Communications Manager

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors  

Project Name: Science Philanthropy Alliance  

Position: Communications Manager

Location: New York City (hybrid)

Status: Full-time, exempt

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff

About the Science Philanthropy Alliance 

The Science Philanthropy Alliance’s mission is to increase philanthropic support for basic scientific research. Drawing on its distinguished external science advisors, experienced philanthropic advisors, and membership base of leading science funders, the Alliance provides advising services and learning opportunities to help philanthropists expand the world’s knowledge and lay the scientific groundwork for lifesaving, economy-changing breakthroughs. Because its members underwrite its activities, the Alliance is able to offer unbiased advisory services, without charge.

The Alliance was founded in 2013 by several philanthropists and foundations with a shared recognition of the funding gap in basic science and a collective vision to increase philanthropic giving to basic science so that over time science can contribute to the well-being of society. Since its founding, the Alliance has grown to include dozens of philanthropic organizations among its members, all committed to advancing basic science. The Alliance is guided by an Advisory Board that maintains governance, advocates for philanthropic support for fundamental science, facilitates collaboration, and promotes our shared values.

The science philanthropy sector has a long and robust history in the U.S., beginning in the early 20th century. Given the expense of the research enterprise, private philanthropic dollars have been essential to advancing science, especially for projects considered too risky or long-term for government agencies to fund. Philanthropy supports researchers at all career levels; funding individual projects, equipment or other infrastructure costs, including construction and maintenance of laboratories or institutes.  

The Alliance pursues and encourages learning, curiosity, and innovation; collaboration, sharing and partnerships; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment to intellectual openness, collaboration, and inclusion are critical to our vision to foster a world that increasingly supports and realizes the full benefit of scientific discovery.​ To that end, we strongly encourage applicants from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences.

Position Summary

The Science Philanthropy Alliance seeks a full-time Communications Manager. The position is based in New York City. The Communications Manager provides critical support for our mission to our staff and external stakeholders—Alliance members, new science philanthropists, and researchers—by embodying the voice of the Alliance in internal and external communications. The Manager plays the lead role in executing our communications strategy, with significant guidance and support from the leadership team and with the help of a variety of contractors and vendors, including writers, designers, and developers. The Manager is responsible for maintaining a regular cadence of newsletters and social media posts, and serves as the primary content manager for the website and project manager for the production of published reports.

The Manager should bring an interest in promoting the potential of basic science research funded by our members and advisees to answer fundamental questions about our world and to catalyze scientific discovery for the benefit of society and the planet. Success in this position requires knowledge of science, and skill in storytelling and collaboration.

Responsibilities

The Communications Manager plays a vital role in ensuring that the Science Philanthropy Alliance’s team is using communications across a variety of mediums to advance our mission and to deliver value to our philanthropic members and advisees. Specific responsibilities include: 

• Implement the Alliance’s strategic communications plan, designed in collaboration with the leadership team, to advance our strategic goals and build the Alliance’s public presence across the philanthropic and scientific communities;
• Draft, edit, and manage a regular cadence of information for our stakeholders via newsletters and social media;
• Create and manage content for the website;
• Provide project management and assure timeliness of delivery for the production of reports and our annual report;
• Manage, with support from the operations team, a variety of vendors, including copy editors, graphic designers, web developers, and printers;
• Assist the leadership team to interface with public relations firms, spotting opportunities for media attention and providing project management support for the Alliance team’s media placements, including op-ed pieces;
• Maintain a brand and communications guide and templates to increase the uniformity of our team’s presentation of our brand;
• Monitor key metrics to track the level of stakeholder engagement over time;
• Support the Alliance to integrate DEI principles and practices in communications; and
• Perform other duties as assigned and suggest new ways for us to champion the importance of science philanthropy and provide value to our members with improved communications.

Qualifications 

• Five to seven years of professional experience in roles with communications responsibilities; expertise in science communications or a science background is strongly preferred. Experience in philanthropy, government, or higher education would be particularly relevant.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Superb writer, with strong skills in editing and incorporating feedback and ideas from team members.
• Ability to take initiative, a strong work ethic, and a highly collaborative orientation.
• Unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness, including a fine-tuned sense of discretion in the handling of financial, confidential, and sensitive matters.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Passionate about the power of science and philanthropy to make positive change in the world.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite and Zoom; Adobe Creative Suite and Salesforce experience a plus.

Position specifics 

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $130,000. The Alliance offers a robust benefits package including full medical, dental, disability, and life insurance benefits, retirement plan participation and flexible spending accounts, vacation, personal and volunteer leave benefits. The Alliance’s New York City based team is expected to work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday.

How to apply

Please submit a résumé, answer a short questionnaire, and upload an original sample of writing, preferably focused on science, that is no more than three pages in length. Apply here. No calls please.

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

The Science Philanthropy Alliance is currently a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, a 501c3 nonprofit. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors celebrates the uniqueness of our staff, our partners, and the communities we serve. We are committed to inclusion with the goal of cultivating a culture of belonging and acceptance. We strive to embed this value in our philanthropic work to advance a more just, equitable and sustainable world.

The Science Philanthropy Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.