, use of Canva, Microsoft Word, Sprout Social or equivalent social media management system.

Specific requirements include:

• Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies;
• The ability to take knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages and disseminate it to the right audiences through the best distribution channels is critical.
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently;
• The ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels;
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters;
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.

Willingness to perform all functions in the small-office setting. Full-time position. Some travel may be required. Hybrid work pattern available.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Writing skills: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60601 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60601