Vice President, Research Strategy

National Kidney Foundation•New York, NY

9h•$149,800 - $262,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President of Research Strategy is a leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s enterprise-wide research and insights strategy. This leader will ensure scientific rigor across all research activities, integrate data and analytics into decision-making, and translate evidence into actionable insights that drive programmatic impact, policy influence, and organizational growth. The VP of Research Strategy will report directly to the Chief Scientific Officer and will lead a diverse NKF internal research portfolio, including implementation science, outcomes research, qualitative and quantitative studies, market research, and program evaluation, while also advancing the organization’s extramural research grant program.

Requirements

PhD, DrPH, ScD, or equivalent advanced degree in public health, health services research, implementation science, outcomes research, or a related field
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in research, analytics, or insights roles, preferably within healthcare, nonprofit, academic, or policy environments
Deep expertise in implementation science, health services research, outcomes research, or real-world evidence generation
Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional research initiatives and translating insights into strategy and impact
Experience building and managing external partnerships and securing research funding
Strong track record of publications, thought leadership, and/or national recognition in relevant fields
Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills
Must have unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness while possessing a high degree of tact, discretion and professionalism.
Maintain effectiveness under pressure.
Competent in the use of standard office equipment, including telephone, personal computer, fax machine, and photocopier.

Nice To Haves

Experience overseeing research funding mechanisms, grant review processes, or scientific advisory committees preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive, organization-wide research strategy aligned with NKF’s mission, strategic priorities, and revenue goals
Oversee and integrate a diverse research portfolio, including: Implementation science and health services research, Market research and stakeholder insights, Program evaluation and outcomes measurement, Signature initiatives (e.g., KidneyCARE Study, CKD Prognosis Consortium, CKD-EPI-CT, Transplants for All)
Oversee NKF’s research grant portfolio and related funding programs, including strategic priority setting, application and peer review processes, award management, outcomes tracking, and dissemination of funded research findings
Elevate NKF’s national profile as a leader in evidence generation, implementation science, and patient-centered research
Ensure alignment of NKF-funded research initiatives with organizational strategic priorities, emerging scientific opportunities, and areas of unmet need in kidney health
Lead the development of a Kidney Intelligence Hub, integrating data science, research operations, and analytics into a cohesive ecosystem
Partner with internal teams to leverage data (clinical, programmatic, payer, and external datasets) to generate actionable insights on kidney care
Establish frameworks for data governance, interoperability, and scalable analytics to support organizational decision-making
Serve as a strategic partner across departments (Scientific Operations, Population Health, Marketing, Development, Policy, and Programs)
Embed research and insights into program design, education, advocacy, and partnership strategies
Support service departments in aligning insights and evaluation with fundraising and programmatic goals
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to raise funds and expand research opportunities and strengthen NKF’s role as a convener and catalyst for innovative kidney research
Build and lead strategic partnerships with academic institutions, health systems, payers, industry, and government agencies
Identify and secure funding opportunities (grants, contracts, sponsored research, major gifts) to support research initiatives
Represent NKF as a trusted partner and leader in kidney-related research and data-driven innovation
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing research team, including the Senior Director, Data Analytics and the Senior Director, Patient Outcomes Research
Oversee research operations, including study design, IRB processes, data management, and compliance
Ensure adherence to the highest standards of scientific integrity, ethics, and regulatory requirements