Executive Director, Coalition for the Life Sciences

American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)•North Bethesda, MD

8d•$140,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Coalition for the Life Sciences (CLS) seeks an Executive Director who is responsible for carrying out all programs and advocacy activities that advance the mission of the CLS under direction from the Board of Advisors and consistent with the needs and support of CLS member organizations. The Executive Director is responsible for the consistent achievement of CLS mission and financial objectives. The CLS Executive Director reports to the CEO of the CLS Board of Advisors and the ASCB CEO. The Coalition for the Life Sciences (CLS) seeks to shape and promote policies and practices that foster a cutting-edge, effective, and equitable US life sciences research and training enterprise and to ensure public policy is informed by sound scientific evidence. The CLS is headquartered within the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, biological sciences or related field or equivalent experience.
8+ years of experience working with/in the federal science policy landscape.
Proven experience on Capitol Hill, with established relationships and a strong network of contacts among congressional offices, committees, and other relevant federal policymakers.
Strong program development/management and fundraising expertise.
Established track record in budget development and financial/resource management.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, with a high degree of patience and tact.
Ability to cultivate respectful, strategic, collaborative and influential relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Political savvy to quickly react to critical issues.
Well-versed on policy issues related to life science and science funding.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work well under pressure and on tight deadlines.
Demonstrates an interest in the mission of the CLS and the ability to communicate the value proposition of CLS to our partners and collaborators.
Able to work across multiple digital platforms and adaptable to new technology and systems.
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time is required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or higher degree.

Responsibilities

Carry out all programs and advocacy activities that advance the mission of the CLS.
Ensure consistent achievement of CLS mission and financial objectives.
Identify and respond early to federal legislative and policy developments affecting NIH, NSF, and other federal agencies that fund, regulate, or enable life-sciences research.
Develop clear, expert-informed advocacy priorities and messaging.
Mobilize the life-sciences community to support CLS advocacy objectives through timely, coordinated outreach to policymakers.
Ensure CLS digital and direct communications consistently inform, engage, and activate target audiences.
Develop and deliver relevant Congressional Biomedical Research Briefings.
Execute a well-developed plan/program for the annual Congressional Life Science Fair.
Deliver high-quality presentations and seamless execution of logistics for all external events.
Develop an annual budget aligned to CLS strategy and priorities in partnership with the CLS Board Chair, the ASCB CEO and the ASCB COFO.
Manage operations and program activity within the Board-approved budget.
Develop and execute a funding strategy that includes attracting new/retaining existing member organizations and acquiring financial support for CLS programs and activities.
Advance CLS's mission, strategic direction, and priority initiatives through effective partnership with the CLS Chair and Board of Advisors.
Ensure the Board of Advisors and the Congressional Liaison Committee have well-planned, productive, and decision-ready meetings.
Maintain effective relationships with all member organizations.
Cultivate strong relationships with key leaders and staff at NIH and other governmental agencies.
Enhance CLS visibility by attending select annual meetings and submitting authored articles.
Perform other duties as determined/assigned to support advancing the work of CLS.