Head of Programme Management

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Full-time Regular Professional Santa Barbara, CA, US

With extensive experience in pharmaceutical distribution, a network of over 1,600 clinics and health centers, and robust compliance and audit systems, Direct Relief serves as a key access point for healthcare providers seeking donated medications from pharmaceutical manufacturers.

This position is responsible for driving program strategy, strengthening operational systems, and ensuring clinics, health centers, and charitable pharmacies have sustainable access to donated medications and medical supplies, while maintaining rigorous compliance, accountability, and audit standards.

Strong communication skills are essential to effectively engage internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare partners, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and Direct Relief leadership.

The ReplenishRx Program is an innovative approach to delivering in a manner similar to Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) in the United States. It centralizes access to PAP medications through a single-entry model and shifts from a per-patient, per-drug structure to a bulk distribution model that enables clinics and pharmacies to serve eligible low-income, uninsured patients more efficiently.

Essential Duties and FunctionsPartnership Management & External Engagement

Serve as a primary point of contact for pharmaceutical manufacturers, fostering strong, long-term partnerships

Collaborate with Corporate Engagement to support donor outreach and program growth

Conduct site visits and support implementation of donation agreements and compliance requirements

Proactively assess program performance, partner feedback, and operational challenges to implement data-informed improvements

Monitor industry trends, PAP evolution, and policy changes to inform program strategy and innovation

Partner with IT to enhance system functionality, reporting capabilities, and data visibility

Manage program budgets, proposals, and spending

Establish and track performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness

Support day-to-day operations in coordination with program staff, ensuring alignment between strategy and execution

Program Operations & Compliance

Strengthening policies and controls to prevent drug diversion, misuse, and non-compliance

Collaborate closely with Partner Success, Pharmacy, and Legal & Regulatory Affairs to ensure audit readiness and adherence across all partners

Demonstrated expertise in Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) and pharmaceutical access programs

Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Experience working with healthcare providers, nonprofits, or pharmaceutical stakeholders preferred

J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Relief International