Director of Communications and Marketing na Progeria Research Foundation

Director of Communications and Marketing – Elevate Awareness, Drive Impact

Location: Peabody, MA, (Hybrid) | Full-Time

Salary: $115,000-$125,000

Reports to: Executive Director

The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) was established in 1999 by Drs. Leslie Gordon and Scott Berns, the parents of a child with Progeria, along with many dedicated friends and family who saw the need for a medical research resource for the doctors, patients, and families of those with Progeria, and a need to raise awareness of this ultra-rare disease. Since that time, PRF has been the driving force behind every scientific milestone, including the Progeria gene discovery and the first-ever Progeria drug treatment. PRF has developed programs and services to aid those affected by Progeria and the scientists who conduct Progeria research. Today, PRF is the only non-profit organization solely dedicated to finding treatments and the cure for Progeria. PRF is hailed as a prime example of a successful translational research organization, moving from creation, to gene discovery, to first-ever drug treatment in just 13 years.

The support PRF has received made the worldwide awareness, Progeria gene discovery, Progeria clinical trials and all of its other extraordinary progress possible. With the help of current and new supporters, PRF will win this race against time and find the cure for these special children. Moreover, given its connection to the normal aging process, Progeria treatment discoveries may also help millions with heart disease and the entire aging population.

PRF is currently developing a promising genetic therapy that could lead to the cure for Progeria and is about to embark upon a multi-million-dollar campaign to support it. Rebranding, a web site refresh, initiative packets, and other marketing and communications activities are needed for this inspiring, historic effort. The inaugural Director of Communications will play a pivotal role in launching these initiatives. This is truly an exciting time to join the PRF team!

Position Summary

The Director of Communications will lead PRF’s efforts to expand awareness, engagement, and fundraising opportunities through strategic, multi-channel storytelling. This position will develop and execute communications strategies that connect with a range of audiences - scientists, donors, families, and the media—while amplifying PRF’s impact on rare disease research and public health.

This role is an opportunity to elevate PRF’s brand, engage new supporters, and contribute to life-changing scientific breakthroughs. The Director will be responsible for managing PRF’s public relations, digital content, media outreach, and global initiatives to find and support children with Progeria.

This is a hybrid position, and PRF is located in Peabody, MA. Salary range = $115-125,000

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Shape PRF’s Communications Strategy – Conduct a full audit of PRF’s current communications efforts, identifying opportunities to enhance global awareness, engagement, and fundraising impact. Plan and execute monitoring and measurement efforts.
   
• Strengthen PRF’s Brand – Manage and evolve PRF’s brand presence as a leader in rare disease research and drug development.
   
• Lead Media Relations – Proactively pitch compelling stories, manage media inquiries, and maintain strong relationships with top-tier journalists and producers.
   
• Drive Awareness & Outreach – Lead PRF’s global initiative to identify and support children with Progeria through targeted communications and media efforts.
   
• Enhance Digital Engagement – Oversee PRF’s website and social media channels, ensuring fresh, compelling content that strengthens community engagement and donor support.
   
• Manage Progeria Connect – Oversee PRF’s family engagement platform, supporting families and caregivers while developing engaging content.
   
• Create High-Impact Content – Write and edit press releases, newsletters, blog posts, social media content, op-eds, and donor materials that effectively communicate PRF’s mission.
   
• Leverage Data & AI – Analyze engagement metrics to refine PR strategies and responsibly integrate AI tools for efficiency and effectiveness.
   
• Collaborate Across Teams – Work closely with PRF staff, researchers, and families to ensure messaging is consistent, timely, and impactful.
   
• Provide Crisis & Sensitivity Communications – Manage interactions with families, the Board of Directors, and the media with the utmost professionalism and care.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
   
• 8+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism. Experience working with non-profit healthcare organizations on mission-driven communications strongly desired.
   
• Strong science literacy and experience translating complex research into compelling, accessible narratives. Experience with rare diseases preferred.
   
• Proven success in pitching and securing media coverage with top-tier outlets.
   
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple platforms.
   
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
   
• Experience developing web, social media, and newsletter content that resonates with diverse audiences.
   
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting engagement and media data to refine strategies.
   
• Experience evaluating and managing vendors.
   
• Experience with design/editing tools like Canva.

Why PRF?

PRF is powered by a dedicated Board of Directors and team of 12 mission-driven professionals who bring diverse expertise to its work. PRF’s team operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, collaborating both in-office and remotely. Employees have the unique opportunity to engage with generous donors, the families it serves, clinical practitioners, corporate partners, and leading researchers in the field of Progeria. As PRF continues to grow, the organization is seeking passionate, innovative, and experienced professionals to help drive its mission forward.

PRF doesn’t just communicate a mission - it drives real change. PRF’s work has brought Progeria to the forefront of medical research, funding groundbreaking scientific discoveries that have led to life-extending treatments. With a small but dedicated team, every role at PRF is high impact. Here, your work will directly contribute to finding a cure and improving lives.

If you are a strategic communicator with a passion for science, storytelling, and rare disease advocacy, we want to hear from you!