Vice President, Preclinical Research

Remote

Full Time

Executive

The Vice President of Preclinical Research is a pivotal leadership role within the organization, tasked with executing the scientific strategic plan, overseeing program evaluation and research impact, and managing the granting program. This position strategically balances the preclinical research portfolio, ensuring an optimal mix of discovery and translational research. The VP will drive the execution of a research portfolio that builds a pipeline of therapeutic candidates for commercialization consideration. This position reports to the Chief Scientific Officer.

Primary Responsibilities: The following are representative of the responsibilities associated with this position and are not meant to be an all-inclusive list:

Science Strategic Plan:

Lead the implementation and monitoring of the science strategic plan.
Ensure alignment of research activities with the organization’s overall strategic goals. Implementing new or revising existing preclinical programs envisioned in the science strategic plan.
Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of the most current science pertaining to retinal disease research.
Proposes updates to the science strategic plan for discussion with the Science team and approved by the CSO
Foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.

Program Evaluation and Research Impact:

Develop and implement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of research programs.
Provide regular reports on program performance and outcomes to senior leadership.
Identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in research methodologies.

Granting Program:

Engage with the Science community to solicit proposals from scientists whose research endeavors represent new opportunities to find treatments and cures
Manage the granting process, including reviewer selection, application review, selection, and funding allocation.
Foster relationships with grant recipients and monitor the scientific and financial progress of funded projects.
Assists in the coordination of Scientific meetings and workshops. Attend meetings to manage and ensure smooth operation

Development and Communications:

Work in conjunction with Science Communications to provide ongoing support to the Development department by answering questions regarding specific grants, providing written “lay reports” of specific grants and presenting specific grants and/or general FFB research to prospective donors
In conjunction with Science Communications, prepares material for use by the Marketing and Communications department, including, but not limited to, the Science portion of the FFB web page and lay descriptions for events and media
When appropriate, acts as a foundation spokesperson

Strategic Leadership

Provide visionary leadership to the Foundation's preclinical science teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence aligned with our organizational values.
Develop and manage an annual budget in alignment with the scientific plan and the Foundation’s long-term goals.
Monitor and evaluate team and programs performance, delivering regular updates and insights to the CSO, CEO, and Board of Directors as required
Collaborate across internal teams (e.g., Marketing, Finance, Development) to ensure seamless alignment of resources and goals

Essential Qualifications:

Master’s or Ph.D. in relevant science discipline with post-degree experience preferably in vision research and in a field relevant to the current grant programs
Minimum of 10 years of experience in preclinical research, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Applied ability to make decisions on cutting edge therapies and treatments that include genetic medicines, drug delivery systems, cellular biologics and pharmaceuticals
Proven track record of developing and executing strategic research plans
Strong understanding of program evaluation and impact assessment methodologies
Experience in managing grant programs and funding processes.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal) on scientific and other matters with professionals and laypersons
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
Strong working knowledge of relational databases
Excellent interpersonal and management skills as well as strong verbal and written communication skills
Organized, detail oriented, and able to effectively prioritizing workload
A team player with an ability to work independently Must have excellent attendance and be accountable for quality of work
Some travel is required

Position Specifics:

Full-time, 40 hours/week, Exempt
Home-based position with some travel as required
Choice of HP or MAC laptop, with monitor, printer, $120.00 monthly home-office stipend provided
Budgeted Starting Salary Range: $200k-230k/year

The range is what we reasonably expect as a starting salary for this position. The final offer considers a wide range of factors including but not limited to: geographic markets, depth of skill sets and experience, and internal equity.

Annual Bonus Eligible up to 10% of annual salary
Reporting to: Chief Scientific Officer
Direct reports: yes

Required Application Materials:

cover letter
current resume

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