Career Opportunities

The mission of the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation is to support the work of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, which aims to discover the triggers of chronic diseases through innovative research that improves human health. To support our commitment, we seek only the most qualified individuals and believe in the values of integrity, transparency, donor-centered development and stewardship of resources. We’re looking for energetic, enthusiastic individuals who want to be a part of our team.

Jobs Available: 

Job Title: Director of Communications

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Position Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (in-office with one optional remote workday)

Position Overview:

Reporting to PBRF’s President and CEO, the Director of Communications is responsible for developing and executing high-level communication strategies that drive donor engagement and amplify Pennington Biomedical’s mission. This role involves the creation and management of donor-focused, science-based communications that align with our fundraising goals. The Director will produce compelling, accurate, and impactful content tailored to high-level donors, effectively communicating the impact of their support on groundbreaking scientific research. This position works in close collaboration with the Chief Development Officer.

This position requires an understanding of scientific literacy, donor audience engagement, and the ability to translate complex research findings into accessible and inspiring narratives. With the guidance of PBRF’s President and CEO and the fundraising team, the Director of Communications will oversee the development of the annual communications strategy, individualized funding proposals, stewardship reports, donor newsletters, social media content, impact reporting, and other strategic donor-facing materials that advance the fundraising efforts of the Foundation.

Key Responsibilities:

· Communication Strategy Management: In support of PBRF’s development plan, collaboratively create and implement comprehensive, high-level communication strategies and calender aimed at enhancing donor engagement and supporting overall fundraising initiatives.

· Donor-Centric Content Development: Craft science-based communications for donor audiences, including high-level stewardship reports, individualized funding proposals, newsletters, appeals and solicitation materials, social media content, and donor impact reports.

· Strategic Collaboration: Partner with development officers, senior leadership, faculty, and researchers to align communication efforts with fundraising priorities and scientific advancements.

· Proposal and Appeal Writing: Work with fundraising team to draft, edit, and design donor proposals and appeals that communicate the importance of research initiatives at Pennington Biomedical, ensuring messages are clear, persuasive, and aligned with donor interests.

· Donor Stewardship: At the direction of the fundraising team, create content for detailed reports for major donors, showcasing the outcomes of their gifts through accurate, research-driven narratives. Oversee communication touchpoints that foster deeper donor relationships.

· Event Support: Play an active role in developing communication materials for fundraising events, ensuring that the scientific research and donor impact are central themes in all content.

· Social Media and Website: Collaboratively create content for social media channels and PBRF’s website and work with external website editor to schedule updates.

· Research and Storytelling: Conduct research on scientific programs and donor priorities, transforming complex topics into compelling stories that resonate with philanthropic audiences.

· Content Management: Maintain consistent messaging across all donor communication channels, ensuring alignment with PBRF’s brand and fundraising strategy.

· Team Collaboration: Work closely with internal stakeholders, including the PBRC’s communications team, to ensure integrated and cohesive communications and branding across all platforms.

Decision Making:

· Responsible for developing, researching, and editing high-stakes content that directly impacts donor relationships and PBRF’s public image.

Communication:

· Engage regularly with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, donors, and leadership, to develop precise and strategic donor communications in collaboration with PBRF team.

Scope and Complexity:

· This role requires expertise in both high-level communication strategy and science-based writing, with a focus on translating complex research into engaging, donor-friendly content. Strong leadership in managing communication priorities and executing multi-channel strategies is essential.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or related field; scientific background preferred.

· 5+ years of experience in donor-focused writing, communications strategy, or fundraising communications, preferably in a science-based or research-focused organization.

· Demonstrated writing and editing expertise, with a proven ability to communicate scientific research to a broad audience.

· Strong understanding of philanthropy, fundraising strategies, and donor stewardship.

· Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects, meet deadlines, and cohesively collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a high degree of attention to detail.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with donor management systems and Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience in science communication or fundraising in a research or health-focused environment.

· Proven ability to develop high-quality donor communications that balance scientific integrity with donor engagement.

Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For inquiries, please send resume and contact information to Janet Olson at [email protected].