Associate Director, Patient Recruitment and Retention Execution Manager

Ladders; United States; Remote; USD 194,000 - 267,000; Full time

Job summary

Ladders is seeking an Associate Director, Patient Recruitment and Retention Execution Manager to lead recruitment and retention across complex clinical studies. The role focuses on turning strategy into clear plans, timelines, and measurable results, guiding a delivery team in a matrixed environment.

The position partners with stakeholders to surface risks, drive outcomes, and support study success. Remote work option available with global impact.

Qualifications

• Lead recruitment and retention delivery across clinical studies.
• Translate strategies into actionable plans and timelines.
• Manage resources and guide a matrixed team to ensure on-time execution.
• Partner with stakeholders to surface risks and improve outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of recruitment and retention delivery leads.
• Set team priorities, goals, and performance expectations.
• Manage resource planning and employee development.
• Oversee patient recruitment and retention tactics across studies.
• Translate recruitment strategies into actionable plans and timelines.
• Monitor execution progress and optimize outcomes.
• Serve as the operational liaison for recruitment activities, communicating insights and risks.

Skills

Leadership

Recruitment strategy

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder management

People management

Vendor oversight

Ambiguity navigation

Education

B.A./B.Sc. in science

Job description

For our client, we are seeking an Associate Director, Patient Recruitment and Retention Execution Manager to join the team of a leader in the Pharmaceuticals & Biotech space.

This role will lead patient recruitment and retention execution across complex clinical studies, with a strong focus on turning strategy into clear plans, timelines, and measurable results. You will guide a team of delivery leaders, align priorities and resources, and help ensure execution stays on track in a matrixed environment. The position partners closely with stakeholders to surface risks, improve outcomes, and support study success.

Location: Remote

Compensation: $194,000 – $266,750 annually

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of recruitment and retention delivery leads
• Set team priorities, goals, and performance expectations
• Manage resource planning and employee development
• Oversee patient recruitment and retention tactics across studies
• Translate recruitment strategies into actionable plans and timelines
• Monitor execution progress and optimize outcomes
• Serve as the operational liaison for recruitment activities, communicating insights and risks

Qualifications

• B.A. or B.Sc. in a scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years of experience in patient recruitment and retention in CRO, pharma, or related environments
• 5+ years of people management experience, including coaching and performance management
• Strong vendor oversight experience with KPI monitoring and risk management
• Demonstrated experience executing patient recruitment strategies for complex clinical trials
• Excellent project management and communication skills, with strong business acumen
• Ability to influence stakeholders and navigate ambiguity in a matrixed environment

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Fitness and wellness programs, including fitness reimbursement
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Minimum of 15 days of paid vacation plus an end-of-year shutdown
• Up to 12 company-paid holidays and 3 paid days off for personal significance
• 80 hours of sick time per year
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• 401(k) with company-matched contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year
• Participation in Employee Resource Groups

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification—your background could be exactly what this team needs.