Science Writer/Proposal Writer

Since its inception, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has placed a unique emphasis on all forms of research relevant to the eradication of cancer while, at the same time, providing cutting-edge and highly compassionate comprehensive patient care. Science Writer/Proposal Writers translate the latest accomplishments from our outstanding group of investigators into visionary proposals that highlight philanthropy’s game-changing potential, as well as lay-friendly, compelling narrative reports that demonstrate to donors the impact of their gifts.

Our team of Science Writer/Proposal Writers are a key link between our dedicated oncologists, scientists, fundraisers, and donors who comprise the wider Dana-Farber community. Science Writer/Proposal Writers take complex information and communicate it clearly, concisely, and accurately to explain key concepts to Institute donors. Science Writer/Proposal Writers also interpret some of the foremost challenges in cancer care and research to convey scientific insights that are both deep and broad.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Thoroughly research and understand all aspects pertaining to a specific portfolio of reports, including basic science, research programs, patient care, and cancer treatment centers at Dana-Farber. This includes reading, analyzing, and interpreting press releases, scientific papers, results from clinical trials, and content from technical lectures;
• Plan and write compelling long form narrative reports as assigned that convey the impact of philanthropic giving. Work closely with philanthropy colleagues to develop appropriate tone, content, and donor approach;
• Draft high-quality $1M+ scientific proposals to raise critical funds for priority areas of research and patient care; as with report writing, this work involves a high degree of independent project management, critical thinking skills, and the ability to work hand-in-hand with philanthropy colleagues to create a strategic vision and tone for the overall piece;
• Work closely with colleagues across teams to craft, edit, and review a range of Campaign-related materials that provide a big-picture view of the importance of philanthropy, Dana-Farber’s leadership in the field both nationally and globally, and more;
• 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 reports, proposals, campaign-related materials, and other priority materials;
• Juggle multiple urgent, competing priorities and collaborate closely with senior leaders across a highly matrixed environment to meet yearly key performance indicators;
• Help colleagues understand and translate detailed complex scientific concepts, share important research findings, and prepare written interpretations of data and other information for a primarily lay readership;
• 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;
• Assist 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.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• The Science 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 new technology, such as artificial intelligence, and how it can be used to create efficiencies;
• The Science 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, and produce high-quality work on deadline is required;
• The Science 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 Science Writer must commit to the highest standards of client service and professionalism.

PATIENT CONTACT:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is considered remote, 0-1 days onsite at 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA each week.

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.

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.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

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.*

*All benefits subject to Institute changes

We’re hiring! Learn more about working in the Division of Philanthropy and view all open positions.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

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.