Director, Business Development | Life Sciences

Director, Business Development | Life Sciences

Seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Director, Business Development | Life Sciences to support and expand the organization's commercial growth strategy across the clinical research ecosystem. This individual will play a critical role in developing and strengthening partnerships with Sponsors, CROs, Biotech, and Pharmaceutical organizations while driving new clinical trial opportunities throughout the Firm's Research network.

The Director will identify, prioritize, engage, and cultivate strategic relationships with Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to expand study opportunities and enhance long-term business partnerships. This role collaborates closely with internal teams including Feasibility, Study Start-Up, Operations, and Site Leadership to ensure seamless communication, operational alignment, and successful execution of business development initiatives.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, professional, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented clinical research environment. This individual must possess strong communication, presentation, and relationship management skills with the ability to manage multiple sponsor and CRO interactions simultaneously.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare, Life Sciences, or related field preferred.
• 35+ years of experience within clinical research, healthcare, or the pharmaceutical industry, preferably on the site side of the business.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in clinical research, healthcare sales, or business development preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of drug development, clinical operations, and the clinical research process.
• Knowledge of Sponsors, CROs, study start-up activities, and site operations strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of proposal development and relationship management within the clinical research industry.
• Strong understanding of clinical research terminology, pharmaceutical industry standards, and best practices.
• Proven ability to develop strategic communication plans and maintain professional sponsor/CRO engagement cadence.
• Demonstrated business acumen with experience supporting strategic growth initiatives, partnership development, contract negotiations, and expansion planning.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint), CRM platforms, and business analytics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently while contributing within a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative, and high-growth organization.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% as business needs require.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• Existing relationships within Sponsor, CRO, Pharmaceutical, or Biotechnology organizations.
• Experience supporting site network growth and clinical trial expansion initiatives.
• Understanding of feasibility processes, site selection, and study startup workflows.
• Experience presenting capabilities and negotiating business opportunities within the clinical research industry.

This position may be based in the Raleigh | Durham, NC area; however, serious consideration will be given to remote candidates with the appropriate industry experience.