Director, Clinical Partnerships & Growth (Remote)

Lightship; Durham (NC); Remote; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Lightship is a US-based remote clinical trial site network seeking a Director of Business Development. The candidate will drive new study awards by building direct sponsor relationships and managing opportunities from first conversation through award.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in clinical research business development, established sponsor connections, and a track record of meeting account targets. Hybrid/remote collaboration and industry engagement are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sciences or business (or equivalent).
• 3+ years of business development in clinical research, preferably with a site or site network.
• Established relationships with pharma/biotech sponsors and CROs with measurable results.
• Proven track record against account targets, supported by KPIs like awards and bookings.
• Experience with hybrid/virtual trial delivery is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue phase II and III opportunities that match Lightship’s footprint and capabilities.
• Build and manage a pipeline across established and new accounts, focusing on direct sponsor relationships.
• Engage sponsors early to align on how Lightship’s in-clinic, hybrid, and virtual options fit their protocol.
• Own opportunities from early engagement through award, coordinating with site enablement, feasibility, contracts, and budgets.
• Represent Lightship at industry conferences and contribute to thought leadership.
• Maintain accurate pipeline, activity, and forecast data within the CRM.

Skills

CRM proficiency (Salesforce)

MS Office

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Independent work

Cross-functional teamwork

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in sciences or business

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office

Job description

Lightship is a US-based remote clinical trial site network seeking a Director of Business Development. The candidate will drive new study awards by building direct sponsor relationships and managing opportunities from first conversation through award.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in clinical research business development, established sponsor connections, and a track record of meeting account targets. Hybrid/remote collaboration and industry engagement are expected.