Executive Director, Coalition for the Life Sciences

Job Description

Job Description

Candidates must be located in DC, MD, or VA

The Coalition for the Life Sciences (CLS) seeks an Executive Director who is responsible for carrying out all programs and advocacy activities that advance the mission of the CLS under direction from the Board of Advisors and consistent with the needs and support of CLS member organizations. The Executive Director is responsible for the consistent achievement of CLS mission and financial objectives. The CLS Executive Director reports to the CEO of the CLS Board of Advisors and the ASCB CEO.

Expected Outcomes
Legislative Advocacy and Communications

• The CLS is recognized as a trusted, responsive resource for members of Congress, congressional staff, and Administration officials on NIH, NSF, and other federal agency life-sciences research policy.
• The CLS identifies and responds early to federal legislative and policy developments affecting NIH, NSF, and other federal agencies that fund, regulate, or enable life-sciences research.
• The Board of Advisors has clear, expert-informed advocacy priorities and messaging that responds to the federal policy environment and aligns with the CLS mission and member interests.
• A strong and engaged grass tops network mobilizes the life-sciences community to support CLS advocacy objectives through timely, coordinated outreach to policymakers.
• The CLS digital and direct communications consistently inform, engage, and activate target audiences, strengthening the organization’s visibility, policy influence, and member connection.

CLS Programs

• Successful Congressional Biomedical Research Briefings measured by the delivery of relevant programs developed collaboratively with event co-chairs and seamless execution of all logistics.
• A successful annual Congressional Life Science Fair measured by the execution of a well-developed event plan/program, attendance, event marketing, and seamless execution of logistics.
• Delivery of high-quality presentations and seamless execution of all necessary logistics to support all other external events in which CLS engages.

Financial Sustainability

• A budget aligned to CLS strategy and priorities is developed annually in partnership with the CLS Board Chair, the ASCB CEO and the ASCB COFO, and subsequently board approved.
• Disciplined financial stewardship of CLS, managing operations and program activity within the Board-approved budget.
• CLS strengthens its long-term sustainability through the development and execution of a funding strategy that includes attracting new/retaining existing member organizations and acquiring financial support for CLS programs and activities.

Board of Advisors Management

• CLS’s mission, strategic direction, and priority initiatives are advanced through effective partnership with the CLS Chair and Board of Advisors.
• The Board of Advisors and the Congressional Liaison Committee have well-planned, productive, and decision-ready meetings (video and in-person) supported by timely agendas, schedules, and high-quality briefing materials.

Additional Activities

• Effective relationships are maintained with all member organizations to ensure their continued engagement and financial support for CLS
• Strong relationships are cultivated with key leaders and staff at NIH and other governmental agencies to advance mutual goals.
• CLS visibility is enhanced by attendance at select annual meeting and through the submission of authored articles to newsletters of member organizations.
• Other duties as determined/assigned to support advancing the work of CLS.

Candidate Background
Education and Experience

• • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, biological sciences or related field or equivalent experience;
• Master’s or higher a plus.
• • 8+ years of experience working with/in the federal science policy landscape.
• • Proven experience on Capitol Hill, with established relationships and a strong network of contacts
• among congressional offices, committees, and other relevant federal policymakers.
• • Strong program development/management and fundraising expertise
• • Established track record in budget development and financial/resource management

Knowledge and Skills

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, with a high degree of patience and tact. Must be able to cultivate respectful, strategic, collaborative and influential relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Political savvy to quickly react to critical issues.
• Well-versed on policy issues related to life science and science funding.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Works well under pressure and on tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates an interest in the mission of the CLS and the ability to communicate the value proposition of CLS to our partners and collaborators.
• Able to work across multiple digital platforms and adaptable to new technology and systems.

Position Requirements

• This position is primarily remote, but a physical presence in the ASCB Headquarters office in Rockville, MD is required a minimum of once every two weeks.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time is required.

Benefits include Medical, Dental and Vision coverage, Life and Disability Benefits, Vacation, Sick Leave, 403(b) with employer contribution,

The Coalition for the Life Sciences (CLS) seeks to shape and promote policies and practices that foster a cutting-edge, effective, and equitable US life sciences research and training enterprise and to ensure public policy is informed by sound scientific evidence. The CLS is headquartered within the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB).

ASCB is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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