Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

CURE Epilepsy is seeking an accomplished and strategic marketing and communications leader to join our senior leadership team at a transformative moment in the organization's growth. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to funding innovative research that advances our understanding of epilepsy and moves us closer to cures.

Working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Chief Development Officer, the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications will lead efforts to elevate CURE Epilepsy's visibility, expand audience engagement, strengthen philanthropic support, and advance awareness of epilepsy among researchers, patients, families, policymakers, and the broader public.

The recent addition of The Cameron Boyce Foundation to the CURE Epilepsy family further expands the organization's reach and impact, creating an exciting opportunity to help grow a beloved and influential brand while engaging a larger and more diverse community in our shared mission. For a visionary marketing and communications leader, this role offers the chance to drive meaningful organizational growth while helping improve the lives of the 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy.

Overview of CURE Epilepsy

CURE Epilepsy is a parent-founded nonprofit that is laser-focused on research to find a cure for epilepsy. Epilepsy is a complex, often debilitating neurological disorder that will affect 1 in 26 Americans in their lifetime. One-third of people with epilepsy are uncontrolled on medication, and even those for whom medications work often face horrible side effects. Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has raised more than $100 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to cures. Our work has already led to incredible advancements for the community. Research is our greatest hope of finding a cure and each discovery brings us closer to achieving freedom from seizures and medication side effects for people living with epilepsy. Join us as we lead the search for a cure.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing, communications, digital engagement, public relations, and brand strategies that elevate the visibility and impact of CURE Epilepsy and The Cameron Boyce Foundation. This leader will drive audience growth, strengthen stakeholder engagement, build brand awareness, and support fundraising efforts by creating compelling content and campaigns that inspire action. The position oversees all aspects of internal and external communications, digital marketing, media relations, social media, and key organizational publications while ensuring a consistent and compelling brand presence across all channels. As a member of the senior leadership team, this position contributes to organizational strategy, long-term planning, cross-functional decision making, and the ongoing growth of both CURE Epilepsy and The Cameron Boyce Foundation.

PrincipAL Responsibilities

• Oversee brand strategy, marketing initiatives, and audience engagement efforts for both CURE Epilepsy and The Cameron Boyce Foundation.
• Develop, implement, and measure the success of a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations program that will enhance CURE Epilepsy’s and The Cameron Boyce Founation’s reputation and brand awareness among all existing stakeholders while also increasing the number of marketable leads that have the potential to become donors.
• Collaborate with the internal research team, external researchers, and other stakeholders to synthesize and communicate research initiatives and strategy, complex scientific data, and medical trends to inform and educate internal and external audiences.
• Develop and manage short-and long-term marketing, communication, and public relations plans, with associated budgets, to support the programs in the bullet above.
• Ensure consistent articulation of CURE Epilepsy's and The Cameron Boyce Foundation's brands, positioning, voice, and key messages across all stakeholder audiences.
• Work closely with senior staff and other members of the organization to ensure an integrated team effort on all communications, fundraising, and research initiatives.
• Oversee editorial direction and design of the organization’s print and digital communications including website content, public information requests, social media, blog, email, electronic newsletters, and biannual impact reports to help inspire new and existing audiences to take both online and offline action in helping CURE Epilepsy and The Cameron Boyce Foundation achieve their missions.
• Lead and drive the strategy for the organization’s video communication assets such as Seizing Life® along with enhanced engagement and promotion for current and future PSAs including video concepts, script development, and video production.
• Monitor and respond to emerging trends in digital marketing, search, social media, and artificial intelligence, ensuring CURE Epilepsy and The Cameron Foundation maintain a strong and visible presence across evolving platforms and channels.
• Oversee the marketing and communication effort surrounding CURE Epilepsy events designed to raise awareness and funds for the organization.
• Grow national presence via public relations and press opportunities; maintain extensive and positive relationships with national media and serve as the organization’s media contact.
• Collaborate with other epilepsy organizations and opinion leaders on content partnerships.
• Maintain a real-time system of monitoring communications and news from other epilepsy and neurology research organizations, making recommendations for proactive changes in the marketing strategy and opportunities for collaboration.
• Keep informed of developments in the fields of marketing, communications, and public relations for not-for-profit organizations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing and communications team of three staff members, while managing external agencies, consultants, and contractors as needed.
• Establish goals, priorities, and performance metrics that support organizational objectives.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Management Skills

• Demonstrated success in managing a team of 3+ individuals and influencing without authority.
• Strong project management skills, and ability to juggle multiple tasks (manage multiple priorities within demanding time frames).
• Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, organizational development, and cost control.
• Sharp analytical, planning, forecasting, and budgeting/financial skills
• Ability to think big picture and work in the details; bring a start-up mentality to drive opportunities.

Marketing & Communication

• Experience leading the creation and execution of marketing and communications plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences including top stakeholders, board members, researchers, the epilepsy community, and supporters.
• Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations, and negotiating with media.

Digital Marketing

• Knowledge of the latest advances in the effective use of digital and social media including online communities, search engine optimization, AI, and other digital marketing tools.
• Experience with multi-channel donor engagement strategies, including email, digital advertising, direct response, and direct mail.
• Experience managing website content within modern content management systems (WordPress preferred).
• Experience leveraging Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and other marketing analytics tools to measure performance and inform strategy; proactively monitor the changing AI landscape in terms of digital marketing and CURE’s footprint.
• Developing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) across marketing, communications, digital engagement, audience growth, and conversion activities, using data and insights to continuously optimize performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in marketing, communications, or public relations with demonstrated success, preferably in the nonprofit or epilepsy healthcare sector
• Bachelor’s degree required / master’s degree preferred in marketing, communications, public relations, or journalism preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Outstanding writing and grammatical skills
• Detail oriented
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, and organizational skills
• Understanding of academic research and/or epilepsy science preferred
• Position based in Chicago, hybrid work environment

TO APPLY, visit our careers site: https://cureepilepsy.bamboohr.com/careers

Status and Benefits

Department: Marketing Communications

Supervisor: Chief Executive Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Terms of Employment: At Will

Employment Status: Full-Time

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Life, 403(b), PTO, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays and more

SALARY RANGE: $150,000 to $175,000