Communications Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager

🔹 Company: Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation

🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Research Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Yes

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the Alliance's mission.
• Managing external communications functions, including media relations, social media engagement, and executive communications.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate communication efforts across all channels.
• Establishing metrics to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and making data-driven recommendations for improvement.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with the overall mission and objectives of the Alliance.

✅ Assisting in planning, developing, and optimizing current and new communication strategies to grow the Alliance's online and media presence.

✅ Crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including patients, investigators, pharmaceutical companies, members, staff, and the media.

✅ Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate communication efforts across all channels, including digital, social media, public relations, and internal communications.

✅ Establishing metrics for measuring the effectiveness of communication strategies and making data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.

✅ Managing external communications functions, including media relations, business team support, social media creation and engagement, executive communications, conference and event support, market research, media monitoring, and creation of direct content.

✅ Developing and maintaining the Alliance website while ensuring effective communication.

✅ Oversees daily media coverage, coordinates Alliance activities, manages key vendor relationships, and works directly with the Communications Manager and Training Coordinator on directing public relations initiatives and campaigns.

✅ Provides proactive ideas to generate positive visibility and awareness. Attends meetings with various Alliance teams and helps prepare press releases, key messages, and question-and-answer documents.

✅ Assists in developing and implementing social media and marketing strategy and communications for Alliance Foundation Trials (AFT) and Alliance Data Innovation Labs (Data Labs).

✅ Responsible for developing and implementing all Site Engagement communications in support of continued Alliance program growth and outreach activities.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to multitask and prioritize projects, and attention to detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Relations, or other related field.

Experience: 5-7 years of experience in communications or public relations, preferably in the fields of Research, Public Health, Clinical Trials, or Oncology, with a track record of success in leadership roles. 3+ years of experience in a management role leading a team of communications professionals.

Required Skills:

• Strong website development and maintenance skills.
• Strong social media experience and innovation.
• Exceptional leadership and project management skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience in crafting messages for diverse audiences.
• Ability to use data to create actionable insights.
• Proactive and open to adopting new trends.
• Organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize projects while working on a deadline or in a fast-paced environment. Attention to detail.
• The technological ability to work on a variety of digital platforms and also create web and mobile content.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, preferably in Research, Oncology, Clinical Trials.
• Strong understanding of digital communication trends and social media strategies.
• Experience working with executive leadership and boards of directors.
• Proficiency in communication and project management tools, such as Slack, Trello, or Asana.
• Experience with media monitoring and analytics tools to assess the impact of communication strategies.
• Familiarity with SEO best practices and digital marketing principles.

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace is likely expected for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. The Alliance may pay more or less than the anticipated range based upon other factors, such as relevant experience, skills, and location.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: During Year One, new hires may receive up to 8 weeks of paid time off, including 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 10 paid holidays.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans: Eligible new hires can enroll in various plans, including PPO, HMO, and High Deductible Health Plans. Some plans include 100% employer-paid premiums. Availability and network of plans may depend on the employee’s state of residency.
• Retirement Contributions: Eligible new hires can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA plan with the employer providing up to a 3% match for retirement contributions.
• Cost of Living Adjustment: New hires may be eligible for an annual COLA, determined each year, with a potential increase of up to 3% of their earned salary.
• Performance Bonus: New hires may be eligible for an annual performance bonus, determined each year, ranging from 0-8% of their earned salary. Bonus eligibility is contingent on approved leadership budget allocation, personal performance evaluation, and the employee’s start date.
• Educational Reimbursement: New hires may be eligible for reimbursement applicable advanced educational opportunities (undergrad, graduate, approved continuing education), up to $1500, per calendar year.
• Transportation Reimbursement: New hires may be eligible for up to 50% reimbursement on applicable parking or transportation costs if in-person attendance is needed.
• Work/Life Balance: The Alliance Foundation promotes a healthy work/life balance and flexibility for all employees.

ASSUMPTION: The benefits listed are subject to change and may be dependent on the employee's start date and length of service.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is a national clinical trials network sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that consists of nearly 10,000 cancer specialists at hospitals, medical centers, and community clinics across the United States and Canada. The Alliance is dedicated to developing and conducting clinical trials with promising new cancer therapies and researching methods to alleviate side effects of cancer and cancer treatments.

Company Size: The Alliance has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: The Alliance was founded in 2011, with a mission to reduce the impact of cancer on people by uniting a broad community of scientists and clinicians from many disciplines, committed to discovering, validating, and disseminating effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Company Description:

• The Alliance is a member of the NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) and also serves as a research base for the NCI Community Research Oncology Program (NCORP).
• The Alliance seeks to reduce the impact of cancer on people by uniting a broad community of scientists and clinicians from many disciplines, committed to discovering, validating, and disseminating effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
• The Alliance's mission is three-fold: to conduct high-quality multidisciplinary cancer control, prevention, and treatment trials that engage a comprehensive research network; to further our understanding of the biological basis of the cancer process and its treatment, from discovery, to validation, to clinical practice; and to provide a scientific and operational infrastructure for innovative clinical and translational research in the academic and community settings.

Company Specialties:

• Cancer Research
• Cancer Control
• Cancer Prevention
• Cancer Treatment
• Research Network
• Clinical Practice
• Clinical Research
• Translational Research
• Clinical Trials

Company Website: http://www.AllianceNCTN.org

ASSUMPTION: The Alliance's focus on collaboration and innovation makes it an attractive place for communications professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the field of cancer research.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a balance of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Communications Manager reports directly to the Director of Operations and works closely with the Communications team, cross-functional teams, and executive leadership.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance. However, the employee may be required to attend in-person meetings or events as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• As the Alliance continues to grow and expand its research network, there may be opportunities for the Communications Manager to take on additional responsibilities or lead new initiatives.
• With experience and strong performance, the Communications Manager may have the opportunity to advance to a more senior role within the organization.
• The Alliance's focus on innovation and collaboration provides ample opportunities for professional development and growth.

