Vice President, Director of Viral Research

TITLE : Vice President, Director of Research

DEPARTMENT : Research Grants

LOCATION : New York

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President, Director of Research to oversee the daily management of amfAR’s research department.

PRIMARY FUNCTION :

The Vice President, Research develops, leads, and manages amfAR’s research grants department, analyzes and develops research priorities for amfAR, implements the research goals, and manages day-to-day operations and activities of the research division.

In close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and the Program Advisory Committee, has ownership of the strategic vision to enhance amfAR’s research program, refines and shapes the plan, and develops a strategy for implementation.

Participates as a member of amfAR’s senior management team, manages the department budget and directs the grants compliance and administration staff.

Serves as the spokesperson for amfAR’s research agenda. Since 1985, amfAR has invested close to $635 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 3,800 research teams worldwide.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Develops a strategic plan to support and promote cutting-edge research and implements the adopted strategic plan

Designs, implements, participates in, tracks and evaluates research projects

Maintains solid working relationships with the Chief Executive Officer and with other members of the senior management team to integrate research endeavors with amfAR’s other program, communications, and fundraising divisions.

Develops a plan to raise the profile and influence of amfAR’s research efforts in collaboration with the CEO, other members of the senior management team, and the Program Advisory Committee.

Maintains and develops relationships with the Trustees, Program Advisory Committee, Scientific Advisory Committee and Senior Scientific Consultant to develop and fine-tune amfAR’s research efforts.

Serves as a highly conversant spokesperson for amfAR’s research efforts, keeping abreast of all the issues in a rapidly-changing environment.

Builds and maintains relationships with other research funding agencies and researchers and is active and visible in all appropriate local, national and international research arenas.

Seeks opportunities to collaborate with researchers or other agencies to expand the reach of amfAR’s research program.

Maintains contact with, makes site visits and provides technical support as necessary, and reports on the progress made by amfAR grantees.

Represents amfAR at various national meetings and with the media.

Establishes and manages the annual budget for the research division.

Develops and manages contracts with outside consultants.

Supervises, trains and evaluates research division Staff; hires additional staff, as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• A doctoral degree in biomedical science, in the area of viral research; Demonstrated leadership experience in a health or public health organization, or alternatively extensive research experience in diseases with viral pathology;
• Knowledge of biomedical science and its funding; Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific issues in lay language;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively outside the laboratory with activists, policy makers and the media; At ease dealing with controversial issues;
• Team-building and collaborative; Well-organized, clear-thinking, strategic and decisive; Flexibility to travel to off-site meetings and work hours in excess of a normal day;

A personal commitment to amfAR’s mission and programs.

Outstanding benefits package that encompasses : medical, dental, life, STD, LTD, vision coverage, commuter, dependent care and medical FSA savings, 403B with a very generous employer match.

Time off includes : vacation, personal, sick days, and Summer Fridays.

Salary range : $150,000 to $200,000.

Interested applicants should forward their resume, cover letter and salary requirement to : [email protected].

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

This position is in the office in NYC 4 days per week. We are currently on a temporary hybrid work schedule. Relocation assistance is not offered.

Prior COVID vaccination plus one booster is required to work at amfAR.

No agencies please.