Dir, Professional & Scientific Communications at National Kidney Foundation in New York, New York

Job Description:

National Kidney Foundation

WHO WE ARE

The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

NKF’s Mission is what we do, our Values are how we do it.

·       Accountability- Earn and Keep Trust

·       Collaboration-Work as a team

·       Communication- Empower with information

·       Community-Build stronger community

·       Compassion- Lead with care and respect

·       Impact-Focus on the mission

We are committed to fostering an environment where your voice matters, driving diversity, equity, and inclusion. https://www.kidney.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, the Director of Professional & Scientific Communications will lead strategic messaging and outreach efforts to enhance NKF’s engagement with medical professionals, researchers, and the NKF membership program. This position will develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan to strengthen NKF’s relationships with clinicians, scientists, and healthcare stakeholders, while also supporting broader media relations, internal communications and advocacy efforts.

The ideal candidate is an experienced communicator with deep knowledge of the healthcare landscape, strong writing skills, and the ability to translate complex medical information into engaging content for diverse audiences.

Professional & Scientific Communications Strategy

• In collaboration with the Professional Membership team, develop and implement a targeted communications strategy to increase engagement with NKF members (clinicians, researchers, fellows, and other professionals).
• Oversee and support white papers, and thought leadership content related to kidney health, research advancements, and professional education.
• Ensure messaging aligns with KDOQI®, NKF’s research priorities, and clinical initiatives.

NKF Membership Communications

• Works with the SVP, Scientific Operations and the Professional Membership team to design, develop and implement annual membership recruitment and retention strategies that align with NKF’s objectives and goals.
• Create and arrange a wide range of materials and communications that will further the awareness of and participation in the continuing medical education (CME), annual conference, and membership activities of the organization.
• Collaborates with Corporate Relations and KLS to develop and implement communication strategies to disseminate educational activities, tools, and resources to healthcare professionals, with the goal of increasing engagement and brand awareness. 
• Works closely with the Digital Marketing and Professional Membership teams to frequently analyze professional contact metrics. Develop plans to improve list retention and acquisition on a local and national level.
• Supports the Corporate Relations team in the dissemination of partner surveys, announcements and other messaging.
• Work with Government Relations to develop policy updates and advocacy messaging for professional audiences.
• Partner with Medical Advisory Boards and NKF leaders to ensure clear, effective communication strategies tailored for professionals.

Scientific & Conference Media Relations

• Serve as the Marketing and Communications strategy lead for NKF Spring Clinical Meetings (SCM) and other key medical conferences.
• Develop press releases, media materials, and physician/member profiles for internal and external use.
• Facilitate expert interviews with journalists covering nephrology, clinical research, and healthcare policy.
• Support broader NKF media relations and messaging around scientific advancements.

Collaboration Areas

• Work closely with other members of the department on internal communications to ensure consistent messaging across NKF.
• Provide media relations support, assisting with outreach efforts for research-based stories and clinician-focused PR opportunities.

WHAT YOU’LL POSSESS

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in professional communications, preferably in nonprofit healthcare, medical associations, or research institutions.
• Strong background in medical writing, scientific communications, or professional outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to engage medical professionals and scientific communities.
• Experience developing media strategies and press materials for scientific and healthcare-related topics.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while working collaboratively across departments.

Competencies

• Accountability-Establishes organizational accountability, driving performance across all levels.
• Change Leadership-Delivers or leads large-scale organizational change, setting the direction and guiding teams within the organization through transformations.
• Collaboration-Leads collaborative efforts across the organization, bi-directionally, ensuring that departments work together to achieve strategic objectives. Actively builds partnerships with external stakeholders to advance mission.
• Cultural Humility-Promotes cultural humility across departments, ensuring that programs, policies, and services reflect a deep understanding of and respect for cultural diversity.
• Data-Driven Decision Making & Results Orientation-Leverages accurate, comprehensive data analytics to guide strategic planning and decision-making. Sets high-impact targets and ensures the organization delivers on strategic commitments.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion For All (DEI 4A)-Drives organizational DEI initiatives, ensuring that policies, programs, and services are designed with an equity lens for all. Champions efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in decision-making and ensures that underserved communities have access to NKF’s programs.
• Financial Acumen-Leads strategic financial planning, driving revenue diversification and long-term sustainability.
• Operational Excellence-Leads or delivers on large-scale operational changes to elevate organizational performance.
• Patient and Community-Centered Focus-Drives efforts to enhance the impact of programs for patients, living donors, and care partners. Champions initiatives that promote equitable access
• People Leadership-Sets high-impact targets for their teams and ensures the organization delivers on strategic commitments.
• Resource Stewardship-Strategically manages organizational resources, aligning investments with growth opportunities.
• Stakeholder Engagement-Shapes and directs a broad spectrum of strategic stakeholders to aid in influencing policy and advancing NKF’s impact.
• Advocacy-In conjunction with Government Relations, delivers or directs NKF’s advocacy strategy, setting the agenda and engaging with policymakers to set and drive systemic change.
• Innovation-Champions strategic innovations that position NKF as a leader in kidney health. Oversees organizational process optimization, aligning with strategic goals.
• Team Development-Leads and executes on strategic initiatives for organizational development, ensuring team members have access to development resources.

WORKING CONDITIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness while possessing a high degree of tact, discretion and professionalism. Verbal and written communication skills will be used daily.  Maintain effectiveness under pressure.  Competency in use of a multiple-line telephone, personal computer, fax machine, photocopier and other standard office equipment.  Flexibility to work weekends, evening and availability for minimal business travel is required. 

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

***Hybrid with occasional meetings in NYC.***

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI267486849

Salary:

$90,000.00

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