JOB TITLE:         Director/Senior Director of Business Administration and Scientific Strategy 

DEPARTMENT:  Research      

REPORTS TO:     Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 

FLSA STATUS:    EXEMPT (Full Time)         

 

POSITION SUMMARY: The COPD Foundation (COPDF) is seeking a dynamic Director/Senior Director of Business Administration and Scientific Strategy to lead and oversee our clinical research initiatives. The Director/Senior Director of Business Administration and Scientific Strategy will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by managing and promoting innovative clinical research programs focused on COPD, with a strong emphasis on patient-centered approaches. 

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

The Director/Senior Director of Business Administration and Scientific Strategy reports directly to the COPDF’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The primary role of the Director is to provide oversight of the COPDF/COPD360 Research Portfolio and management of research program management staff, employees, and contractors/consultants. This includes oversight of COPDF research budgets and staff performance. The Director will also be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing large grant submissions that align with the COPDF mission and strategy. The Director will also be responsible for identifying and developing collaborations with sponsors interested in partnering with the COPDF for development of novel therapeutics, medical devices, and other health technologies.  The Director will be responsible for collaborating with internal Corporate Relations staff in working with Industry Partners to develop requests for funding as appropriate. The Director is based remotely. Travel includes an estimated 5 meetings/conferences each year for various associations, board meetings, government agencies, and partner meetings. 

  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

 

Strategic Leadership: 

  • Oversee the execution of the COPDF Research Strategy in alignment with COPDF’s mission and goals. 
  • Lead and inspire a team of research professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.  
  • Collaborate with the CEO and COPDF’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer on the Research Strategy plan as well as plans for sustainable revenue. 

Research Program/Portfolio Management: 

  • Research Programs: Oversee the COPDF/COPD360 Research Portfolio including but not limited to COPD PPRN and sub-studies, studies with Industry Advisory Councils including, but not limited to COPDGene, SPIROMICS, PIVOT, NIH, and PCORI studies, and industry partner studies and projects. Oversee research aspects of ancillary studies for COPD360 programs and ensure defined milestone targets are met/and or assessed for continuation or program closeout. 
  • Staff: Oversee and manage COPDF Research Staff, currently 6-8 employees/consultants.  This includes continual evaluation of COPDF Research Staff workload and making modifications (additional staff or re-alignment) in alignment with changing study and research strategy needs. Responsible for providing guidance and direction to research program management staff, completing annual performance reviews, evaluations, and providing regular ongoing feedback. 
  • Budgets: Oversee and manage COPDF research budgets, including allocation of salary to research budgets, and in collaboration with the COPDF CFO and other relevant staff, adjust budgets as necessary. Work closely with the CFO to ensure invoicing for program funding is completed in an accurate and timely manner by staff. 
  • Research Funding and Grants: Collaborate internally and externally to identify potential sources for funding or grants from corporate partners, government agencies, or private sources that align with the Research organization's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. Lead and manage the grant submission process for all large grant opportunities. Work closely with COPDF’s Chief Corporate Relations Officer to collaborate and align proposals and requests to Industry Partners. 

Data Management and Analysis 

  • Secure and oversee staff executing research analysis, data collection, development of manuscripts and other aspects as necessary to ensure data quality and integrity. 
  • Oversee submissions to research regulatory Boards (IRB). 

Stakeholder and Association Engagement 

  • Collaborate with external partner organizations (e.g. ATS, CHEST, AAFP, ERS) on research and scientific partnerships to advance Research central to the COPDF mission. 
  • Coordinate with research technology vendors on study-specific aspects of research. 
  • Serve as a liaison to industry experts related to research activities, including cultivation and development of grant solicitations specifically related to research assets. 
  • Represent the COPD Foundation in national and international forums related to COPDF’s research. 

BACKGROUND:

    • 3 – 5 years in a management role in a clinical research environment
    • 5+ clinical research experience
    • 3 – 5 years grant writing experience (e.g. NIH, Department of Defense, PCORI)
    • Business Development Experience preferred