Director, Programs

VentureWell

Job Description

Are you experienced in the fields of biotechnology, life sciences, therapeutics, diagnostics, or digital and medical devices? Have you been involved in the commercialization of novel health technologies as an investor, entrepreneur, researcher, mentor, or partner? Are you passionate about expanding impactful, inclusive innovation programs that address critical issues? Do you want to join a dynamic and growing team? If so, VentureWell has an exciting opportunity for you!

We are seeking a Director of Programs to help support our partnership with ARPA-H. VentureWell serves as theConsortium Management Firm for the ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub, a groundbreaking health innovation network. The Investor Catalyst Hub scales health research and venture investment ecosystem capabilities, disrupts traditional care models, creates new delivery pathways, and helps performers bring game-changing solutions to market to solve big problems in health. Specifically, our role in this new collaboration will include (1) helping to grow a network of biotech-related commercialization partners, (2) working with staff and program managers to create, design and implement new projects and ideas and (3) working to successfully execute the projects as designed.

This is a hybrid role that will require working in-person from our Cambridge office at least three days per week. This Director of Programs will report directly to the Vice President of Commercialization.  

Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership:

  • Supervises overarching program strategy, including ensuring alignment between funder objectives, partner capabilities, and organizational capacity and resources
  • Translate high-level proposals, contracts, and awards into tangible and practical work plans, working with departments and staff across the organization
  • Tracks and evaluates project performance; effectively plans for the short and long-term success of program(s), including communication with the internal and external partners related to risks and mitigation strategies and allocation of resources
  • Applies subject matter expertise to execute initiatives, programs, and/or work processes within department; offers technical guidance to colleagues
  • Creates space for ongoing learning in check-ins, team meetings, debriefs and before/mid/after action reviews

Team Management:

  • Builds and maintains a work culture that effectively investigates equity, and is imbued with a sense of inclusion and belonging amongst staff (direct reports, indirect reports, matrix relationships); seeks out opportunities to weave in and center environmental sustainability to team’s work and discussions
  • Participates in the development, execution, and monitoring of VentureWell goals and strategies, and allocate resources within department to deliver on goals and strategies of VentureWell
  • Responsible for departmental knowledge at the organizational level, and communicating information transparently and effectively within the immediate team as well as cross-organizationally
  • Heads up staff through direct management and matrixed relationships to perform at high levels, while embodying a culture reflecting VentureWell’s core values; offers and solicits regular, ongoing formal and informal feedback, provides coaching and development opportunities, and fosters an atmosphere of shared responsibility for success
  • Drives the recruitment, hiring, management and professional development of team, including their work in collaborating with others across the organization
  • Manages staff in work products and deliverables of staff including delegation of work, prioritization, and delivering excellence
  • Ensures that the performance goals of staff are aligned with VentureWell's mission, goals, and strategies

Program Oversight and Delivery:

  • Leads program innovation and oversees the design and delivery of the Program Management Plan and all project-level activities
  • Collaborates with internal and external partners on budget development, oversight of time allocation of staff and tracking spending
  • Sets program delivery up for success by building relationships and developing processes for collaboration across the organization 
  • Supports coordinated development of KPIs across the program and the organization and seeks out resources in line with these goals
  • Oversees staff in the development and execution of programs and projects, including the development of assets and materials for use by performers and ARPA-H staff
  • Supports SPOs and POs in managing regular/ongoing funder communications; supports at a strategic level/as-needed 
  • Contributes to the ongoing development of Investor Catalyst Hub spoke network (in collaboration with direct team and key partners) 

Industry Engagement:

  • Represents VentureWell and the Investor Catalyst Hub externally, including giving presentations, talks, networking at industry events, and providing subject matter expertise in various forums (i.e. conference panels, pitch competitions, etc.) 
  • Develops and cultivates relationships, strategic partnerships, and project opportunities in line with ARPA-H and the Investor Catalyst Hub goals
  • Identifies and manages new opportunities for new projects and stewards internal and external alignment 
  • Oversees project level proposal development, including developing program design and budget, and ensures high-quality reporting (on deliverables and learnings) for management, funders, and stakeholders during all stages of the project development lifecycle.

What You Bring:

  • Minimum of 10 years in developing, overseeing and implementing programs in the field of biotech medtech, diagnostics, digital health, health IT, or related health fields
  • Experience in collaborating with government agency funding staff and/or delivering on federal contracts
  • Experience in working with a variety of key stakeholders, including but not limited to hospitals, healthcare providers, academic institutions, investors, incubators/accelerators 
  • Experience representing an organization in partner leadership meetings online and in person

Across the Board, VentureWell Staff:

  • Are able to succeed and thrive in an environment with competing and changing priorities and tight deadlines
  • Have track records of and ability to build solid collaborative working relationships, and are proven team players who enjoy a “customer service” orientation to collaboration
  • Are committed to embedding equity in our internal practices and culture and in our programs in order to live and achieve our mission
  • Bring openness and engagement to personal, professional, and organization-wide learning on race, class, gender, justice, and equity
  • Are curious and committed to issues of environmental sustainability
  • Are self-starters with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work 
  • Are active learners who independently learn new tools and work processes quickly
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills

Our Benefits:

  • An attractive and equitable compensation package, including: 
    • a salary range of $130,000-$160,000 commensurate with experience and internal equity
    • 403 (b) with 200% match up to a maximum contribution from VentureWell of 10% when the employee puts it 5% (eligible after one year of service for the match)
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
    • $1,000 home office stipend upon hire
  • A true focus on work-life balance with work weeks that reflect that
    • 20 paid vacation days PLUS the week off between Christmas and New Years
    • 12 paid wellness days 

What We Offer:

  • A culture where people work intentionally and collaboratively in pursuit of our mission  
  • Values we believe in
  • A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion