Executive Director, Coalition for the Life Sciences

ASCB•Bethesda, MD

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Coalition for the Life Sciences (CLS) seeks an Executive Director responsible for carrying out all programs and advocacy activities that advance the mission of the CLS. This role operates under the direction of the Board of Advisors and is 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.

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.
Candidates must be located in DC, MD, or VA.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or higher degree a plus.

Responsibilities

Legislative Advocacy and Communications: Ensure the CLS is recognized as a trusted, responsive resource for members of Congress, congressional staff, and Administration officials on NIH, NSF, and other federal agency life-sciences research policy. 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. Ensure the Board of Advisors has clear, expert-informed advocacy priorities and messaging that responds to the federal policy environment and aligns with the CLS mission and member interests. Foster a strong and engaged grass tops network to 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, strengthening the organization’s visibility, policy influence, and member connection.
CLS Programs: Successfully execute Congressional Biomedical Research Briefings, measured by the delivery of relevant programs developed collaboratively with event co-chairs and seamless execution of all logistics. Successfully execute the annual Congressional Life Science Fair, measured by the execution of a well-developed event plan/program, attendance, event marketing, and seamless execution of logistics. Deliver high-quality presentations and seamless execution of all necessary logistics to support all other external events in which CLS engages.
Financial Sustainability: Develop an annual budget aligned to CLS strategy and priorities in partnership with the CLS Board Chair, the ASCB CEO and the ASCB COFO, and ensure subsequent board approval. Provide disciplined financial stewardship of CLS, managing operations and program activity within the Board-approved budget. Strengthen CLS long-term sustainability through the development and execution of a funding strategy that includes attracting new/retaining existing member organizations and acquiring financial support for CLS programs and activities.
Board of Advisors Management: 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 (video and in-person) supported by timely agendas, schedules, and high-quality briefing materials.
Additional Activities: Maintain effective relationships with all member organizations to ensure their continued engagement and financial support for CLS. Cultivate strong relationships with key leaders and staff at NIH and other governmental agencies to advance mutual goals. Enhance CLS visibility by attending select annual meetings and submitting authored articles to newsletters of member organizations. Perform other duties as determined/assigned to support advancing the work of CLS.