American Association for Cancer Research · 3 months ago
Director, Science and Health Policy
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expThe American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the largest organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. The Director, Science and Health Policy, will provide expertise and support on science and health policy issues to further AACR’s policy priorities, including advocacy for federal funding and improving patient care through innovative policy measures.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalService Industry
Responsibilities
Leading and participating in innovative initiatives that advocate for federal funding for cancer research and biomedical science, such as through the annual AACR Cancer Progress Report, as well as one-pagers and letters to Capitol Hill
Advancing science and health policy measures that will accelerate discoveries into cures through a variety of innovative initiatives, including enhancing biomarker discovery, supporting innovative translational and clinical research proposals, increasing the number of patients participating in clinical trials, and facilitating clinical data sharing among multiple stakeholders while balancing patient privacy, etc
Advocating for and implementing tobacco control measures and other broader cancer prevention and public health-related issues to advance public health, such as improved cancer screening and early detection and using evidence-based measures to ameliorate cancer health disparities
Advocating for and implementing innovative policy changes that improve the care that cancer survivors receive from diagnosis onward
Working in collaboration with others in the AACR D.C. office to ensure the rapid implementation of research discoveries to improved patient care through a learning health care system and integrated health information technology systems
Working on broader policy issues such as nurturing a strong cancer workforce for the future, and decreasing the global burden of cancer
Formulating forward-thinking policy recommendations/policy statements/white papers for policy makers on Capitol Hill and within federal agencies, most specifically in regard to the NIH and FDA on particularly important science and health policy-related topics, such as e-cigarettes, the “common rule” for human subject protection regulations, the precision medicine initiative, cancer health disparities, among other possible topics
Responding to “requests for comments” from federal agencies, most especially NIH, FDA, and CDC, on science and health policy issues that are important to the AACR membership
Ensuring that the innovative AACR advocacy materials that are developed are shared and disseminated widely through various venues and means, such as at Congressional briefings and hearings, special meetings on Capitol Hill, and at AACR conferences, are effective
Facilitating an innovative science and health policy track at the AACR Annual Meeting, as well as hosting special science and health policy sessions at other selected AACR conferences. Working collaboratively with the broader cancer research and medical science community on many of the science and health policy-related issues that are of a high priority for the AACR
Provide direction and support for AACR’s science and health policy activities and priorities in terms of providing advice, establishing needs assessment, outlining strategies for implementation, and carrying them out to successful completion
Be proactive in identifying science and health policy areas of importance and conduct policy analysis and development in relation to these issues
Support committee and task force activities, including coordinating meetings and providing background materials and draft reports
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, particularly on the numerous policy issues that are crosscutting and currently being addressed by many of them
Monitor, analyze, and assess legislation as it pertains to priority science and health policy issues
Prepare issue briefs and Congressional testimonies and contribute policy articles for AACR’s monthly policy newsletter and the annual AACR Cancer Progress Report to help inform AACR members, cancer organizations, targeted individuals, and other groups
Help shape special sessions and briefings to educate Members of Congress and their staff about important pending legislation and issues affecting cancer research
Keep abreast of the scientific programs of the AACR and consider policy implications where appropriate
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with the policy staff in other relevant organizations and coalitions
Establish relationships and collaborate with other AACR staff members who work in program development, communications and public relations, patient advocacy support, such as on the scientist-survivor program, and with the AACR Journal Cancer Discovery
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
Qualification
Required
Advanced degree in a science and/or health-related field required
Ten (10) years of relevant experience in a science and/or health policy-related environment
An expertise and a working knowledge and keen understanding of cancer research and biomedical related science, as well as an expert understanding of various areas of science and health policy
Proven accomplishments in implementing complex policy projects
Superb written and oral communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
High degree of judgment and insight
A self-starter with creativity and initiative
Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Knowledge of government policies and procedures and the political process
Strong strategic thinker and someone who has shown an ability to carry through to completion an initiative and/or project
A demonstrated ability to analyze complex political and policy issues, build evidence-based arguments for policy proposals to AACR approval bodies, 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 make rational decisions about achievable recommendations based on consideration of all facts and alternatives
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 developing deadlines and priorities
Ability to effectively communicate the progress and future needs of cancer research to various constituencies
Ability to effectively manage direct reports
PC, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs
Company
American Association for Cancer Research
AACR is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$0.15MKey Investors
Amazon Web Services
2025-12-02Grant· $0.15M
Leadership Team
Mitchell Stoller
Chief Philanthropic Officer and VP of Development
Recent News
2025-12-04
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2025-11-07
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