Program Officer, Medical Science

at  The Crosby Company

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs on a national scale. We have a deep history of funding non-profits from across arts and culture, education, conservation, medical science, health, and economic opportunity, for over 50 years.
Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, having grown and evolved in recent years. As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of significant and strategic philanthropic investments. Our values of excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, and a deep sense of humility guide our grantmaking which is executed quietly, and most grants carry external anonymity.
The Foundations’ Medical Science program is currently focused on neuroscience and neurodegenerative research. Specifically, the program seeks to identify bottlenecks, knowledge gaps, and unmet funding needs in neurodegenerative disease research. We continually monitor the research and funding landscape to identify opportunities where philanthropy can uniquely address critical barriers to research advancement. We aim to identify and pilot systems-level solutions and innovative approaches to improve the effectiveness of the scientific ecosystem. Current strategies include incentivizing global collaboration and lowering barriers to open data and sample sharing. There is potential to broaden the focus to other areas of biomedical research in the future.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

It is critically important that the Program Officer, Medical Science, be a highly collaborative and collegial team player who listens and communicates well.

To be considered, candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

• PhD or MD in life sciences or related fields strongly preferred, or other relevant advanced degree with equivalent work experience, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience (excluding work towards PhD or MD)
• Experience in neuroscience, science grantmaking, or grantmaking in related fields is preferred
• Comprehensive understanding of biomedical research including cell and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, systems biology, and neuroscience across diverse disease areas, and the ability to develop and continually refresh deep expertise in new research areas and approaches
• In-depth knowledge of strengths and limitations of the scientific research ecosystem and various research funding models
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt and learn in diverse and dynamic scientific environments
• Proven track record of embracing challenges and opportunities to improve outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to analyze and translate complex and voluminous information into clear, concise summaries and recommendations
• Analytical skills and experience, especially in conducting due diligence for non-profit organizations and biomedical research projects
• Ability to multi-task and work flexibly and creatively within a fast-moving, changing, and complex environment
• Sound judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality
• Ability to move work forward independently and think big-picture while collaborating with the team and apply a keen eye to detail; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting and executing priorities and guiding investments in projects and systems

This position will be based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule with a weekly requirement to work in-person with colleagues; successful candidates will need to undergo a comprehensive background check.

• Identify and cultivate potential funding opportunities aligned with the Foundations’ Medical Science strategy by initiating and managing relationships with potential grantees and conducting other prospecting and cultivation activities
• Support the Medical Science learning agenda by analyzing the outcomes of funded projects, tracking shifts in the research and funding landscapes, attending conferences, and consulting with a wide range of stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, government and private funders, industry, and disease organizations
• Partner with Medical Science team members to advance promising proposals and organizations by conducting due diligence through scientific review, meetings/site visits, financial analysis, and other activities
• Prepare detailed grant recommendations for senior management and Trustee approval
• Evaluate grant effectiveness against stated objectives and overall portfolio effectiveness
• Input relevant and timely information into grants management system and maintain adherence to grant administrative processes
• Synthesize complex information and draft clear and concise internal summaries, documents, and analyses for regular updates to Foundation management and leadership teams, and to support Trustee engagement
• Participate in the Foundations’ research agenda and strategy development in collaboration with the Strategy & Impact team
• Provide medical science and health expertise in support of other program areas and projects, as required
• Follow literature and media to stay abreast of sector trends, key advances, and challenges in research and medical fields of interest, as well as best practices in science grantmaking
• Regularly travel to attend relevant conferences and meet with thought leaders and leading organizations to develop professional-community relationships, broaden knowledge, and fulfil the above responsibilitie