Breakthrough Discoveries

About Breakthrough Discoveries

Breakthrough Discoveries is a lean, high-impact nonprofit dedicated to changing the trajectory of bipolar disorder research. We believe that by bridging the gap between innovative scientific inquiry and patient-centered care, we can accelerate the next generation of interventions and create a world where all people with bipolar disorder thrive. We prioritize agility, transparency, and a steadfast focus on our mission.

The Role

We are seeking a Science Communications Manager to shape the voice of Breakthrough Discoveries. This isn't just about writing press releases; it's about translating complex, cutting-edge research into compelling narratives that move funders, policymakers, and the public to action. You will lead our communications strategy end-to-end while serving as a key liaison to our external communications firm, bringing scientific rigor to our message and ensuring our story is told with both accuracy and heart.

Key Responsibilities

• Content & Narrative Strategy: Develop and execute a communications calendar across channels - website, email, social media, and earned media - that connects our funded research to real-world impact for the bipolar disorder community.
• Science Translation: Work with BD2 scientific leaders and funded investigators to distill complex research findings, outcomes and impact into accessible content for non-specialist audiences including funders, advocates, and the general public.
• Content Creation & Production: Write, edit, and publish across organizational channels, including newsletters, blog posts, social copy, website updates, and press materials.
• External Agency Liaison: Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for our contracted communications firm by providing scientific context, reviewing final deliverables for accuracy, and ensuring alignment with our brand and mission.
• Research Community Engagement: Partner with our funded investigators to elevate their work in the bipolar disorder community and beyond, coordinating researcher spotlights, publication announcements, and conference coverage.
• Brand & Channel Management: Own and maintain our digital presence, bringing increased visibility to channels including the website, newsletter, and social platforms to ensure consistency, quality, and a human voice across all touchpoints.
• Media & Stakeholder Relations: Support outreach to science journalists, patient advocacy organizations, and mental health media to grow awareness of and enthusiasm for our work

Who You Are

• A Science Storyteller: You believe that good science deserves a wide audience, and you know how to earn one. You write with clarity, precision, and genuine respect for the complexity of the work.
• Credibly Curious: You hold a degree in a life science, public health, or science communication field, and have 5 years of experience in a communications, journalism, or content role, ideally at a nonprofit, research institution, or health-focused organization.
• A Collaborative Operator: You're comfortable working with external partners and internal stakeholders alike, giving and receiving feedback, and keeping multiple workstreams moving without dropping the ball.
• Mission-Aligned: You have a genuine investment in mental health science and empathy for the community living with bipolar disorder, whether through personal experience, professional history, or both.
• Remote-Ready: You are self-directed and disciplined in a fully remote environment, skilled at async communication and proactive about keeping colleagues in the loop.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful Work: Every story you tell connects directly to research that improves treatment and care.
• Ownership & Growth: As a foundational hire, you'll shape the communications function from the ground up, with room to grow as the organization does.
• Collaborative Environment: You'll work alongside scientists and advocates who are deeply committed to the mission and to each other.

Breakthrough Discoveries is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, especially those with lived experience in the mental health space.