Project overview
About the Role The Associate Director of Marketing & Communications plays a key leadership role in shaping and executing how UMDF shares its mission with the world. This position combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, guiding communications strategy while actively writing, pitching, posting, and producing content every day. The ideal candidate brings both vision and versatility: a strong communicator who can plan and measure campaigns, mentor staff, and personally execute social media, PR, and storytelling initiatives. This is not a behind-the-desk role; it is for someone who thrives on both strategy and doing, helping UMDF stay visible, credible, and deeply connected to the rare disease community. Key Responsibilities Marketing Oversight & Planning Partner with the Director of Marketing & Communications to support the development and execution of an annual marketing and communications plan that aligns with UMDF’s strategic plan and annual key results. Lead with a hands-on approach, directly producing and overseeing content while shaping overall direction. Set measurable goals for communications effectiveness, including media reach, social engagement, and campaign impact. Analyze communication results and turn insights into clear, actionable improvements. Serve as a bridge between marketing, development, and program teams to ensure unified, mission-aligned messaging. Supervise part-time marketing staff and intern(s). Public Relations & Brand Visibility Develop and execute proactive PR strategies to amplify UMDF’s mission and thought leadership. Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and rare disease partners to increase positive media coverage. Draft press releases, talking points, and media kits to support major announcements, campaigns, and events. Provide strategic counsel on external communications to UMDF leadership. Social Media & Community Engagement Oversee UMDF’s social media influencer program to grow UMDF’s reach, elevate authentic patient/caregiver stories, and foster online community. Manage UMDF’s social media accounts, ensuring consistent engagement, growth, and alignment with brand voice, including monitoring and responding during evenings/weekends as needed. Lead the editorial calendar and weekly editorial call with cross-department reps to set communications priorities and unify UMDF’s voice. Events & Campaigns Serve as staff lead for program development and production of UMDF’s annual conference large sessions and banquet. Partner closely with Development to create marketing plans for donor campaigns, accelerators, stewardship pieces, and annual events like Energy for Life. Produce branded awareness items (pins, stickers, shirts, etc.) to support campaign and event visibility. Cross-Team Collaboration & Support Act as a communications liaison to Development, supporting digital fundraising campaigns (Giving Tuesday, Valentine’s, etc.) and annual giving refreshes. Provide editorial review of content across UMDF departments to ensure accuracy, clarity, and brand consistency. Prepare presentations and slides for external scientific conferences and community engagement events (MDA, SIMD, etc.). Serve as a resource for institutional knowledge and quick-turnaround content requests. Qualifications/Requirements Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketin ... (Description has been truncated due to length limits)