Careers

Opportunities at SAA

Are you looking for a rewarding challenge? Your journey starts here. Join our close-knit team of dedicated professionals who work collaboratively to support those with spondyloarthritis. If you are interested in embarking upon a new chapter within your professional career, check out our current opportunities below! Don’t see a current fit but still really want to join us? Email HR@spondylitis.org and include your resume. We’re always looking for passionate and talented people. We’ll be in touch for future openings.

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Jobs

Patient Education Writer/Associate Manager of Publications & Programs

The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) is a national nonprofit disease organization seeking a cure for a form of spinal arthritis and providing support for those living with the condition. Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Associate Manager of Publications is a full-time role that will provide support for day-to-day publication management and programs support. This is a tele-commute position, with the home office located in Encino, CA. Southern California residents preferred. Some travel required.

Responsibilities:

General responsibilities include working closely with Director of Programs and Associate Director of Programs on all disease-related printed and digital publication content creation and management, program management, event planning & execution, constituent engagement, and overseeing database management as it relates to the Programs Department’s needs.

Primary role will be to write content and oversee all disease-related printed and digital publications including SAA’s quarterly news magazine, Spondylitis Plus, eSUN, brochures and other publications or written materials as needed.  Secondary role will be supporting program activities as assigned.

Publications: Content Creation and Management

This position is the Managing Editor of SAA’s news magazine, Spondylitis Plus and will assume overall responsibility for this publication.

As the Managing Editor of Spondylitis Plus:

 

  • Work with the Director of Programs on developing the direction and focus of each issue, finalizing topics, and recruiting writers / interview subjects;
  • Create content as needed, and work with others to help shape the content they are creating;
  • Assign writing projects as needed, and edit and proof all magazine content;
  • Work with graphic designer in bringing the magazine to life and see it through to completion by coordinating printing and mailing.

Other content creation, updates, and management (working with the Director of Programs and others as needed) to include:

  • Disease-related educational brochures and other publications;
  • SAA’s monthly e-newsletter, eSUN;
  • Website -- spondylitis.org;
  • Other content creation and management as needed.

Coordinating and planning for SAA’s Patient Education Seminars (virtual or in-person), including:

  • Managing the creation and distribution of promotional materials;
  • For in-person events, traveling to seminar locations, along with Director of Programs and other staff, to help facilitate each event – taking a lead role in logistical needs such as set up, registration, material sales, and more.
  • Preference given to candidates with experience in planning and managing event logistics.

Contributing to Community Engagement via SAA’s web-based communication platforms and online Forum

  • Leading the planning and facilitation of quarterly virtual socializing programs (i.e., Facebook Lives, Twitter Chats, Reddit programs, etc.)
  • Working with Director of Brand Experience on periodic content creation and curation while maintaining SAA’s branding and online voice;
  • Constituent engagement.

Willingness and ability to get involved in other areas as needed, and take on miscellaneous tasks, which may include but are not limited to:

  • Attending and taking a role in exhibiting for SAA at medical conferences, such as the American College of Rheumatology meeting;
  • Working as part of the Programs team in offering assistance for all online events, such as webinars, podcasts, and other pop-up events;
  • Other duties or tasks as needed or assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

Experience: Relevant experience in managing publications and programs, including experience in writing, editing, and producing content.

Communication: Strong communication skills, with a focus on conveying technical information in a way that is accessible and engaging for the target audience.

Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Writing and Editing: Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to write clear, concise, and engaging copy.

Attention to Detail: Ability to proofread and edit text carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency, and to catch any errors or inconsistencies.

Research: Strong research skills to gather information and data for articles and other content.

Communication: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.

Translation: Ability to translate medical information and research abstracts into plain language that is easy to understand for a general audience.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including medical professionals, researchers, and members of the public.

Journalism Background: A degree or equivalent experience in journalism, with a focus on writing, research, and reporting. Bachelor’s degree required.

Please send cover letter and resume to hr@spondylitis.org .

 

Internship

Public Affairs Internship

The Public Affairs intern will support the Director, Brand Experience & Public Affairs. This hands-on position provides the right candidate with the opportunity to develop into a skilled strategic communications professional. The required time commitment for this opportunity is 10 – 15 hours per week for college credit and an annual stipend of $500.

