The Coalition for the Life Sciences (CLS) seeks to shape and promote policies and practices that foster a cutting-edge, effective, and equitable US life sciences research and training enterprise and to ensure public policy is informed by sound scientific evidence. The CLS is headquartered within the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB).

Position Summary:

The Director of the Coalition for Life Sciences is responsible for coordinating all programs and advocacy activities that serve the mission of the Coalition for Life Sciences (CLS), according to the direction from the Board of Directors and leadership from the CLS member organizations.  The Director is responsible for the consistent achievement of CLS mission and financial objectives. The CLS Director reports to the CEO of the ASCB and the CLS Board of Directors. 

Key Responsibilities:

Legislative Advocacy and Communications:

• Serve as the CLS point of contact for members of Congress, staff, and Administration officials, on issues surrounding NIH and NSF.
• Consult with and provide expert advice to the Board of Directors to determine messages and advocacy goals.
• Manage a grassroots advocacy network within the life science community to help achieve advocacy goals.
• Track legislative initiatives that have a direct effect on NIH/NSF and other federal agencies involved in life science research
• Manage social media, web site, and other direct-to-audience communications.

Board Management and Financial Sustainability:

• Work directly with the CLS chair to ensure the mission and goals of the CLS are met.
• In consultation with the CLS chair, responsible for preparation of agenda, schedule, and support materials for the bi-annual Board of Directors’ meetings, monthly CLS Advisory Board calls, and the Congressional Liaison Committee (CLC) calls.
• Draft yearly CLS budget.
• Ensure the CLS runs within the board-approved budget.
• In consultation with the CLS chair, actively pursue strategic development and financial opportunities including new member organizations.
• Manage fundraising and development including grant writing and reporting to funders who help fund CLS programs.

CLS Programs:

• Work directly with the scientific advisor and the caucus co-chairs to plan a briefing series each year.
• Responsible for scheduling caucus presentations, including determining the availability of selected speakers, overseeing speaker travel logistics, and arranging room reservations on Capitol Hill.
• Serve as moderator at each Caucus.
• Plan and manage the yearly Congressional Life Science Fair with FASEB.
• Responsible for scheduling the Fair, arranging room reservations in Rayburn, and marketing the event.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Responsible for maintaining relationships with existing member societies.
• Attend annual meetings as invited; write articles for members’ newsletters as needed.
• Work with leaders in the NIH community to advance mutual goals and cultivate relationships with key leaders and staff at the NIH.
• Other duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

ASCB is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in public policy, biological sciences or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 8 years experience working with federal science policy.
• Experience on the Hill a MUST
• Experience in budget development and financial management
• Experience with fundraising
• Experience in program management

Knowledge and Skills:

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, with a high degree of patience and tact. Must be able to cultivate respectful, strategic and collaborative relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong operational background, as well as the political savvy to quickly react to critical issues. 
• Well-versed with policy issues related to life science and science funding.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Works well under pressure and on tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates an interest in the mission of the CLS and the ability to communicate the value proposition of CLS to our partners and collaborators.
• Able to work across multiple digital platforms and adaptable to new technology and systems.

Position Requirements:

Minimal travel required, up to 10%

This position is currently remote, reporting to the office once a week. The ASCB Headquarters is located in Rockville, MD, 20852.

About American Society for Cell Biology

Are you looking to join an organization with a mission that supports scientific discovery? For over 60 years, ASCB member scientists have been studying the cell, the fundamental unit of life. We are an exciting, international community of biologists dedicated to advancing scientific discovery.

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