Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · 1 day ago
Director, External Communications
Boston, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$175K/yr - $201K/yr
10+ years expDana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care, and they are seeking a Director of External Communications to enhance the visibility and reputation of the Institute. The role involves leading a team for proactive media outreach, crisis communications, and collaboration with various media platforms to support the Institute's mission to conquer cancer.
CommunitiesHealth CareHealth DiagnosticsHospitalNon ProfitOncology
Responsibilities
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media professionals, including reporters, editors, and producers, both locally and nationally. This involves understanding media landscapes and effectively engaging with media personnel to enhance the Institute's visibility and reputation
Proactively pitch stories and lead the development of annual media relations planning and editorial calendars, ensuring alignment with Dana-Farber’s strategic goals. This includes creating executive briefing documents and ensuring alignment with the Institute's strategic goals to maximize media exposure
Actively participate in crisis communications and issues management efforts. This involves preparing for and responding to potential risks, ensuring that the Institute's messaging is consistent and effective during challenging situations
Train and prepare faculty and staff to effectively communicate with the media and represent the Institute. This includes developing communication skills and strategies to ensure accurate and impactful representation of the Institute's mission and achievements
Knowledge of healthcare and biomedical research, with the ability to comprehend complex scientific information and translate it into accessible language for diverse audiences
Lead the creation and dissemination of communications assets for scientific and patient care activities. Collaborate with clinicians and researchers to produce compelling materials that highlight the Institute's work and initiatives
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including affiliated institutions and industry partners, to enhance the Institute's visibility and communication efforts. This involves building networks and partnerships that support the Institute's goals and initiatives
Hires and develops team members with the capabilities to achieve organizational goals. Defines and communicates clear expectations, provides regular constructive feedback, and evaluates performance against objectives. Oversees team’s compliance with organizational policies and procedures. Monitors work for efficiency, effectiveness, and quality. Mentors and coaches staff, facilitating training opportunities and supporting career growth. Works with senior management and Human Resources to address performance issues, as appropriate. Promotes and fosters a healthy and productive work environment within the team and with groups across the Institute
Qualification
Required
In-depth understanding of media landscapes, including traditional and digital platforms, and the ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, and producers globally
Knowledge of healthcare and biomedical research, with the ability to comprehend complex scientific information and translate it into accessible language for diverse audiences
Proficiency in supporting issues management and crisis communication, with the ability to lead efforts in mitigating potential risks and handling sensitive situations
Ability to develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies, including annual planning and budget management, to enhance the Institute's visibility and reputation
Capability to lead and mentor a media relations team, fostering staff development and performance aligned with organizational goals
Strong interpersonal skills to work closely with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership and faculty, as well as external partners from affiliated institutions and industry
Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, with expertise in training faculty and staff for media engagements, crafting persuasive promotional materials, and delivering impactful presentations to diverse audiences, including research faculty and administrators, to effectively convey the Institute's mission and accomplishments
Ability to analyze media coverage and metrics
Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related field required
10 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications, proactively pitching stories to local and national media, managing crisis communications, and demonstrated proficiency in Associated Press style required
Experience working in a healthcare or scientific research institution
Preferred
Master's degree preferred
Agency experience preferred
Company
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a center dedicated to carrying out adult and pediatric cancer treatment activities and advanced research.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (191)
2024 (145)
2023 (155)
2022 (139)
2021 (105)
2020 (113)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$88.08MKey Investors
Elaine and Eduardo Saverin FoundationThe DeGregorio Family FoundationLlama
2025-11-24Grant· $20M
2025-05-06Grant· $1M
2024-09-24Grant· $0.5M
Leadership Team
Edward Benz
CEO
Recent News
Medical Xpress - latest medical and health news stories
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