Director of Research Engagement

Sarcoma Foundation of America; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization focused on sarcoma research is seeking a Director of Research and Engagement to lead strategic research initiatives and oversee grant programs. This role requires a seasoned leader with over 10 years of experience in science-based programs and at least 5 years in senior management. The position is primarily remote, engaging with the patient community, researchers, and regulatory bodies to foster collaborations and enhance research visibility. Excellent writing and public speaking skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience in science-based program development and implementation.
• Minimum 5 years of senior management experience.
• Experience in patient advocacy or cancer research organizations is preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit organizations and senior management is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee SFA’s grant programs and collaborations.
• Manage global research initiatives and communications.
• Engage with various stakeholders, including grantees and industry partners.
• Identify collaborations with regulatory agencies, industry, other patient groups, and researchers to advance therapies.
• Develop educational content and programming; lead research advocacy training.
• Provide scientific input and analyses for funding proposals and communications.
• Collaborate with Communications to tailor materials for diverse audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Public speaking

Writing skills

Collaboration

Proactive collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in a related field

Science degree preferred

Background in medical science or related field preferred

Job description

The Director of Research and Engagement provides leadership and management for SFA’s strategic goals to advance research. This position will engage the sarcoma research patient community to advance research, collaborate with the broader scientific community to identify areas of opportunity, and oversee SFA’s global research initiatives. Additionally, it will involve engaging SFA’s grantees and providing analysis and distribution of sarcoma research information.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Scientific Affairs to oversee the design, delivery, evaluation, and quality of SFA’s grant programs.
• Ensure that SFA is responsive to and builds effective relationships with its grantee community.
• Effectively communicate the progress that has been made in sarcoma research, specifically by research funded or advocated for by SFA.
• Manage SFA’s global research collaborations, specifically the organization’s role in the global PUSH Platform initiative.
• Identify and lead areas of collaboration with regulatory agencies, industry, other patient groups, and the research community to advance therapies for patients.
• Work closely with the engagement team to manage SFA engagement and research initiatives.
• Identify and lead opportunities for publication to advance SFA’s projects.
• Manage SFA Sarcoma publications (journal, science communications).
• Analyze and interpret scientific information and prepare analyses of studies, overviews of scientific meetings, and summaries of science articles for internal and external audiences.
• Conduct research, data gathering, and analysis for the preparation of science-related articles and presentations.
• Act as a liaison to industry partners on clinical trials and research collaborations.
• Collaborate with SFA staff to develop educational content and programming. Work with the engagement team to develop science-related education courses and lead the design, development, and management of a research advocacy training program.
• Lead SFA’s Research Advocacy Training.
• Provide scientific input, statistics, or other relevant information for funding proposals and communication pieces.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop materials tailored to specific audiences and more broadly accessible to a larger community, and review and edit science and research-related materials for accuracy and context.
• Stay up to date on sarcoma research information and share it with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in relevant national conferences and meetings to gain insight into the sarcoma research community and develop relationships that will further the achievement of SFA's research mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Director supervises at least one staff member.

Qualifications & Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in the development and implementation of science-based programs.
• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in a related field; science degree preferred.
• Background in medical science or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of senior management experience.
• Proven track record of successful research project management.
• Experience with nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive and collaborative style that works well in teams.
• Ability to interact at the highest level of professionalism with Board members, staff, and key individuals and groups in the sarcoma community.
• Experience in a patient-advocacy organization or an organization focused on cancer research is preferred.
• Ability to prioritize competing needs and opportunities and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills.
• Ability to travel.

Employment Details

This position is exempt/full-time. The staff works primarily remotely; however, some staff travel to the office infrequently. This position can be fully remote. SFA’s office is in Montgomery County, Maryland, outside Washington, DC.

Please email your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to [e-mail] with the subject line, “Director of Research Engagement”. Resumes will not be accepted without a cover letter or email. No phone calls, please. SFA is an equal-opportunity employer and accepts applications from all.