A member of the Flinn Foundation Bioscience Team, the Program Manager, Translational Bioscience and Entrepreneurship supports bioscience programs by assisting with the management of projects and program initiatives relating to translational bioscience research, entrepreneurship, and Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, and, where needed, specific programs from the general portfolio of bioscience research programs.
How to Apply
All applications should be submitted via the post for this position on Indeed. Applicants should submit, along with their resume, a cover letter and list of three references.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Collaborates with the Vice President, Bioscience Research Programs, and Executive Vice President to focus and execute the vision for Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap and the Foundation’s programs in bioscience entrepreneurship and translational bioscience research, crafting and implementing strategies to maximize impact.
- Implements strategies for and manages the Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program, including program administration, development of new application cycles and associated application and promotional materials, outreach to applicants and grantees, meeting and interview preparation, and related functions.
- Manages the Seed Grants to Promote Translational Research Program, with a focus on expanding its capacity and infrastructure to align with the Entrepreneurship Program.
- Cultivates diverse applicant and reviewer pools in both programs.
- Continuously surveys and keeps abreast of advancements and best practices in the translational-bioscience research and entrepreneurship arenas, reporting back to the team periodically. Serves as a key team resource in this regard as the Bioscience Team refines and improves current programs to maximize their impact as well as the development of future grant opportunities.
- Actively engages with organizations involved in research and entrepreneurship in Arizona’s bioscience ecosystem, cultivating new relationships for the Foundation and staying abreast of external developments.
- Serves as a resource for statewide bioscience entrepreneurs and translational grantees, providing information, guidance, and referrals. Plans and coordinates activities to bring individuals involved in the Entrepreneurship and Seed Grants programs closer together, including other bioscience-research grantees as appropriate.
- Represents the Foundation at bioscience community events and as a collaborator, organizing bioscience-related events and serving on related boards, with a goal of strengthening the Foundation’s connections in the community and enhancing the Foundation’s impact in alignment with its mission.
- In collaboration with the Executive Vice President, manages activities of Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, including coordination of the Roadmap Steering Committee and project teams.
- Serves as staff liaison to the Roadmap Steering Committee’s Entrepreneurship and Risk Capital project teams.
- Works with the Bioscience Team and external partners to carry out efforts to engage and convene bioscience stakeholders through such activities as project-team meetings, forums, and other convenings. Such duties include, but are not limited to, planning meetings, developing agendas, coordinating presenters, and ensuring that all logistical details are addressed and carried out properly.
- Drafts written materials as needed, including reports, brochure text, agreement letters, meeting summaries, emails, and other communications.
- Updates and improves previously developed documents and processes.
- Works with the Communications team as needed on efforts related to the Entrepreneurship and Seed Grants programs, or other bioscience matters.
- Undertakes other tasks as assigned and contributes to cooperative and collegial shared responsibility for fostering excellence at the Foundation.
- Fosters the mission and values of the Flinn Foundation, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across internal practices, engagement with the community, and philanthropic activities.
- Pursues professional development (continuing education and relevant association membership) in areas of professional relevance responsibility.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of entrepreneurship, new-company development, mechanisms for enhancing innovation-centric communities, and networks.
- Knowledge of processes for translating bioscience and health research into new products/therapies to benefit patients, and tech transfer more broadly.
- Knowledge of and interest in the bioscience industry, healthcare systems, functional bioscience research, and scientific research more broadly.
- Working knowledge of bioscience/health-sciences research, technology transfer, and processes for translating research into new products/therapies to benefit patients.
- Knowledge of how key institutions (e.g., universities, government, community colleges, etc.) work, and ability to forge connections with them.
- Demonstrated ability to connect and build networks among multiple stakeholders from across communities in an effort to support the building of a stronger bioscience ecosystem in Arizona.
- Familiarity with impact of policymaking on the biosciences.
- Ability to survey landscape, stay abreast of emerging trends, and incorporate lessons learned into actions plans and execution.
- Ability to effectively listen, interact, design, and promote ideas, and create connections to further the work of the Bioscience Team.
- Demonstrated credibility and accountability, a positive outlook, and solution-oriented approach.
- Demonstrated “discernment,” i.e., understanding content, context, relevance, importance, priority.
- Demonstrated initiative and follow-through, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Ability to problem-solve and think strategically.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required in science, engineering, entrepreneurship, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
- Five years of relevant experience, preferably in biosciences, demonstrating the ability to perform the job responsibilities.
Physical and Other Requirements
- This position functions in the Flinn Foundation office at least 20% of the time each week.
- Occasional travel during and outside of normal work hours, with occasional overnight stays.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Prolonged periods standing and walking.
- Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Current auto insurance on personal vehicles.
About the Flinn Foundation
Since its creation in 1965, the Flinn Foundation’s primary area of grantmaking has been health care, with a specific focus since 2000 on the biosciences. In concert with that area of emphasis, the Flinn Foundation’s grantmaking and programmatic areas also include arts and culture, the Flinn Scholars, and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.
The Flinn Foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of 10 of Arizona’s foremost leaders in medicine, health research, technology, business, and finance. The Foundation’s professional staff of 21 is led by President and CEO Tammy McLeod, Ph.D.
The Flinn Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. More information is available on our website about the Foundation’s values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Other Details
Location
Central Phoenix. This is a hybrid position, functioning in the Flinn Foundation office at least 20% of the time each week.
Schedule
Typically, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (occasional evenings and Saturdays required).
Salary and Benefits
The Flinn Foundation provides competitive compensation, commensurate with skills and experience. The minimum salary for this position is $75,000.
The Foundation values work-life balance and the retention of its highly valued staff, as reflected in this position’s classification and benefits:
- The Foundation provides paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation. Paid leave is also provided for bereavement and for maternity/paternity/adoption.
- Additional benefits include: medical and dental insurance; life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan; covered parking and electric-vehicle charging.
- Specific provisions of these benefits are uncommonly generous. Details will be provided to applicants who advance in the selection process for the position.