ASSUMPTION: The Alliance's commitment to growth and innovation creates a dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional development and advancement.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Alliance has offices in Chicago, IL, and Boston, MA. However, this role is remote and can be performed from anywhere in the United States.

Office Location(s): 125 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60606, US; 221 Longwood Avenue, Room 108, Boston, MA 02115, US

Geographic Context:

• The Alliance's remote work arrangement allows employees to live and work anywhere in the United States, providing flexibility and access to a diverse talent pool.
• Chicago, IL, and Boston, MA, offer vibrant cultural scenes, diverse communities, and ample opportunities for professional networking and growth.
• The Alliance's focus on collaboration and innovation creates a dynamic and engaging work environment, regardless of the employee's physical location.

Work Schedule: This role requires a full-time commitment, with core hours of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST. However, the Alliance promotes a healthy work-life balance and flexibility for all employees.

ASSUMPTION: The Alliance's remote work arrangement and flexible work schedule create an inclusive and accessible work environment for employees with diverse needs and preferences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• The Alliance's hiring process typically involves an initial phone or video screen, followed by one or more in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including the Director of Operations and members of the Communications team.
• Candidates may be asked to complete a writing or project assignment as part of the interview process.
• Finalists may be invited to an on-site or virtual tour of the Alliance's offices and an opportunity to meet with additional team members.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and communication planning
• Leadership and team management skills
• Crafting compelling narratives and messages for diverse audiences
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Data-driven decision-making and analytics skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, using specific examples and quantifiable achievements.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Alliance's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the organization's goals.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Research the Alliance's recent communications initiatives and be ready to discuss your ideas for building on their success.

ATS Keywords: communications, public relations, media relations, social media, project management, leadership, website development, content creation, data analysis, strategic planning, collaboration, organizational skills, digital marketing, SEO, media monitoring, communication tools

ASSUMPTION: The Alliance's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills and fit for the role, as well as their alignment with the organization's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace
• Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
• Communication and project management tools (e.g., Slack, Trello, Asana)
• Website development and maintenance tools (e.g., WordPress, HTML, CSS)

ASSUMPTION: The Alliance uses a variety of tools and technologies to support its communications efforts, and candidates should be comfortable working with a range of platforms and systems.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration: The Alliance values collaboration and teamwork, both within the organization and with external partners.
• Innovation: The Alliance encourages innovation and creativity in all aspects of its work.
• Excellence: The Alliance strives for excellence in all its endeavors, from research and clinical trials to communications and outreach.

Work Style:

• The Alliance promotes a dynamic and engaging work environment, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• The Alliance values diversity and inclusion, and seeks to create a work environment that is welcoming and supportive of all employees.
• The Alliance offers a flexible and remote-friendly work environment, with a focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative and innovative work environment?
• Are you comfortable working remotely and managing your time and priorities independently?
• Do you have a proven track record of success in developing and implementing strategic communications plans?
• Are you skilled in crafting compelling narratives and messages for diverse audiences?
• Do you have experience working with executive leadership and cross-functional teams?

ASSUMPTION: The Alliance's focus on collaboration, innovation, and excellence creates a dynamic and engaging work environment that attracts and retains talented communications professionals.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Balancing strategic thinking and tactical execution in a dynamic and evolving organization.
• Working effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
• Adapting to changes in the organization's communications priorities and initiatives.
• Managing a team of communications professionals and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

ASSUMPTION: The Alliance's focus on growth and innovation creates a dynamic and challenging work environment that requires strong leadership, adaptability, and strategic thinking.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to similar roles in the nonprofit sector, the Alliance offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits package.
• Compared to roles in the for-profit sector, the Alliance offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact communications initiatives in the field of cancer research.
• Compared to roles in the government sector, the Alliance offers a more dynamic and innovative work environment, with a focus on growth and collaboration.

ASSUMPTION: The Alliance's unique position as a national clinical trials network sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) creates a distinctive work environment that offers opportunities for professional growth and impact.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive social media strategy to increase the Alliance's online presence and engagement.
• Crafting key messages and talking points for the Alliance's executive leadership team to use in media interviews and public appearances.
• Managing the Alliance's website, including content creation, updates, and maintenance, to ensure effective communication and user experience.
• Planning and executing a virtual press conference to announce the results of a major clinical trial.
• Developing and implementing a targeted email marketing campaign to engage Alliance members and stakeholders.

ASSUMPTION: The Alliance's focus on collaboration and innovation creates ample opportunities for communications professionals to take on challenging and impactful projects.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does the Alliance measure the success of its communications initiatives, and how can I contribute to improving these metrics?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the Alliance's communications efforts, and how can I help address them?
• How does the Alliance support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
• What are the Alliance's plans for expanding its communications efforts in the coming years, and how can I contribute to these initiatives?
• How does the Alliance foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within its communications team?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and strategic questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and the Alliance's mission, and provides valuable insights into the organization's communications priorities and culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, using specific examples and quantifiable achievements.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Research the Alliance's recent communications initiatives and be ready to discuss your ideas for building on their success.
• Follow up with the Alliance's hiring team one week after submitting your application to inquire about your application status.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.