The Role
Lead and manage the ALS Associations research portfolio, including funding program development, grant review, contract negotiation, scientific oversight, stakeholder engagement, and launch of new initiatives. Supervise 1-2 staff, represent the Association at conferences, build partnerships with academia, industry, and funders, and report research impact to the board and donors.
Summary Generated by Built In
The ALS Association is the largest ALS organization in the world. The ALS Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their families through its nationwide network of care and certified clinical care centers, and advocates for better public policies for people with ALS. The mission of the ALS Association is to make ALS livable and cure it. For more information about the ALS Association, visit our website at www.als.org
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Director, Research will play an important role in the ALS Association’s overall mission to make ALS a livable disease and cure it. The position will manage the growing research program to develop effective treatments for ALS and improve the lives of everyone harmed by this disease. The Senior Director will be responsible for a broad portfolio of research activities, including funding program development, application solicitation, grant reviews, contract negotiations, and scientific oversight of awards from pre-award through award closeout and evaluation. In addition, the Senior Director will be accountable for maintaining a current knowledge base of ALS research, including research impacting caregivers and people at risk for developing ALS.
The Senior Director, Research reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist and will collaborate closely with colleagues in the mission, development, marketing and finance departments. The position will be based in the Washington D.C. office of The ALS Association or may be based remotely from a major metropolitan market. This position will involve travel to other Association offices, its territories, scientific conferences and other events as determined by business needs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsibilities may vary based on the needs of the department and organization. Additional duties may be assigned as required.
- Develop, solicit, review, and manage portfolio of ALS research that drives Association scientific and strategic goals.
- Develop and launch new research funding initiatives as needed to build upon our existing global research program.
- Direct and oversee the funding of external research including existing and new funding programs.
- Serve as lead on national collaborative efforts for ALS such as the AMP ALS initiative and participate in global initiatives launched by The International Alliance of ALS/MND and other international organizations.
- Lead and engage with the research committee of the board of trustees including strategy development, approval for research programs/projects, portfolio analyses, and reporting impact of funding programs.
- Develop and make presentations to scientific, clinical and policy audiences, as well as potential donors about research progress in ALS.
- Ensure the Association is apprised of the latest impacts of portfolio areas and how the portfolio complements the efforts of other funders of ALS research.
- Develop and maintain relationships with research leaders and organizations in the field of ALS and related diseases. Attend scientific meetings and meet with awardees, collaborators, and potential donors as needed.
- As needed, plan and execute periodic scientific workshops designed to identify scientific issues and formulate solutions.
- Engage and build relationships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations to advance research and drug development efforts in ALS.
- Encourage scientists to apply for ALS Association grants; and facilitate the formation of collaborations among scientists.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervises 1-2 employees within the research department.
- Responsible for hiring, coaching, performance management, and professional development of direct reports.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A graduate (PhD) degree in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, clinical sciences or a related medical or health profession discipline.
- At least 5 years of proven experience with an organization that is closely allied with and focused on scientific and medical advancements, preferably in a non-profit or grant-giving organization, but potentially also academic organizations, pharmaceutic industry or government agencies.
- Prior experience as a research funder/portfolio manager is strongly preferred.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across internal and external teams.
- Excellent communicator, with a proven record of public speaking and writing to multiple stakeholders, including people suffering from serious illnesses, and government, academic and industry partners.
- A proven track record of sound judgment and an analytical approach to decision-making.
- Familiarity with ALS, neuroscience, or neurodegenerative diseases preferred.
- Proficient computer skills, especially with Microsoft Office products.
- Ability to travel up to 30% of the time, as required or requested for business purposes.
- Computer skills required: Accounting Software; Contract Management Systems; Development Software; Human Resource Systems; Inventory Software; Microsoft Office; Payroll Systems; Project Management Software.
PAY TRANSPARENCY:
The ALS Association's pay range for this position is $135,000 - $155,000 annually.
Skills Required
- PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, clinical sciences or related discipline.
- At least 5 years experience with organizations focused on scientific or medical advancements (non-profit, academic, industry, or government).
- Prior experience as a research funder or portfolio manager.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across internal and external teams.
- Excellent written and public speaking skills for diverse stakeholders including patients, government, academia, and industry.
- Proven track record of sound judgment and analytical decision-making.
- Familiarity with ALS, neuroscience, or neurodegenerative diseases.
- Proficient computer skills, especially Microsoft Office.
- Computer systems experience: Accounting Software, Contract Management Systems, Development Software, Human Resource Systems, Inventory Software, Payroll Systems, Project Management Software.
- Ability to travel up to 30% for business (meetings, conferences, site visits).
- Supervisory experience and responsibility for hiring, coaching, and performance management of direct reports.
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The Company
What We Do
Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting ALS on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.
