The Director, Medical Writing at the Alzheimer’s Association will be an experienced medical writer, responsible for translating progress made in the field into key resources for the research, clinical and healthcare communities. This key role would also work with Association leadership to develop and launch educational resources, guidelines, recommendations and criteria for researchers, clinicians, and families affected by dementia, that focus on diagnostics, treatments and care.

This position reports to the Vice President, Medical Affairs and partners with the Medical and Scientific team Directors and Vice Presidents, as well as other departments within the organization including Health Systems, Programs, and Marketing and Communications.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Execute the Association’s Strategic Plan to accelerate research and clinical care through creation and delivery of educational resources, manuscripts, summaries, guidelines, recommendations and criteria for researchers, clinicians, and families affected by dementia, that focus on diagnostics, treatments and care. The source for such content will be derived from participation in conferences, symposia, and national and international clinical and scientific working groups.
• Develop such resources from a variety of formats, including but not limited to peer reviewed publications, whitepapers, toolkits, CME, blogs, updates and web content.
• The writer will need to be familiar with development and implementation of evidence based guidelines, protocols, care plans and other healthcare providers and assistive tools
• Participate in annual goal setting to achieve the goals of the strategic plan, and ensure the nationwide organization achieves the Association’s medical and scientific agenda.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• Master's degree, Ph.D. degree desired.
• Related experience in either a hospital setting or neuroscience area of a pharmaceutical company.
• Ten-plus years as a medical editor or medical writer for a top-tier health care organization, nongovernmental organization or academic medical center.
• Extensive collaboration with medical academicians, clinicians, researchers and institutional leaders.
• Experience with hospital and/or clinical populations related to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
• In-depth knowledge of medical research, especially Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Ability to understand complex concepts and issues in laboratory and clinical neuroscience research, treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses, health care delivery, and public policy.
• Track record of effectively communicating and translating complex medical and scientific information to a variety of constituents, from lay audiences to members of the medical and scientific community.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-profile communication vehicles on time and on budget.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision making skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to research and develop evidence based guidelines and care protocols.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional writing skills to effectively convey information across technical/medical /non-scientific audiences, inclusive of written presentations
• Excellent scientific & medical evaluation and communication skills with the ability to synthesize ideas from presentations and published literature. Experience in writing/reading/analyzing scientific publications
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment. Collegial and spirited personality, who is passionate about educating audiences on these topics.
• Proficient at managing complex relationships with external and internal stakeholders and assist in cultivation of collaborations for the advancement of the Association mission and medical and science program initiatives.
• Ability to influence, provide leadership, coaching, and operational direction as appropriate to diverse staff.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills; exceptional organization skills and attention to detail; strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong PowerPoint and other computer skills (Google Suite, MS Office, video conferencing).
• Ability to manage time effectively and to move multiple projects forward simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently, with little supervision, and to work in cross-department and cross-institutional groups.
• Ability to plan, manage, and execute projects involving multiple participants, including identifying potential challenges to timely completion of projects and putting in place processes or resources to sidestep anticipated obstacles.
• Ability to use diplomacy, judgment and negotiation skills to address divergent views with large groups of co-authors and keep group projects moving forward.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite. Familiarity with Google Apps preferred.
• Knowledge of medical/scientific terminology and print and on-line reference resources. Working knowledge of the Associated Press Stylebook and familiarity with the American Medical Association Manual of Style.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to travel throughout the US by plane and surface transportation, as well as travel internationally as needed. Must possess a valid Passport. Estimated travel is 30%.

Location: Chicago, IL (with potential flexibility for remote work)

Work Hours: Full-time (minimum 37.5 hours/week)

Reports To: Vice President, Medical Affairs

Who We Are:

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia - by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

At the Alzheimer’s Association, our employees are at the core of all we do. Our network of more than 1,700 employees across the United States makes a difference each and every day for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and those at risk for the disease.

Why join us?

Are you an experienced medical writer? We warmly invite you to consider this rare opportunity the Alzheimer's Association has for a Director, Medical Writing. In this role you will use your writing skills to be a powerful force in our effort to educate and train the research, clinical and healthcare communities for the Alzheimer’s Association globally.

This key role would also work with Association leadership to develop and launch educational resources, guidelines, recommendations and criteria for clinical researchers, clinicians, and families affected by dementia, that focus on diagnostics, treatments and care.

This opportunity to make a life changing impact on the millions living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and those that may be diagnosed with the disease in the future. Read on to learn more about the role, then visit our website www.alz.org/jobs to find out more about who we are and why we've been recognized as a Best Place to Work the last eleven years in a row.

Employees working 24 hours/week or more are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, flex accounts, short and long-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, generous PTO as well as an annual Cultural & Heritage Day of their choosing , Caregiver Leave, Volunteer and School Visitation time off, paid holidays and a gold standard 401(k) retirement plan.

The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and provides consideration for an employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, genetic predisposition, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.