Communications Strategist

We are seeking a talented, motivated Communications Strategist to serve as the dedicated communications resource for the Gilbert Family Foundation's neurofibromatosis portfolio, spanning NFX and NGNRI. Embedded within ROCK's Marketing and Communications team, this individual will ensure seamless coordination between ROCK's broader communications infrastructure and the priorities of the NF portfolio, shaping and amplifying the story of NF research and impact — mission, scientific progress, and community — for audiences that include the scientific community, patient and advocacy groups, philanthropic partners, government stakeholders, and the general public.

This role requires a creative, proactive communicator who can translate complex biomedical science into compelling narratives, operate confidently across multiple affiliated organizations, and build trusted relationships with stakeholders at every level — all while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and integrity. The ideal candidate combines strong writing and editorial skills with expertise in digital media, content strategy, and stakeholder engagement, partners closely with the public relations team on media efforts, and is comfortable working within a matrixed structure that serves several partner organizations at once.

About the role

• Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy across the NF portfolio (Gilbert Family Foundation, NFX, and NGNRI) that advances each organization's mission, raises its profile, and supports engagement with key stakeholder groups.

• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for the communications needs of NFX and NGNRI, coordinating priorities and deliverables with each organization's leadership and with ROCK's Marketing and Communications team.

• Create compelling content across channels — website copy, newsletters, social media, annual/impact reports, and scientific summaries — tailored to audiences ranging from scientists to the general public.

• Collaborate with public relations team members on media relations for the portfolio — including press releases, journalist relationships, and earned media coverage — to expand coverage of NF research and impact.

• Manage digital presence for NFX and NGNRI, including websites and social media platforms, ensuring content is current, accurate, engaging, and consistent with each organization's voice.

• Build and maintain relationships with patient advocacy organizations, NF1 community groups, and other nonprofits to amplify the portfolio's reach and reinforce its commitment to those it serves.

• Support development efforts through high-quality donor communications, grant reports, and philanthropic stewardship materials.

• Track and manage the success of communications, monitoring media coverage and digital engagement, and identifying patterns and trends to inform strategy.

• Build and foster collaborative relationships across GFF, NFX, and NGNRI teams to drive alignment and connection, and serve as a mentor to junior communications team members as needed.

• Ensure all public communications are scientifically accurate, appropriately reviewed, and compliant with institutional and regulatory guidelines.

About you

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, content strategy, or a related field; 5+ years preferred. Experience within a research, healthcare, academic, or nonprofit organization is ideal.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific or technical subject matter into accessible, engaging content for diverse audiences.

• Experience collaborating with public relations or media relations teams — including press releases, journalist relationships, and earned media coverage — is a plus.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with strong writing, editing, and storytelling ability across multiple formats and platforms.

• Experience managing digital communications, including websites, email marketing platforms, and social media channels.

• Ability to work independently and effectively within a matrixed structure — serving the needs of multiple affiliated organizations while operating within ROCK's Marketing and Communications team.

• Collaborative, proactive, and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with graphic design, video production, or multimedia communications is an advantage.

• Familiarity with the biomedical research landscape, rare disease advocacy, or the philanthropic sector is a strong plus.

• Experience serving as a subject matter expert or mentor to peers is a plus.

What you’ll get

Our team members fuel our strategy, innovation and growth, so we ensure the health and well-being of not just you, but your family, too! We go above and beyond to give you the support you need on an individual level and offer all sorts of ways to help you live your best life. We are proud to offer eligible team members perks and health benefits that will help you have peace of mind. Simply put: We’ve got your back. Check out our full list of Benefits and Perks.

About us

Detroit-based Rock Ventures serves and connects Rocket Mortgage Founder and Cleveland Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert’s portfolio of more than 100 companies. The Family of Companies’ mission is to increase growth, innovation and prosperity in the cities in which its thousands of team members live, work, and play. Key initiatives include real estate development, community investments and economic development.

This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may be modified at the discretion of the company at any time.  Decisions related to employment are not based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.  The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.  Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations in completing the application and/or participating in the application process should contact a member of the Human Resources team, at [email protected].