Director of Business Development, Gene and Cell Therapy

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 145,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is seeking a Director of Business Development for its Applied Gene and Cell Therapy Center (AGCTC) in Cincinnati. The role focuses on securing strategic CGT partnerships, negotiating MSAs, and driving revenue through complex, high-value contracts.

The successful candidate will source assets, lead a sales cycle, and develop regional/global plans while collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance next-generation therapies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• 10+ years related experience primarily in Business Development and/or Value Proposition/Product Development Management.
• Business development experience is in Gene and Cell Therapy or related life sciences.
• Strongly prefer 5 years in Business Development or Sales within the CDMO or Life Sciences services sector.
• 5+ years leading teams (direct and cross-functional) in either: medical device/equipment/service company; healthcare consulting; or complex medical center.
• Proven track record of closing high-value contracts and building a pipeline from scratch.
• Experience leading new product development and launch in a matrix organization, related to CGT partnerships.
• Negotiation skills: complex legal and financial terms in MSAs and Work Orders.
• Domain expertise: CGT manufacturing lifecycle including viral vector production and cell processing.

Responsibilities

• Leadership: Build a new business development function from the ground up, including hiring and talent development.
• Market Intelligence & Brand Advocacy: Competitive analysis of CDMO pricing, capacity trends, and emerging technologies.
• Revenue Generation & Pipeline Management: Identify, qualify, and manage deals from outreach to final execution.
• Strategic Relationship Management: Consultative selling and networking at major industry conferences.
• Account Growth: Expand relationships with current clients and explore new programs.

Skills

Business Development

Sales

Negotiation

Leadership

Strategic Partnerships

Account Management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Primary LocationBurnet CampusDepartmentApplied Gene and Cell Therapy CenterShiftDay (United States of America)ScheduleFull timeWeekly Hours40FTE1Employee StatusRegular*

Expected Starting Pay Range$145,121.60 - $188,947.20*Starting pay is based on experience, skills, and equity; exceptions may apply for highly qualified candidates. Additional pay (e.g., shift, on-call, or weekend differentials) and benefits may apply. Annual pay may vary based on FTE status.

Salary range of 150,000-201,000

The Applied Gene and Cell Therapy Center (AGCTC) is a leading clinical stage center focused on advancing innovative gene and cell therapies from research through clinical translation and manufacturing. AGCTC combines expertise in translational science, process development, analytics, regulatory strategy, and GMP manufacturing to accelerate next-generation therapies for patients with serious diseases. In addition to its research and clinical capabilities, AGCTC provides industry standards CDMO services, supporting process development, tech transfer, GMP manufacturing, analytical development, and quality systems for academic and industry partners. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a highly collaborative environment, AGCTC offers an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about shaping the future of advanced therapies.

The Director will act as a primary engine for growth at Cincinnati Children's Applied Gene and Cell Therapy Center (AGCTC). This is a high-impact role focused on securing strategic partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) space. You aren't just selling "capacity"; you are selling complex technical solutions, scientific trust, and a roadmap to commercialization for breakthrough therapies (CAR-T, Gene Editing, Viral Vectors, etc.). You will identify market trends, source new clinical-stage assets, and negotiate multi-million-dollar MSAs (Master Service Agreements).

Job Responsibilities

Leadership: Build a new business development function from the ground up, including hiring, and talent development.

Market Intelligence & Brand Advocacy:

• Competitive Analysis: Stay ahead of the curve on CDMO pricing, capacity trends, and emerging technologies (e.g., closed-system manufacturing, non-viral delivery).
• Marketing Collaboration: Provide "voice of the customer" feedback to the marketing team to refine value propositions and sales collateral.

Revenue Generation & Pipeline Management:

• Identify & Qualify: Scout the global biotech landscape to identify companies with CGT assets in pre-clinical through Phase III stages.
• Deal Execution: Lead the entire sales cycle from initial outreach and RFPs (Request for Proposals) to site visits and works with contract team for the final execution.
• Territory Strategy: Develop and execute a regional or global business plan to meet or exceed annual booking targets.

Strategic Relationship Management:

• Consultative Selling: Act as a bridge between the client's CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) needs and our internal technical capabilities.
• Strategic Networking: Represent the organization at major industry conferences (e.g., ASGCT, SITC, Ash et al).
• Account Growth: Partner with key collaborators to ensure current clients are satisfied and look for opportunities to expand existing programs.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a related field. 10+ years related experience primarily in Business Development and/or Value Proposition/Product Development Management.

Business development experience is in Gene and Cell Therapy or related life sciences.

Strongly prefer 5 years in Business Development or Sales within the CDMO or Life Sciences services sector.

In either Business Development or Sales within the Cell and Gene Therapy, CDMO or a Life Sciences Services Sector, has 5+ years leading teams (direct and cross-functional) in either: medical device/equipment/service company; healthcare consulting; or complex medical center medical device/equipment/service company; healthcare consulting; or complex medical center

A proven track record of closing high-value contracts and building a pipeline from scratch.

Experience leading new product development and launch in a matrix organization. Product development as it relates to the development of strategic partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) space.

Negotiation Skills: Experience navigating complex legal and financial terms in MSAs and Work Orders.

Domain Expertise: A deep understanding of the Cell and Gene Therapy manufacturing lifecycle, including viral vector production, cell processing, and analytical requirements.

Must be able to travel up to 30% of the time. Additional time may be spent traveling internationally.

Advance degree is highly preferred to navigate the complex technical and financial nuances of Cell and Gene Therapy deals.

• Annualized Contract Value (ACV) and Total Contract Value (TCV).
• Conversion rate from Lead to Signed Proposal.
• Accuracy of sales forecasting and CRM (Salesforce) management.
• Established network of C-suite and CMC-level contacts within the cell and gene therapy ecosystem.
• Ability to build rapport quickly in a highly technical environment.

About Us

At Cincinnati Children's, we come to work with one goal: to make children's health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery.

We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children's.

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as atop 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years

Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH)Funding

Recognized as one of America's Best Large Employers (2025), America's Best Employers for New Grads (2025) One of the nation'sAmerica's Most Innovative Companiesas noted by Fortune Consistently certified as great place to work

A Leading Disability Employeras noted by theNational Organization on Disability Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by theAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

We Embrace Innovation-Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That's why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we're creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future-for all of us.

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability