Program Manager, Bioscience Research

The office of the Flinn Foundation, in central Phoenix

A member of the Flinn Foundation Bioscience Team, the Program Manager, Bioscience Research supports bioscience research programs by assisting with the management of projects and grants, identification and development of new grantmaking opportunities, development of evaluation tools to measure grant outcomes and impact, and engagement with new audiences. Undertakes program-related research projects as needed, helping to deepen the Bioscience Team’s understanding of emerging trends in the sector.

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, to focus and execute the vision for the Foundation’s bioscience-research grant programs, crafting and implementing strategies to maximize impact.
  • Manages current bioscience-research programs and assists in the development of new programs.
  • Engages with consultants and stakeholders, drafts requests for proposals, and manages application processes, both pre- and post-award.
  • Develops new evaluation tools and strategies to measure and report program impact, enabling the Foundation to evaluate more accurately the impact of its investments.
  • Collaborates with other Bioscience Team members in preparing grant proposals and reports for the Board of Directors.
  • Continuously surveys and keeps abreast of advancements and best practices in the bioscience-research arena, including the research capacity of the state’s healthcare and academic research institutions.
  • Identifies and develops ideas for potential future grant opportunities.
  • Assists in strengthening relationships with grantees and their organizations, including forging new relationships within these and other relevant institutions, with the goal of developing new grant opportunities.
  • Proactively represents the Foundation at scientific meetings, research conferences, and bioscience community events; reports back to Bioscience Team and full staff when appropriate on findings and lessons learned.
  • Serves as a collaborator, organizing bioscience-related events and serving on related boards/committees, with a goal of strengthening the Foundation’s connections in the community and enhancing the Foundation’s impact in alignment with its mission.
  • 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 as a member of a team that plans and conducts regular meetings of the Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee and special events.
  • Contributes to the activities of the Roadmap project teams as assigned.
  • 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

  • Working knowledge of and interest in functional bioscience and scientific research.
  • Knowledge of the bioscience industry, healthcare systems, and/or bioscience-related workforce development.
  • Knowledge of the academic research environment and processes.
  • Knowledge of a breadth of relevant federal, state, and private funding mechanisms.
  • Knowledge of how key institutions (e.g., universities, government, community colleges, etc.) work and ability to forge connections with them.
  • Demonstrated initiative and follow-through, accuracy, and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated credibility and accountability, a positive outlook, and solution-oriented approach.
  • Demonstrated “discernment,” i.e. understanding content, context, relevance, importance, priority.
  • Ability to effectively listen, interact, design and promote ideas, and create connections to further the work of the Bioscience Team.
  • Ability to perform research and develop white papers and other resources.
  • Ability to build a strong network of collaborators across institutions.
  • Ability to problem-solve and think strategically.
  • Ability to gather and analyze information and data and pose relevant questions.
  • Ability to use online resources and connect with others in gathering relevant information to complete research.
  • Ability to take decisive action and ownership in leading and/or managing projects while taking direction from leadership.
  • Ability to break down projects into actionable steps and manage those processes.
  • Ability to manage time, prioritize, and understand when to request assistance in managing projects and processes.
  • Ability to participate, engage, and use appropriate tools to proactively track, manage, and document actions required, follow-up assignments, and needs.
  • Skill in grants management, i.e., knowledge of standard grant processes, preapproval steps, grants programs, and associated tasks.
  • Skill in written and verbal communication.
  • Skill in use and understanding of bioscience terminology.
  • Ability to navigate socially within the community and network as a representative of the Flinn Foundation, and develop and sustain professional networks.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of discretion with confidential information.
  • Professional manner and demonstrated ability to work successfully with staff and diverse constituencies.
  • Skill in efficient meeting utilization and scheduling.
  • Skill in planning and staging formal meetings and events.
  • Demonstrated technical skills, including use of Microsoft 365 applications, social media, and other software tools (e.g., email marketing, website CMS, event marketing, customer relationship management, project management, remote participation, cloud storage), or capacity to learn and demonstrate proficiency. General experience with and understanding of database software and internet technology.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree required in science, engineering, 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 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.