Research Advocacy Manager, Susan G. Komen- Remote
The Scientific Strategy and Programs (SSP) team works at the intersection of science and patient advocacy, translating scientific strategy and patient insights into programs that will accelerate research discoveries to save lives. The SSP team works with Komen’s scientific advisors, patient advocates and other internal and external stakeholders to 1) advance strategies for Komen’s investment in innovative and impactful research and scientific programs; 2) develop and implement programs and initiatives in priority areas, including clinical trials, metastatic and aggressive breast cancers, breast cancer disparities, and big data; and 3) position Komen as a thought leader in breast cancer research.
The Research Advocacy Manager leads the development and execution of Komen’s research advocacy engagements with external stakeholders, providing subject matter expertise and working closely with breast cancer advocates to ensure the patient perspective is understood and integrated into partners’ research and development programs and enhance the patient-centric culture within the organization.
What You Will Bring to the Table
- Lead the development and implementation of Komen’s research advocacy engagement strategy and related tactics to enhance the way Komen interacts with external stakeholders, including industry partners, to ensure the breast cancer patient perspective is strongly represented and integrated in their research programs.
- Serve as a subject matter expert to provide guidance and thought leadership re: patient engagement in research, internally as well as to partners, donors and other external stakeholders. Contribute new ideas and approaches to help build best practices and develop policies and procedures for efficient and effective patient engagement in research.
- Build and maintain knowledge of breast cancer patients’ experiences, needs, and perspectives on critical issues related to breast health and breast cancer care, as well as knowledge of how industry and regulatory agencies are defining “patient engagement” to ensure maximum impact of Komen’s research advocacy initiatives
- Actively monitor new developments and thought leader insights in the field of research advocacy and incorporate such developments, ideas, and strategies into the development and execution of Komen’s research advocacy programs.
- Stay informed of research advocacy programs and activities led by other non-profit organizations, coalitions and partners. Help identify potential opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, position statements and/or policy development relevant breast cancer research advocacy.
- Cultivate relationships and drive patient-centered collaborations with external stakeholders, including industry partners, to incorporate the breast cancer patient perspective in their work, especially around Komen priority areas including clinical trials, metastatic and aggressive breast cancers, breast cancer disparities and big data, and promote research advocacy activities.
- Establish and manage patient advisory boards and focus groups, and facilitate other patient engagements, including communication with participants and planning/coordination of meetings, surveys, and other activities to obtain patient insights that will inform the strategy, design, conduct and reporting of research and clinical trials.
- Manage consulting agreements, contracts and budgets related to assigned partnerships and research advocacy engagements.
- Track and report on key research advocacy accomplishments.
- Work closely with Program Manager, Research Advocacy to build strong relationships with Komen’s Advocates In Science (AIS) and other patients/advocates, proactively identify gaps in advocates’ knowledge and skills, and contribute to the development of training programs and resources to empower advocates to bring the patient voice to research.
- Enhance Komen’s patient-centric culture by helping ensure the needs, concerns, and opinions of breast cancer patients are strongly represented throughout the organization.
- Work collaboratively with other teams to define and deliver on specific programmatic needs including program monitoring and evaluation, coordinating ongoing communications internally and externally and supporting revenue generation activities, as needed.
- Apply strong program management and administrative skills to develop project plans and timelines; monitor and manage project budgets, contracts, and/or grants; ensure complete and accurate records; and compliance.
- Participate in internal and external events as appropriate to support Komen’s research advocacy initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
We Already Know You Will Also Have
- Demonstrated experience (5+ years) working with volunteers, patients or patient advocates.
- Demonstrated experience (5+ years) in non-profit program management.
- A passion for advocacy and a strong understanding of breast cancer patients’ experiences, the needs of individuals living with breast cancer, and patients’ and care providers’ perspectives on pressing issues related to breast health and breast cancer care.
- Working knowledge of clinical trials and the research and drug development process.
- Sensitivity and compassion in working with patients and advocates who are facing life-threatening illness and potential loss of loved ones.
- Excellent interpersonal and communications (writing and speaking) skills. Active listening skills and proactive communicator. Ability to build trust and relationships with individuals and community partners. Ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and straightforward manner, particularly for general audiences.
- Self-starter willing and able to take responsibility and ownership for producing timely and high-quality work with limited supervision. Ability to deconstruct complex problems and develop actionable plans.
- A team-oriented attitude, strong cross-functional collaboration skills and proven ability to work collaboratively and establish positive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders to advance and drive tactics in a matrixed organization and multi-stakeholder environment.
- Strong organizational and project management skills; detail oriented. Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- High degree of professionalism, maturity, integrity, executive presence, business understanding, cultural awareness, and sensitivity to relationships, security, and confidentiality.
- Work Experience: 5 – 7 years
- Master’s Degree: Life Sciences, Health Education, Health Communication, Social Work, Social Science, Public Health or related field
Preferred experience includes:
- Demonstrated experience (>3 years) with a health-related or disease-focused nonprofit organization serving a patient community.
- Demonstrated experience (>3 years) supporting patient/research advocacy, health research and/or other scientific projects management.
- Direct experience (>3 years) as a research advocate or demonstrated experience engaging advocates in research, with an understanding of best practices used in research advocacy engagement.
- Knowledge of breast cancer, current literature and advances in breast cancer research, with an understanding of the biomedical/pharmaceutical industry and agencies/regulatory bodies that regulate drug development and/or health care.
- Intermediate level of computer/technical skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite required. Proficiency with collaboration tools such as Asana preferred.
- Proficiency in another language, particularly Spanish, a plus
- Travel requirements required outside of your home office will be 25% or more depending on our business needs.
So what’s in it for you?
Komen believes in the importance of taking care of our employees so that in turn they can be committed to supporting our critical mission to support those impacted by breast cancer and to help find cures. That is what Komen provides away from the computer:
- Competitive salary $55K – $75K, exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.
- Health, dental, vision and a retirement plan with a 6% employer match
- Generous Paid Time Off Plan
- Flexible work arrangement in a fully remote working environment
- Bi-weekly work from home stipend
- Parental leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- A culture of learning and development
- And so much more!