Gates Foundation · 6 hours ago
Deputy Director, Research and Development (Drugs & Drug-Device Combinations)
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$322K/yr - $499K/yr
10+ years expGates Foundation is the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. The Deputy Director, Research and Development will lead the clinical development team focused on advancing contraceptive technology and STI drug strategies, requiring strategic thinking, leadership, and expertise in product development for drugs and drug-device combinations.
CharityEducationImpact InvestingNon Profit
Responsibilities
Lead overall drug/device development within WHI, including strategy development, operational execution aligned with strategy, and accountability for outcomes and impact measures. Emphasis will be on end-to-end drug and drug–device product development rigor and decision-making
Lead and manage the drug/device development team, and the execution of a growing and complex portfolio of investments focused on contraceptive technologies, STI therapeutics, and emerging areas of therapeutic development work in heavy menstrual bleeding. Make strategic, data driven decisions, and be comfortable in settings where incomplete information is available
Manage direct reports and provide matrix leadership to partners within the foundation. Provide oversight for WHI funded activities that are implemented by matrix partners within the foundation including Discovery Drugs, Integrated (Drug) Development (IDEV), Regulatory, regional country offices, and aspects of new product launch planning. Ensure alignment with industry-standard product development, CMC, and phase-gate practices
Design new strategies, collaborations, and implementation plans to ensure impact and sustainability, with a view towards nearer term and longer-term outcomes
Manage and implement a program that aligns with foundation strategy and is operationally integrated within the WHI program strategy team (PST) and other foundation programs
Own decision making for all grant approvals within delegation of authority (DOA) and critical review and recommendation of grants that require Director and above DOA
Responsible for reviewing concept notes and grant proposals and collaborating with colleagues to provide clear, concise, and insightful written analyses and recommendations for funding for pre-clinical and clinical development for contraception portfolio. Consult with grantees and other partners to maximize impact of projects by ensuring grants align with and drive toward meeting strategy goals for contraception portfolio and potential synergies across WHI’s broader portfolio
Represent the foundation with key program-related external constituencies, as appropriate, on committees related to area of expertise and responsibilities of the position including being a spokesperson at public facing events and management of key high profile partner relationships
Responsible for the hiring and managing the talent needed to achieve the team’s and foundation’s goals
Actively contribute to the WHI Leadership team, including WHI wide strategy, with a collective focus on WHI’s goals and objectives. Contribute and collaborate across the WHI team to achieve PST wide goals. Contribute to WHI team culture and initiatives
Foster enabling conditions for talent to thrive and be accountable for inclusive team culture
Model and coach equitable decision-making, inclusive behaviors, and actions; address escalated issues in a timely fashion
Qualification
Required
Advanced degree required MD and/or PhD, in a relevant life science; experience in women's health drug or drug/device development is a preferred Significant leadership experience, at least 10 years, in research and development of drugs, medical devices or drug device combination products in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, academic and/or medical research environments
Proven ability to manage effectively across a complex matrix organization with multiple stakeholders and constituents with ability and gravitas to align teamwork towards singular goal
Experience in most phases of product development within the pharma / biotech industry and familiarity with regulatory requirements
Proven ability in strategic pharma/biotech portfolio development and management, including tradeoffs and decision making in settings of ambiguity
Strong knowledge of biopharmaceutical industry and end to end drug/device development, manufacturing, and launch, including discovery, development, commercial launch
Analytical skills required to interpret clinical and preclinical data
Problem solves using data driven methods and innovative approaches
Portfolio management (in pharma/ biotech context) and associated tools
Risk assessment and management including mitigation and contingency plans
Strong oral and written communication skills, experience presenting information to senior leaders
Strong ability to build and manage high profile external relationships
Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally
Preferred
Experience in leading teams in early and late phase clinical development, or medical affairs or regulatory with significant interactions with clinical development in a women's health indication (with a preference for contraception)
Experience in LMICs
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums
Generous paid time off
Paid family leave
Foundation-paid retirement contribution
Regional holidays
Opportunities to engage in several employee communities
Company
Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Gates Foundation has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (12)
2024 (13)
2023 (16)
2022 (12)
2021 (19)
2020 (11)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Mark Suzman
Chief Executive Officer
Allan Golston
President, United States Program
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