The Senior Director, Autoimmune and Inflammatory Arthritis (Senior Director) reports to the Vice President, Science, in the Science Department of the Arthritis Foundation. This position serves as the point person for execution of the scientific agenda of the Foundation as it relates to Autoimmune and Inflammatory Arthritis, including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Juvenile Arthritis (JA) and related indications. 

This includes 1) full-lifecycle grants management for a portfolio of grants related to autoimmune and inflammatory arthritis, 2) managing scientific experts working with the Arthritis Foundation in a volunteer capacity on different committees and advisory boards, 3) representing the Arthritis Foundation publicly in interactions with the medical and research communities and developing collaborations that support both scientific and organizational goals and 4) striving to represent the patient perspective by drawing on the insights of the Arthritis Foundation’s established relationships and stakeholder communities. In all discussions across various stakeholders from the scientific and medical community, public and private sector, the Senior Director will work to establish productive relationships and to build consensus on how best to advance the Arthritis Foundation’s scientific agenda. The efforts of the Senior Director support the overarching goal of achieving health outcome improvement for people living with arthritis by enabling advances in basic, translational, clinical and regulatory science related to autoimmune and inflammatory arthritis. 

Within the Foundation, the Senior Director develops and maintains relationships within the Science Department to support the overall scientific strategy. The Senior Director also maintains close contact with other internal departments, including Advocacy, Patient Education, Marketing and Communications and Fundraising, to provide updated and accurate information on science initiatives, and to partner on cross-departmental projects where needed. 

1. Lead and direct the Arthritis Foundation RA and JA grant programs. 
   1. Work with external advisory committees and key partners to provide strategic planning, development and evaluation of research programs.
   2. Manage the grant making process, including RFA development and promotion, interactions with applicants, oversight of peer review, contract negotiations, management of the scientific awardee portfolio, and communication of progress and results. 
   3. Manage external partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, such as CARRA, FNIH and ACR in the relevant disease areas. 
   4. These responsibilities are likely to expand to include research programs focused on other autoimmune and inflammatory forms of arthritis as the Science department grows. 
2. Lead the development of assigned conferences, consortiums, working groups, invited speaker engagements and other events to enhance the visibility and prominence of the Arthritis Foundation in the arthritis scientific community.
3. Support the VP, Science in planning and budgeting for assigned research programs.
   1. Refine and help execute the five-year strategic plan for assigned research areas.
   2. Support the development and administration of the department budget relevant to assigned grant programs (demonstrate thoughtful stewardship of Foundation resources and assets).
   3. Support the development and execution of multi-year strategies for arthritis research and anticipated investments of time and resources.
   4. Develop and integrate risk management plans to identify potential risks to program performance, timeliness, and quality of results
4. Communicate and collaborate with key stakeholders inside the Arthritis Foundation.
   1. Prepare and deliver presentations and reports for the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MSAC), and other scientific committees and workgroups as needed. 
   2. Initiate and maintain frequent, congenial, collaborative and diplomatic working relationships with senior management, department heads and National Office staff at all levels, including with other members of the Science Department.
   3. Leverage clinical, scientific, and business insights to inform and advise the development and implementation of cross-cutting strategies for consumer information, development and fundraising, advocacy and access, and marketing and communications departments.
   4. Develop and deliver lay language scientific and clinical presentations and webinars for major donors and other groups relating to scientific and clinical advances in the fight to conquer arthritis.
5. Communicate and collaborate with key stakeholders outside the Arthritis Foundation.
   1. Position the Arthritis Foundation as a conceptual and programmatic leader in scientific research around the relevant disease areas. 
   2. Establish strong relationships and credibility for the Arthritis Foundation in the arthritis research community by cultivating productive relationships with appropriate professional organizations, industry partners, and government agencies involved in arthritis scientific research. Develop contacts to meet strategic objectives, including potential partners or sponsors and establish strong relationships with other private and governmental organizations with similar goals and interests.
   3. Serve as a leading voice nationally for arthritis scientific research, development, and translation in alignment with the Arthritis Foundation’s mission, including developing, leading, and/or participating in academic, government and industry activities such as workgroups, advisory boards and committees.
6. Other duties as assigned by the Foundation’s VP, Science.
7. May supervise staff in the future. 

1. A PhD, MD or equivalent is required. 
2. Significant research experience in immunology is preferred. Greater than 6 years of research experience, which can include doctoral and postdoctoral training, is required. While immunology is most suitable, other specializations including biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, pharmaceutical development or other clinical / translational research may be considered. 
3. Experience in a non-profit grant-making organization is strongly preferred, though sufficient professional experience in other healthcare or science related institutions may substitute.
4. Demonstrated leadership and project management skills coupled with strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Experience communicating scientific and clinical research concepts to professional and lay audiences.
6. Highly developed diplomatic skills and a strong sense of collaboration with the ability to build consensus. Proven track record of fostering collaborative partnerships with various audiences, preferably including patient volunteers.
7. Solid understanding of infrastructure, institutions, and processes supporting basic, translational, clinical and regulatory science and medicine. 
8. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with prior oversight of budgets and management of contracts strongly preferred.