Project Director, Biomedical Programs

Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement

The Pew Programs in the Biomedical Sciences is part of the Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement Program portfolio, which houses all of Pew’s grantmaking initiatives, including two that support scientific research nationally and internationally—the Pew Biomedical Programs and the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation—and one that supports state-level science policy fellowships. The portfolio’s grantmaking also focuses on supporting thriving communities in Pew’s hometown of Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, our grants support health and human services nonprofits, artists and arts organizations, and public spaces that make the city a better place to live for everyone, and we also perform research and policy work on local issues such as housing, jobs and the economy, poverty, and demographics. Furthermore, the portfolio includes the Evidence Project, which seeks to catalyze collective action among philanthropies, public funding agencies, and a diverse array of leaders in government, academia, and civil society to close the gap between research and outcomes.

Biomedical Programs

The Pew Biomedical Programs consists of four separate grants, each one designed to fund a different aspect of biomedical research. These four programs are The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences (Scholars), the Pew Latin American Fellows in the Biomedical Sciences, the Pew-Stewart Scholars for Cancer Research, and the Pew Innovation Fund. These programs primarily provide funding for early-career (postdoctoral fellows and assistant professor level) scientists across a broad spectrum of biomedical research. The programs encourage risk-taking and aim to fund creative research that would otherwise not be supported. Long-standing programs of the organization, the programs have an alumni network of over 800 top scientists across disciplines throughout the world. Grantees are chosen each year through a competitive nomination process and a rigorous review by the programs’ national scientific advisory committees. Grantees also participate in a yearly annual meeting where they present their work, network, and participate in professional development opportunities.

Position Overview

The Project Director plays a key role managing four grant programs that provide a springboard for medical advances that improve human health. By efficiently administering the Pew Biomedical Scholars Program, the Pew-Stewart Scholars for Cancer Research Program, the Pew Latin American Fellows Program, and the Pew Innovation Fund, the Project Director will lead annual processes, build relationships with donors, and identify opportunities for the programs to grow.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement, this position is based in Philadelphia, PA, and will participate in Pew’s core in-office days and will have flexibility to work from home the remainder of each week.

Responsibilities

• Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the project’s related goals.
• Manage and mentor a team of direct reports who help support the grant programs, including day-to-day leadership and ongoing professional development.
• Oversee all aspects of Pew’s four biomedical research programs, including program budgets.
• Maintain strong relationships with all scientific advisory committee members and maintain broad knowledge of their areas of expertise. Create frequent opportunities for strategic discussion and feedback.
• Manage the review process for all annual grant competitions, including: 1) reviewer recruitment and onboarding, 2) establishing reviewer guidelines for each program; 3) assigning applications for review; and 4) facilitating final selection meetings.
• Develop application materials, including strategic updates to ensure alignment with reviewer needs and program goals.
• Plan the annual meeting with scientists, including guest speaker selection and professional development opportunities.
• Review annual scientific reports from current grantees; identify areas of success and note areas of concern for leadership or programmatic adjustment.
• Collaborate and partner with Pew’s strategy and planning team to develop strategies for the biomedical programs.
• Collaborate with Pew’s partnerships team to develop strong relationships with new and existing donors.
• Collaborate with Pew’s communication team to develop web content highlighting success of Pew grantees.
• Maintain strong relationships with academic institutions including offices of sponsored research.
• Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.

Requirements

• Keen attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Adept at balancing multiple priorities and organizing time independently and efficiently. Uses strategic and creative thinking, adjusts to changing circumstances, and remains attentive to details.
• Previous experience managing staff, projects and/or consultants required. Proven success in overseeing complex projects and achieving measurable results.
• Demonstrated experience meeting deadlines and developing and moving projects forward with a high degree of independence and autonomy.
• Capacity to understand organizational structure and work through administrative systems and processes while emphasizing accuracy and high quality.
• Interpersonal skills that exhibit diplomacy and cultural sensitivity. Skilled at working productively in teams with a wide array of individuals and stakeholder groups.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required; advanced degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
• Generally, ten years of professional experience working with the scientific community, and broad scientific knowledge preferred.
• Experience working with and managing donor relationships preferred.

Travel

Occasional domestic and international travel is required. Required travel for 8 consecutive days for an annual meeting in the spring.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they seek employment without the need for visa sponsorship.

Salary Range

The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew’s commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.

Total Rewards

We offer a competitive salary and benefit program, including: comprehensive, affordable health care through medical, dental, and vision coverage; financial security with life and disability insurance; opportunities to save using health savings and flexible spending accounts; retirement benefits to help prepare for the future; and work/life benefits to maintain a good balance.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Pew considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex (including pregnancy), nation of origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.