Senior Director, Research

Chicago, IL, United States

Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit 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.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Director, Research will play an important role in the ALS Association’s overall mission to make ALS a livable disease. The ideal candidate 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 activity, including concept development, application solicitation, grant reviews, contract negotiation and scientific oversight of award activity from pre-award through award closeout and evaluation.

In addition, the Senior Director, Research will cultivate the trust and confidence of national staff, territories and other partners to establish effective relationships and communications. Senior Director, Research will be accountable for a current knowledge base of ALS research, including research impacting caregivers and people at risk for developing ALS.

This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Research and will collaborate closely with colleagues in the mission, development, marketing and finance departments. The position will be based in the Arlington, VA 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.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Core duties and responsibilities include the following: Develop, solicit, review, and manage portfolio of ALS research that drives Association scientific and strategic goals. Develop and implement new research 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 collaborative efforts for ALS such as FNIH biomarkers consortium and AMP ALS efforts.

Ensure research programs are transparent, accountable, and scientifically sound.

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, territories and potential donors as needed.

As needed, plan, implement and administer periodic scientific workshops designed to identify scientific issues; encourage scientists to apply for ALS Association grants; and facilitate the formation of collaborations among scientists.

Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises 1-2 employees within the Research department(s).

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems .

QUALIFICATIONS: A graduate (PhD) degree in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, public health, clinical sciences, or a related medical or health profession discipline.

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 organization, but potentially also academic organizations, pharmaceutic industry, or government agencies.

Prior experience as a research funder/portfolio manager is a plus.

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 positionis $118,000 - $129,219 annually. The ALS Association has compensation ranges for various work locations throughout the United States, allowing us to compensate employees competitively and consistently in diverse geographic markets. The above-listed listed range shows prospective compensation for this role; the appropriate range will be established by what is eventually determined to be the candidate's primary work location. Various factors, including the complexity and significance of the role, job duties/requirements, relevant experience and abilities, and primary work location, determine individual compensation. Compensation ranges are evaluated and typically adjusted on a regular basis. Offers are made within the compensation range that is in effect at the time of the job offer.

The Association may, at its discretion, offer merit-based increases tied to individual performance. The benefits listed may differ depending on employment status with the Association. Healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with employer match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, well-being benefits, paid time off and several paid holidays are available to Association employees, among other benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The ALS Association endeavors to make www.als.org accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please email [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The ALS Association highly encourages their employees to be fully vaccinated, as considered per the CDC guidelines, with the COVID-19 vaccination. Requirements to have or obtain a COVID-19 vaccination may be applicable by state, local, and other federal orders or applicable lawful requirements by third-party clinics, vendors, or events attended on ALS Association business. If applicable, proof of vaccination will be required, unless approved for a legally required exemption by The ALS Association.

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