Lead Senior Science Writer/Proposal Writer, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Position Overview Lead Senior Science Writer/Proposal Writer Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Brookline, MA Full Time Since its inception, Dana-Farber has placed a unique emphasis on all forms of research relevant to the eradication of cancer while, at the same time, providing both cutting-edge and highly compassionate comprehensive patient care. This distinguished model is absolutely necessary and very expensive. As a result, hundreds of thousands of donors entrust Dana-Farber with philanthropic gifts every year. The Lead Senior Science Writer/Proposal Writer translates the latest accomplishments from our outstanding group of investigators into compelling narrative reports that update donors on the impact of their gifts. Our team of Science Writer/Proposal Writers is a key link between our dedicated oncologists, scientists, fundraisers, and donors who comprise the wide Dana-Farber community. Science Writer/Proposal Writers take complex information and communicate it clearly, concisely, and accurately to explain key concepts to Institute donors. As a Lead Senior Science Writer/Proposal Writer, you interpret some of the foremost challenges in cancer care and research in order to convey scientific insights that are both deep and broad. Responsible for assisting the entire Division with reaching financial goals. The onboarding of this role will include a comprehensive training process which includes completion of online modules, shadowing colleagues, as well as hands-on learning experiences throughout the first calendar year in the role. Embody Dana-Farber’s Core Values: Impact; Excellence; Compassion & Respect; Discovery; and Equity and Inclusion every day. Add value to the Dana-Farber community by seeking opportunities to collaborate across the Institute. Foster an ethical, positive, results-oriented culture founded on open communication. Dana-Farber is currently undertaking an ambitious fundraising effort to change the future of cancer research and care: The Dana-Farber Campaign. This multibillion-dollar campaign is the largest in the Institute’s history and one of the largest ever in the U.S. focused solely on cancer. Philanthropy raised through The Dana-Farber Campaign is focused on accelerating the Institute’s strategic priorities by supporting revolutionary science, extraordinary care, exceptional expertise, and essential opportunities—helping us prevent, treat, and Defy Cancer. Application Requirements: Resume and cover letter required with application submission. If you wish to disclose your personal pronouns, please include them within your resume and cover letter submission. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Thoroughly research and understand all aspects pertaining to a specific portfolio of reports, including basic science, research programs, and cancer treatment centers at Dana-Farber. Skillfully conduct interviews with clinicians, investigators, and cancer care professionals to elicit new perspectives, scientific context, specific accomplishments, incremental and major results, direct quotes, ideas on how to approach the report, names and contact information of other people to interview, and more. Plan and write compelling long form reports that convey the impact of philanthropic giving. Work closely with philanthropy colleagues to develop appropriate tone, content, and donor approach. Write and edit reports in a timely fashion to meet specified deadlines. Review for scientific accuracy the work of fundraising teams and writers within the philanthropy department. Contribute as a member of the writing team. Thoughtfully participate in team meetings and share knowledge related to research findings, scientific writing trends, and learning opportunities. Work closely with philanthropy colleagues to conduct interviews with donors and faculty and write short donor profile stories celebrating new major gifts for the donor newsletter, Impact. Work closely with philanthropy colleagues to conduct interviews with faculty, and craft compelling, long form proposals aimed at bringing in new major gifts from donors and prospects. Collaborate closely with senior leaders in cross-disciplinary teams in a highly matrixed environment to meet yearly key performance indicators. Actively update internal tracking systems to document information pertaining to interview subjects, the status of research studies, unusual situations, helpful sources, editorial reviews, and more. Responsible for assisting the entire Division with reaching financial goals. Assume other duties, as necessary. Supervisory Responsibilities: Reports to Senior Associate Director, Strategic Content, Donor Experience & Engagement. There is no supervisory responsibility for this position. This individual will work with a variety of individuals throughout the Institute and collaborate with the members of the Donor Experience & Engagement team and other Philanthropy staff. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in biology, chemistry, science writing, science journalism, or related field; advanced degree preferred. 3-5 years’ professional experience. 7+ years of experience preferred. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required: The Lead Senior Science Writer/Proposal Writer must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should love to write. Curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, and perseverance are necessary, including a willingness to learn how technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can be used to create efficiencies. The Lead Senior Science Writer/Proposal Writer must first understand the science, and then translate that knowledge accurately into a form that is both interesting and intelligible to the donor. A proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently, as well as produce high-quality work on deadline, is required. The Lead Senior Science Writer/Proposal Writer must be comfortable with project management across multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines, all within a quickly evolving organizational setting. Strong client-service orientation to understand and assist a wide range of internal stakeholders is required. The Lead Senior Science Writer/Proposal Writer must commit to the highest standards of client service and professionalism. Patient Contact: No. Working Conditions: This position is considered remote, 0-1 days onsite at 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA each week. DFCI guidelines state that employees must reside in New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Division of Philanthropy Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity Commitment Statement: We’re stronger together. In the Division of Philanthropy, we believe in the power of different voices. We encourage authenticity and diversity of every individual within our community. Our collective voices – donors, volunteers, staff, and patients alike – allow us to work together towards a world without cancer. Committed to being a place of inclusivity, belonging, and change, these are our core values. Inclusive interview practices are a priority in the Division of Philanthropy. We incorporate an Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (ID&E) Interview Panel in all searches. In this 30-minute interview, we connect with candidates on four main ID&E competencies: empathy, collaboration, inclusivity, and compassion. DFCI DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. DFCI offers a competitive benefits package including generous healthcare and retirement plans, at minimum 3-weeks’ vacation time in addition to 10 paid holidays, a flexible work environment, and work/life balance. Dana-Farber offers a variety of personal, professional, and leadership development opportunities to all members of its workforce through Institutional programming. Division of Philanthropy offers 75+ specialized professional development sessions designed for staff each year through its in-house learning program, the Center for Advancement Training. #J-18808-Ljbffr