Responsibilities include:

  • Support creation of press materials such as press releases and briefing documents
  • Developing and updating media lists
  • Analyzing media coverages
  • Assist in the coordination of events such as press conferences, media briefings, partnership meetings, media tours and industry health fairs/shows
  • Copyediting website content
  • Drafting blog posts
  • Assist with photo shoots
  • Assisting with other communications-related tasks as assigned

Desired Knowledge and skills:

  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field
  • Previous PR/Communications internship experience a plus
  • Strong writing and editing skills with a keen eye for detail
  • Excellent command of the English language, grammar and AP Style
  • Digital and social media savvy
  • Energetic self-starter eager to learn and jump in on multiple projects
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Desire for a career in PR/strategic communications
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus

For immediate consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to jason.blackwell@spondylitis.org

Digital Marketing Internship

The Digital Marketing intern will support the Director, Brand Experience & Public Affairs. The right candidate for this opportunity has both a creative and analytical mindset and will participate in various online marketing campaigns. This hands-on internship could provide the right candidate with practical training as a Digital Specialist for future opportunities in PPC, SEO, display, email and social media. The required time commitment for this opportunity is 10-15 hours per week for college credit and an annual stipend of $1000

Responsibilities include:

  • Assist in drafting content and graphic design for social media
  • Social Listening + Finding Trends with our online listening tools (analytics) to identify opportunities and ideas for ongoing campaigns
  • Influencer research and topic tracking
  • Pull campaign performance and spend reports for PPC and Paid Social campaigns
  • Assist in setting up marketing automation workflows and tracking results
  • Assist with video and podcast production

Desired Knowledge and skills:

  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Marketing, Advertising, or related field
  • Previous experience in social media or marketing internship is a plus
  • Basic understanding of online marketing including SEM, SEO, display, & paid social
  • Knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
  • Familiar with social media analytics
  • Basic knowledge of Photoshop
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of video editing software such as Adobe Premiere or equivalent

For immediate consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to jason.blackwell@spondylitis.org

Programs Internship

The Programs Intern will support the Director of Programs & Programs Coordinator. This hands-on internship provides the right candidate with the opportunity to develop into a skilled and strategic program management professional. The required time commitment for this opportunity is 10-15 hours per week for college credit.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the coordination of and follow up to key events such as educational seminars, medical conferences, partnership meetings, and health fairs
  • Assist in planning the launch of a revamped Juvenile Outreach and Education program
  • Assist with bulk email needs, utilizing Mail Chimp
  • Create content for social media and our message boards
  • Print production assistance
  • Administrative assistance, such as data entry and database management, preparing materials for shipment, and other tasks as needed

Desired Knowledge and skills:

  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree in the humanities, or related fields
  • Previous nonprofit internship experience a plus
  • Excellent command of the English language, grammar, and AP Style
  • Digital and social media savvy
  • Strong writing skills with a keen eye for detail
  • Energetic self-starter eager to learn and jump in on multiple projects
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • A creative thinker with a strong work ethic
  • Desire for a career in the nonprofit sector or programs delivery
  • Spanish speaking a plus

For immediate consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to programs@spondylitis.org

Responsibilities include:

  • Support creation of press materials such as press releases and briefing documents
  • Developing and updating media lists
  • Analyzing media coverages
  • Assist in the coordination of events such as press conferences, media briefings, partnership meetings, media tours and industry health fairs/shows
  • Copyediting website content
  • Drafting blog posts
  • Assist with photo shoots
  • Assisting with other communications-related tasks as assigned

Desired Knowledge and skills:

  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field
  • Previous PR/Communications internship experience a plus
  • Strong writing and editing skills with a keen eye for detail
  • Excellent command of the English language, grammar and AP Style
  • Digital and social media savvy
  • Energetic self-starter eager to learn and jump in on multiple projects
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Desire for a career in PR/strategic communications
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus

The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) is a national nonprofit organization seeking a cure for a form of spinal arthritis and providing support for those living with the disease. Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Associate Manager of Publications is a full-time role that will provide support for day-to-day publication management and programs support. This is a tele-commute position, with the home office located in Encino, CA. Southern California residents preferred. Some travel required.

Volunteer

Online Support Group Leader

SAA’s volunteer support group leaders share a common goal of bringing the community together. They strive to provide support, education, encouragement and co-create with group members dynamic, supportive, and informative meetings. Although helpful if the support group leader is living with the disease, it is by no means a requirement.

Skills and Traits of an Effective Support Group Leader

  • Time
  • Energy
  • Organizational Skills
  • Continuing Commitment
  • Ability to Work with Others
  • Compassion for Others

Benefits of being a Support Group Leader

  • A sense of helping others
  • Getting support for yourself from the group
  • Information and education exchange
  • Added circle of friends
  • Personal growth

Additional Skills

  • Group Facilitation
  • Healthcare
  • Networking
  • People Skills
  • Public Speaking
  • Relationship Building

Requirements

  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 18
  • Orientation or Training
  • Six meetings a year. Each meeting lasts up to 90 minutes.
  • Organization onboarding and support leader training.

For immediate consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to sean.ewert@spondylitis.org