Senior Director, Scientific Content Development

The Obesity Association (OA), a division of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), is seeking a strategic and innovative Senior Director, Scientific Content Development. This role is central to shaping and amplifying the national conversation on obesity as a chronic disease. The Senior Director will be responsible for developing content that educates the public, engages health care professionals, influences policymakers, to promote knowledge about obesity care aiming to reduce stigma, increase awareness and enhance access to evidence-based treatments. Reporting to the Vice President, this leader will ensure all content is scientifically accurate, ethically sound, and mission-aligned, driving impact for people affected by obesity.

The ideal candidate is strong at written and verbal communication with deep expertise in health content theory and practice, combined with a passion for public health and a nuanced understanding of the obesity landscape.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Vice President, the Senior Director will be responsible for key activities in the following domains:

Strategic Content Leadership & Vision

• Identify and analyze emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in obesity-related scientific content/literature.
• Oversee the creation of a content calendar that drives awareness, education, and behavior change.

Content Development

• Direct the creation of purpose-driven, audience-specific materials (e.g., patient education resources, clinical toolkits, policy briefs, digital content) that translate complex scientific information into clear, compelling, and actionable messages.
• Ensure all content is grounded in the latest scientific evidence, clinical guidelines, and best practices in health literacy and cultural competence.
• Serve as the expert reviewer for major public-facing OA communication assets, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and tone.
• Analyze, synthesize, and interpret health and scientific data to partner with communications team to craft narratives that resonate with the public, media, and stakeholders.

Expert Advisor to Marketing/Communications Team

• Review and provide feedback on the OA's digital presence (website, social media, email)
• Partner with the ADA's Marketing/Communications team to develop obesity-focused messaging forADA’s communications efforts and campaigns.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Ethical Practice

• Work closely with ADA departments including Research, Medical Affairs, Advocacy, Professional Education, and Health Access teams to ensure an integrated, evidence-based approach to content.
  • Partner with Research & Medical Affairs to accurately position scientific findings and clinical insights.
  • Collaborate with Advocacy to develop persuasive materials that support policy change and improve access to care.
  • Support Professional Education to create content aimed at health care professionals.
• Uphold and advocate for the highest ethical standards in health content, ensuring all practices consider privacy (HIPAA), regulatory, and legal issues specific to the health care industry.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or higher in Health Communication, Public Health (with a communication focus), or a directly related field is required. A focus on obesity, chronic disease, or nutrition is highly preferred.
• Eight plus years of progressive experience in health communication with at least five years in a senior leadership role.
• Deep understanding of obesity as a chronic disease, including its clinical, public health, and psychosocial dimensions.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex information for varied audiences.
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson.
• Experience with or knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) tools with the ability to integrate AI strategically to advance organizational goals.

COMPETENCIES

• Audience-Centric Content Development: Proficiency in developing purpose-driven, audience-specific healthcare materials directed to the consumer (public).
• Ethical Practice: Understanding and application of ethically and socially responsible health communication strategies.
• Research Application: Ability to interpret and apply research to strategy and evaluation.
• Science Translation: Superior skill in analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting health/scientific information with clear, concise messaging.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Ability to collaborate effectively and lead through influence in a complex organizational structure.
• Public Speaking & Advocacy: Strength in public speaking and a genuine interest in advocacy to drive change.

WHY WORK HERE

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers a rewarding career working for one of the premier voluntary health organizations in the world supporting people with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Our employees like working at the ADA because of our mission, the inclusive environment, work-life balance, our benefits and our culture:

• Industry competitive base pay ranging from $120,000 - $134,000  for this role. Base offers are determined by several factors including but not limited to your relevant work experience, education, certifications, location, internal pay equity, etc.
• A culture of recognition including new hire welcome announcements, service anniversary awards, referral bonuses, monthly All Employee Assembly, appreciation awards
• Generous Paid Time Off, including holidays, vacation days, personal days and sick days
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), disability & life insurance, pet insurance and retirement savings
• Guided by our mission, we provide top tier diabetes supply coverage through our medical benefits program
• A company focus on offering mental health programs and work/life balance with most of our employees working remote
• Joining our dedicated team affords the gratification of knowing beyond a doubt that you will impact the lives and well-being of millions