Director, Science and Health Policy

Organizational Profile:
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with more than 58,000 members residing in the U.S. and 141 other countries, is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure all cancers. Our members are the collective brain trust of all scientific areas in cancer research, from population science and prevention; to cancer biology, translational, and clinical studies; to survivorship.

We marshal the full spectrum of expertise in the cancer research community to identify the top scientific priorities and foster the exchange of new knowledge among scientists and physicians in the cancer field as well as in related biomedical sciences; convene conferences and educational workshops each year; publish eight high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals; produce a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers; and work to raise funds for cancer research from the philanthropic community and the public.

The AACR also actively communicates to legislators, other policymakers, and the broader public about the enormous value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer and advocates for legislation and policies that accelerate progress against cancer. The AACR engages directly with federal agencies to advocate for policies that support cancer research and our scientific workforce as well as regulatory policy to facilitate drug development.

Job Summary:
Under the leadership of the AACR Chief Policy Officer, and Vice President, Science Policy and Government Affairs, the Director, Science and Health Policy, will provide specialized expertise and support to AACR leaders, including the Science Policy and Government Affairs Committee, its relevant subcommittees, and the broader advocacy community on science and health policy issues and activities to further the goals of AACR’s policy priorities.

The Director, Science and Health Policy, plays a central role in the success of AACR’s advocacy work and guides AACR science and health policy activities to a productive conclusion. The Director, Science and Health Policy, designs activities and initiatives to foster and strengthen dialogue between policymakers, scientists, and advocates, as well as to support policies that advance cancer research and improve patient care.

The Director, Science and Health Policy, is expected to manage a team of employees, identify relevant science and health policy issues and potential pathways towards solutions, identify opportunities to disseminate this information to a broader audience, and collaborate with many of our external partners in the cancer research advocacy community. The Director, Science and Health Policy, will also work collaboratively with others in the AACR D.C. office, such as the Director, Regulatory Science and Policy, the Director, Government Affairs, and the Director, Strategic Patient Advocacy and Engagement, particularly on the numerous policy-related issues and activities that are cross-cutting.

The Director, Science and Health Policy, takes initiative, has excellent written and oral communication skills, and has experience in project management, committee management, and consensus building. Responsibilities include monitoring, researching, and analyzing science and health policy issues in AACR priority areas; developing policy positions and statements; presenting information to stakeholders; attending and summarizing policy meetings and events; supporting science and health policy-related committees; partnering and collaborating with outside entities; and providing support to the AACR Chief Policy Officer, and Vice President, Science Policy and Government Affairs, on a wide array of tasks and assignments.

• Facilitate AACR’s science and health policy activities by providing direction and advice, conducting needs assessments, designing implementation strategies, and carrying out initiatives to a successful and productive completion.
• Proactively identify science and health policy areas of importance and issues relevant to AACR’s mission and priorities. Conduct policy analysis and policy development in relation to these areas and issues.
• Oversee the Health Policy and Tobacco Products and Cancer subcommittees, providing strategic direction and support to its members. Work with the subcommittee chairs to define goals, coordinate meetings, manage progress, and guide subcommittee meetings to achieve objectives.
• Contribute to key AACR Scientific Reports to inform policy makers and the public about progress against cancer and the challenges facing cancer patients, including the Cancer Progress Report, Pediatric Cancer Progress Report, and Cancer Disparities Progress Report.
• Formulate forward-thinking policy recommendations/policy statements/white papers/one-pagers/letters for policy makers on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies, particularly the NIH, CDC, and FDA, on science and health policy-related topics relevant to AACR’s mission and priorities.
• Closely monitor, rapidly analyze and assess proposed legislation and federal policy as it pertains to priority science and health policy issues that are important to AACR membership. Lead responses to these issues by gathering stakeholder input, responding to “requests for comments” from federal agencies, and drafting other materials.
• Advance science and health policy activities and efforts related to key policy areas, including: federal funding for cancer research and biomedical science, tobacco control and other broader cancer prevention measures, cancer health disparities, pediatric cancer, cancer survivorship, integrated health information technology systems and AI, closer integration of clinical practice and cancer research, the cancer workforce, and the global burden of cancer.
• Prepare issue briefs, Congressional testimonies, and policy articles to help educate and inform members of Congress and their staff, AACR leadership and membership, advocacy organizations, and other groups. Prepare briefing materials and presentations for senior AACR leadership.
• Design effective dissemination and advocacy strategies to ensure AACR materials are shared widely through various venues and means, such as at Congressional briefings and hearings, special meetings on Capitol Hill, and at AACR conferences.
• Design and coordinate innovative sessions for the science and health policy track at the AACR Annual Meeting, as well as host special science and health policy sessions at other selected AACR conferences.
• Work collaboratively with others in the AACR D.C. office, including the Director, Regulatory Science and Policy, the Director, Federal Government Affairs, and the Director, Strategic Patient Advocacy and Engagement, on a wide array of crosscutting activities, projects, and initiatives.
• Establish relationships and collaborate with other AACR staff members who work in program development, communications and public relations, event planning, patient advocacy, and with the AACR journals. Keep abreast of the scientific programs of the AACR and consider policy implications where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with policymakers, federal agency leaders, cancer research institutions, and the policy staff in other relevant organizations and coalitions. Serve as a liaison and coordinate with internal and external partners, including government agencies and research communities.
• Attend and report on relevant scientific and science and health policy meetings and conferences.
• Manage direct reports to achieve AACR’s science and health policy goals.

• Advanced degree in a biomedical science and/or health-related field. PhD in biomedical sciences or health-related field highly preferred.
• Ten (10) years of relevant experience in a science and/or health policy-related environment.
• A working knowledge and keen understanding of cancer research as well as expertise in related science and health policy areas.
• Superior oral and written communication skills to effectively present information to diverse stakeholders. Ability to effectively communicate the progress and future needs of cancer research to various constituencies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• High degree of judgment and insight. Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Self-starter with creativity and initiative.
• Experience in managing committees, projects, programs, and policy development. Proven accomplishments in implementing complex policy projects.
• Extensive knowledge of government policies, regulations, and procedures as well as the political process preferred.
• Ability to analyze complex political and policy issues and develop sound, evidence-based policy recommendations and bring conflicting points of view to consensus.
• Ability to interact, negotiate, and work with VIPs and all levels of management on complex policy matters, including the CEO, Board members, relevant committee members, prominent scientists, Administration and Congressional officials, corporate executives, and members of the media.
• Ability to work independently towards approved goals and objectives, while at the same time being able to predict when such approaches need discussion with AACR officials prior to final action.
• Ability to multi-task and work under rapidly changing deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to effectively manage direct reports.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.