Senior Director, Advocacy Communications

As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with T1D better while driving toward cures. We invest in the most promising research to turn ideas into life-changing therapies and devices. We work with government, regulatory officials, and insurance companies to address issues that impact the T1D community—breaking through barriers that limit access to care worldwide. We provide resources and guidance that make it easier to live and thrive with T1D. This is more than a moment—we’re empowering a movement for the T1D community. Share your support and help educate and empower individuals facing type 1 diabetes.

Our mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure T1D and its complications. Always, we are guided by a single purpose: As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help make everyday life better for the people who face it.

ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH T1D:

As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D works to accelerate breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and better treat T1D and its complications. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with governments to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Senior Director of Advocacy Communications is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy to influence policymakers and advance Breakthrough T1D’s advocacy goals and mission. The person in this role will bring deep expertise, strategic vision, and a collaborative spirit to develop and execute a dynamic communication strategy that raises the profile of the organization and T1D community among key US policymakers. Working closely with Breakthrough T1D’s leaders and volunteers, the Senior Director will ensure alignment with organizational communications strategy and key advocacy activities. The person in this role will have an opportunity to play a leading role in accelerating innovative scientific advancements and advancing the accessibility and quality of care for people with T1D.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement a long-term comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy to influence Congress and other key policymakers that advances Breakthrough T1D’s mission.
• Lead, manage, and support cross-functional team projects to deliver high-impact communications campaigns that influence policymakers and public discourse, ensuring clear project plans, milestones, and adaptable strategies, while providing guidance and troubleshooting as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, including print, broadcast, and digital.
• Collaborate with Breakthrough T1D’s Communications Strategy team to develop comprehensive communications plans to educate the T1D community on advocacy priorities and advancements.
• Develop and execute media relations strategies, such as press releases and media interviews, in coordination with Breakthrough T1D’s Marketing and Communications team.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging policy issues to identify opportunities for proactive communication.
• Coordinate with Breakthrough T1D’s Government Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Health Policy teams to ensure alignment with messaging and identify opportunities for proactive communication engagement.
• Develop content in support of Breakthrough T1D’s advocacy efforts such as press releases, testimony, one-pagers, web content, etc.
• Review and provide feedback on content related to advocacy efforts such as webinars, web content, volunteer emails, social media content, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field, or relevant experience.

EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS:

• 7-10 years related experience managing communications strategies, preferably in advocacy or political organizations.
• Expertise in healthcare messaging for Congress, federal agencies, and advocacy campaigns that involve volunteers is highly desired.
• Deep understanding of the US political system is required. Experience working on Capitol Hill is a plus.
• Knowledge of diabetes is a plus.
• Ability to concisely present complex concepts through exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead collaborative teams in a matrix organization, and demonstrate flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player who can work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders including elected officials, policymakers, media, volunteers, industry, and the public.
• Detail-oriented, self-starter, with strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in typical communication software and Microsoft Office.

Target Salary: $165-185k

Essential Functions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and infrequently up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Additional Information:

Requests for medical, religious, and other exemptions will be considered on an individual basis. Breakthrough T1D will comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

Breakthrough T1D supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Breakthrough T1D is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Learn more here