Managing Director, SPARC

MILKEN INSTITUTE•Washington, DC

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Managing Director (MD) is a senior leadership role in the Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy (MISP) pillar responsible for setting and driving strategy and partnerships across the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC). This role combines strategic leadership, partnership development, financial management, and cross-organizational integration to ensure programmatic excellence, financial sustainability, and alignment with Institute-wide priorities. The MD serves as a recognized leader internally and externally, advancing thought leadership, cultivating partnerships, and enabling teams to deliver high-impact work. This role is primarily focused on strategy, partnership development, resource management, and organizational leadership, while supporting and empowering the SPARC team to execute partnerships and projects directly. The MD will report to the Executive Vice President (EVP) of MISP.

Requirements

Ph.D. in a field of biomedical science with 15+ years of relevant full-time work experience in the fields of philanthropy advisory, science and health innovation, environmental and/or social innovation.
Recognized leader in philanthropy, science and health innovation.
Proven success in cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and other organizations.
Proven success with development and leadership of community programming and events that foster meaningful connections and participation.
Experience with funding mechanisms and nonprofit structures.
Experienced and compelling writer with experience communicating scientific concepts for both technical and lay audiences.
High intellectual capacity with a curiosity for learning new areas of science, technology, and related fields.
Experience in navigating scientific literature, scientific conferences, and other biomedical research resources.
Personal attitude that includes being outgoing, entrepreneurial, action-oriented, flexible, with a willingness to adapt to changing situations and having a good sense of humor.
Proven senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, public sector, or mission-driven organization, ideally within a matrixed structure.
Demonstrated success in setting and executing strategy at a portfolio or organizational level.
Strong financial acumen, including budget management and resource allocation.
Track record of building partnerships and leading business development efforts.
Recognized expertise or thought leadership within biomedical research, health, and science funding, with prioritized specific experience in science philanthropy.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to operate effectively in complex, fast-paced, and collaborative environments.
Demonstrated commitment to mentorship and developing talent and leadership within matrixed teams.
Eligible to work in the United States.
Must submit resume and cover letter.

Responsibilities

Define and lead the strategic direction for SPARC, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
Drive cohesion across initiatives within SPARC, MISP, and the Institute, inclusive of projects, events, and programming, philanthropic communities of practice, and emerging opportunities, ensuring clarity of vision, coordination, and measurable progress against pillar and Institute goals.
Monitor performance and outcomes, using data to inform strategic adjustments and continuous improvement.
Operate effectively within a matrixed structure, fostering strong collaboration across teams and functions.
Ensure integration of SPARC efforts with broader pillar and organizational strategies and shared services by working closely with pillar functional leads.
Act as a connector and facilitator to de-silo efforts and drive coordinated strategy and execution.
Lead and partner with the EVP on strategic positioning to raise visibility and awareness of the SPARC portfolios’ unique value proposition within the biomedical ecosystem and broader field of philanthropy.
Serve as a visible and credible thought leader in the field, representing the organization externally in key forums, convenings, and collaborations.
Elevate SPARC, MISP, and MI’s voice and influence while creating and leveraging opportunities for others to contribute and lead.
Identify and pursue strategic growth opportunities, including partnerships, funding, and new initiatives.
Build and oversee strategic relationships with partners, funders, and key stakeholders to ensure alignment, value creation, and long-term impact.
Hold responsibility for SPARC budgeting and financial stewardship, ensuring financial viability and long-term sustainability.
Allocate and optimize resources (people, funding, projects, and partnerships) to maximize impact, efficiency, and personnel development.
Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and risk management across SPARC.
Lead, mentor, and empower senior staff and teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, ambition, and accountability.
Create and cultivate pathways for team members to develop their own leadership, voice, and external presence.
Provide guidance and counsel to project teams, stepping in as a resource when needed without owning day-to-day execution.
Support the growth of leadership across the SPARC portfolios through ongoing development conversations and biannual reviews.
Serve as a senior representative of the Institute and SPARC on priority projects.
Represent SPARC and MISP in Milken Institute programming and events.
Support partnership development, field engagement, and thought leadership efforts as relevant.
Perform duties as assigned.