Associate Director, Finance and Business Development

Chief Mission Officer Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Location: Washington, DC or New York, NY – hybrid, required to be on-site at least 3 days per week. Position type: Full‑time, exempt About the Role MRA seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial and purpose‑driven Chief Mission Officer to shape the future of melanoma research, patient impact and healthcare innovation. The role will serve as a senior strategic leader at the intersection of science, industry partnerships, philanthropy, patient engagement and mission growth. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Mission Growth Serve as senior advisor to the CEO and partner with the Chief Science Officer on scientific strategy, partnership development and emerging opportunities across oncology, healthcare innovation and mission expansion. Help shape and execute MRA’s long‑term strategic vision as a global leader in melanoma research and patient impact. Identify and develop mission‑aligned growth opportunities through strategic alliances, research collaborations, educational initiatives, philanthropy and industry engagement. Support the evolution of MRA as a cross‑sector convener and catalyst advancing innovation across the melanoma ecosystem. Strategic Partnerships & External Affairs Lead the development of partnerships with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, AI‑health, digital health, life sciences and research organizations. Structure and negotiate co‑funding collaborations, sponsored scientific initiatives, public‑private partnerships and translational research programs. Cultivate senior‑level relationships with industry executives, scientific leaders, government agencies, academic institutions and philanthropic stakeholders. Represent MRA externally at major scientific conferences, industry forums, media engagements and strategic convenings. Scientific & Patient Impact Collaborate with the Chief Science Officer and scientific leadership team to advance MRA’s research priorities and translational initiatives. Act as the lead “patient navigator” to strengthen MRA’s role in patient engagement, clinical trial awareness and educational outreach. Identify opportunities to accelerate innovation in precision medicine, AI‑enabled healthcare, early detection and next‑generation therapeutic development. Provide strategic insight into emerging scientific trends, therapeutic landscapes and partnership opportunities across oncology and related fields. What You Bring: Experience and Leadership Profile PhD, MD or equivalent advanced scientific/medical degree in oncology, immunology, translational medicine or related field. 10+ years of leadership experience in oncology research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, healthcare innovation or related sectors. Proven success building strategic partnerships and navigating complex cross‑sector collaborations. Strong understanding of oncology research, therapeutic development, clinical trials and translational science. Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across academia, healthcare, government, industry and philanthropy. Exceptional communication, relationship‑building and executive presence. Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and advance innovative opportunities aligned with the organizational mission and growth. Passion for accelerating scientific progress and improving outcomes for patients and families impacted by cancer. Track record of marshaling resources to advance mission‑driven scientific activities. Ability to interact and influence diverse disciplines at senior levels, including physicians, scientists, business executives, pharmaceutical leaders, government officials and philanthropists. Publications and recognition as a key opinion leader in the therapeutic area. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral); results‑oriented project management, facilitation and consultative skills required. Melanoma experience preferred but not required. Compensation & Benefits The salary range for this position is $225,000–$275,000, commensurate with experience. The role is eligible for performance‑related bonus opportunities. Benefits include: Hybrid work environment Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer match Generous paid time off and paid holidays Paid parental and family leave Life and disability insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Professional development support, conferences, scientific forums and leadership learning opportunities Fine Print The position is based in Washington, DC (preferred) or New York, NY and requires employees to be on‑site at least three days per week; fully remote work is not an option. Candidates must currently reside in the DC or NY metro area or be willing to relocate before their start date; MRA will provide a relocation package for the right candidate. Significant travel is required for partnership meetings, MRA events, site visits and medical conferences. Successful candidates will be subject to an authorized background check. Only candidates eligible to work in the United States are considered; the organization is not sponsoring visas at this time. What It’s Like to Work at MRA Our team works alongside leading researchers, physicians, industry executives, philanthropists and patient advocates to accelerate breakthroughs that save lives. We value innovation, strategic thinking, collaboration and a shared commitment to making meaningful impact for patients. Equal Opportunity Statement MRA upholds an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all applicants, employees, consultants and third‑party workers. #J-18808-Ljbffr Melanoma Research Alliance