Director of Communications
Director of Communications – Elevate Awareness, Drive Impact
Location: Peabody, MA, Partly Remote | Full-Time
Salary: $100,000-$115,000
Join Our Mission
The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) is the only nonprofit in the world solely dedicated to discovering treatments and a cure for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (Progeria), a rare genetic condition that accelerates aging in children. Since 1999, PRF has transformed Progeria from an overlooked disorder into a leading area of scientific research, resulting in an FDA-approved treatment that is extending lives.
Founded by Drs. Leslie Gordon and Scott Berns after their son, Sam, was diagnosed, PRF emerged from a critical need—there was no research, no treatment, and no hope for children with Progeria. Today, PRF funds and facilitates cutting-edge research, supports families worldwide, and leads groundbreaking initiatives to raise awareness. Sam’s legacy continues to drive PRF’s relentless pursuit of a cure.
PRF has also played a pivotal role in global public awareness efforts, from securing top-tier media coverage to partnering with HBO on an Emmy Award-winning documentary and featuring in one of the most-viewed TEDx Talks of all time. Now, we are looking for a Director of Communications to take our mission to the next level.
Your Impact
As Director of Communications, you will lead PRF’s efforts to expand awareness, engagement, and fundraising opportunities through strategic, multi-channel storytelling. You 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. You will be responsible for managing PRF’s public relations, digital content, media outreach, and global initiatives to find and support children with Progeria.
What You’ll Do
● 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.
What We’re Looking For
● Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
● 8+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism, preferably in healthcare or nonprofit sectors.
● 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.
● 5+ years of experience in research, advocacy, or mission-driven communications.
● 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 and design/editing tools like Canva.
Why PRF?
PRF is powered by a dedicated Board of Directors and team of 14 mission-driven professionals who bring diverse expertise to our work. Our 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 we serve, clinical practitioners, corporate partners, and leading researchers in the field of Progeria. As PRF continues to grow, we are seeking passionate, innovative, and experienced professionals to help drive our mission forward.
At PRF, we don’t just communicate a mission—we drive real change. Our 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.
Be part of something bigger. Learn more at www.progeriaresearch.org.
