Digital Engagement Consultant

Position Summary

Reporting to the CSO, the Digital Engagement Consultant will serve an essential role in strengthening the Lasker Foundation’s digital presence, growing its diverse audiences, and helping to maintain the organization’s brand identity as a leader in promoting support for biomedical research and in recognizing scientific excellence.

The Digital Engagement Consultant will collaborate closely with the CSO, Lasker Foundation PR consultants, and Lasker Foundation webmaster to develop and implement a cohesive digital strategy in support of the Foundation’s mission and values, which includes social media, and email communication and marketing. They will ensure social media best practices are met and keep abreast of new and emerging media technologies in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

The Lasker Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving health by accelerating support for medical research through recognition of research excellence, advocacy, and education. The Foundation pursues its mission through programs and partnerships. The Lasker Awards celebrate the contributions of scientists, clinicians, and public servants who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of human disease. Our programs provide mentorship and career advice to biomedical trainees, promote scientific collaboration, and educate the public. Our partnerships include the Science Philanthropy Alliance, Research!America, American Association Physicians Scientists, Coalition for Trust in Health and Science, and others to amplify work that supports biomedical research.

Key responsibilities:

Content Creation and Audience Engagement

• Write, edit, and research to create digital content, including activities such as proofreading copy and identifying new and promising media partners
• Create compelling graphics, interactives, and videos in collaboration with relevant Lasker Foundation contractors
• Manage the Foundation’s social media platforms, including scheduling, writing posts, and moderating online conversations; occasional live coverage of events
• Maintain and update social media management standards, policies, and rules of engagement; investigate new tools for efficient and effective posting, tracking, and reporting
• Propose new ways to reach the Foundation’s audiences, which include science communicators, professional organizations, postsecondary institutions, and philanthropies
• Oversee online advertising campaigns and Google Ads
• Analyze performance data and create and execute testing strategies to ensure maximum performance of content
• Respond in a timely manner to communications from the public via social media
• Maintain and enhance relationships with Foundation partners through cross promotional opportunities
• Light travel (10%) to participate in meetings

Desired skills and characteristics:

• Familiarity and strong interest in biomedical research and how it can be used to benefit society and create a healthier world
• Strong alignment with the Lasker Foundation’s values
• Ability to think critically, manage multiple projects, and exhibit leadership in areas of expertise
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with team-player mentality
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Working knowledge of established and emerging social media platforms, including the advertising components of each
• Demonstrated success in running social media campaigns
• Capable of managing tasks and deadlines independently while maintaining clear communication with a remote team
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with a demonstrated ability to work independently in a remote environment
• Excellent digital networking and influencing skills
• Experience with search engine optimization
• Expertise in Sprout, Hootsuite, MailChimp; proficient in Google Workspace, Google Ads, and HTML
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Knowledge of Photoshop, InDesign, Canva
• Knowledge of LLMs

Required education and work experience:

• Advanced biomedical science degree required; Communication/journalism degree a plus
• 5-7 years in science, health, or nonprofit digital communications