Executive Director, Life Sciences Research Initiative

The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 250,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University seeks an accomplished executive to serve as the inaugural Managing Director, Life Sciences Research Initiative, launching a major new enterprise on the East Baltimore campus. This role oversees operations, strategy, budgeting, and cross‑divisional collaboration to translate scientific vision into a high‑impact research program.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years of leadership experience in higher education or life sciences, with strong governance, fundraising, and

Qualifications

• Advanced Degree required; MBA, MPA, MPH, or doctoral degree strongly preferred.
• Fifteen plus years of progressively responsible experience in organizational leadership, strategy, and administration.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder organizations or initiatives with significant budgets.
• Experience in higher education, academic research, life sciences, or closely related sector.
• Proven track record in communications strategy, planning, and execution.
• Experience supporting or leading fundraising, development, and external partnership efforts.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and operationalize strategic plans including mission, vision, goals, programs, structures, and budgets.
• Oversee execution of strategy across programmatic and operational areas; translate goals into initiatives.
• Lead governance processes and oversee advisory boards, charters, agendas, and reporting.
• Direct recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and performance management for core operations.
• Develop and maintain initiative-wide policies, procedures, and administrative practices.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Communication strategy

Executive partnership

Education

Advanced degree (MBA/MPA/MPH or doctoral)

Job description

Johns Hopkins University seeks an accomplished executive to serve as the inaugural Managing Director, Life Sciences Research Initiative, launching a major new enterprise on the East Baltimore campus. This role oversees operations, strategy, budgeting, and cross‑divisional collaboration to translate scientific vision into a high‑impact research program.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years of leadership experience in higher education or life sciences, with strong governance, fundraising, and