Overview

TITLE:              Vice President, Director of Research

DEPARTMENT: Research Grants

LOCATION:       New York 

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Vice President, Research develops, leads, and manages amfAR’s research grants department, analyzes and develops research priorities for amfAR, implements the research goals, and manages day-to-day operations and activities of the research division. In close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and the Program Advisory Committee, has ownership of the strategic vision to enhance amfAR’s research program, refines and shapes the plan, and develops a strategy for implementation.  Participates as a member of amfAR’s senior management team, manages a budget of approximately $10 million and directs the grants compliance and administration staff. Serves as the spokesperson for amfAR’s research agenda.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops a strategic plan to support and promote cutting-edge research and implements the adopted strategic plan
  • Designs, implements, participates in, tracks and evaluates research projects
  • Maintains solid working relationships with the Chief Executive Officer and with other members of the senior management team to integrate research endeavors with amfAR’s other program, communications, and fundraising divisions.
  • Develops a plan to raise the profile and influence of amfAR’s research efforts in collaboration with the CEO, other members of the senior management team, and the Program Advisory Committee.
  • Maintains and develops relationships with the Trustees, Program Advisory Committee, Scientific Advisory Committee and Senior Scientific Consultant to develop and fine-tune amfAR’s research efforts.
  •  Serves as a highly conversant spokesperson for amfAR’s research efforts, keeping abreast of all the issues in a rapidly-changing environment.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with other AIDS research funding agencies and researchers and is active and visible in all appropriate local, national and international research arenas.
  • Seeks opportunities to collaborate with researchers or other agencies to expand the reach of amfAR’s research program.
  • Maintains contact with, makes site visits and provides technical support as necessary, and reports on the progress made by amfAR grantees.
  •  Represents amfAR at various national meetings and with the media.
  •  Establishes and manages the annual budget for the research division.
  • Develops and manages contracts with outside consultants.
  •  Supervises, trains and evaluates research division Staff; hires additional staff, as necessary.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

A doctoral degree in biomedical science, in the area of HIV or infectious diseases preferred;  and demonstrated success in the policy arena: formulation, analysis, advocacy, and research; Demonstrated leadership experience in a health or public health organization with a focus on HIV/AIDS; Knowledge of biomedical science and its funding; Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific issues in lay language; Demonstrated ability to work effectively outside the laboratory with activists, policy makers and the media; At ease dealing with controversial issues;  Team-building and collaborative; Well-organized, clear-thinking, strategic and decisive; Flexibility to travel to off-site meetings and work hours in excess of a normal day; A personal commitment to amfAR’s mission and programs.