Associate Director, Science and Research Policy

Are you interested in making a world of difference in cancer care?

Cancer strikes more than 10 million people worldwide each year. As the leading medical society representing doctors who care for people with cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is committed to conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality care.

Who we are:
ASCO is a flexible, high-performance membership organization where employees collaborate to support our mission through evidence, care, and impact. Together with Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, we foster a culture that prioritizes customer-centricity, emphasizes teamwork, and commits to quality. Our culture, ASCO Works – Our Way of Working, has long enabled workplace flexibility and embraced technology to help us achieve balance.

ASCO offers competitive salaries, an excellent benefits package, and opportunities to participate in professional development programs. To learn what it’s like to work at ASCO, click here.

Who we are looking for:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Science and Research Policy, to lead efforts at the intersection of science, health, and federal policy. This role serves as a trusted advisor to ASCO leadership, committees, and staff—monitoring and shaping regulatory actions from key agencies such as NIH, NCI, FDA, CDC, and ARPA-H.

The successful candidate will help guide ASCO’s advocacy strategy, strengthen relationships with federal partners, and ensure the Society’s policy priorities advance cancer research and care in alignment with its Strategic Plan.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment, dedicated to advancing care policy and care – we want to hear from you!

This position is hybrid with a primary location in Alexandria, VA.

Responsibilities

Function as a content and subject matter expert regarding policies and regulatory actions that impact clinical research and cancer care delivery, e.g., drug- and biomarker approval, trial design, diagnostics, and drug shortages.

Monitor, analyze, and project impact of proposed regulations or other administrative actions; and provide input on proposed legislation and its impact on cancer care and research, as appropriate.

Lead ASCO’s formal response to regulatory issues, including drafting of comments. Support development of ASCO advocacy materials, testimony, and other materials as appropriate.

Identify and pursue opportunities to build and maintain relationships with Agency staff and relevant external stakeholders to work collaboratively and raise ASCO’s visibility on positions related to cancer research and care.

Prepare succinct and substantive written and oral regulatory updates for membership communications and serve as a resource for ASCO members on regulatory issues. Present updates as appropriate to ASCO committees, state societies, and other organizations as appropriate.

Provide strategic leadership to the Government Relations Committee and other ASCO committees and task forces on regulatory affairs, including impact on political positioning and advocacy strategies. Represent ASCO priorities and perspectives in external coalitions, on task forces, with federal agencies, and on Capitol Hill, when needed.

Participate and contribute to strategic planning, including identifying emerging policy areas needed for ASCO action.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, health- or science-related discipline, or equivalent years of experience

7+ years’ experience with the regulatory and/or legislative process, preferably as Agency or Congressional staff, consultant, or in a related capacity, with a focus on healthcare issues

Experience in regulatory and legislative affairs and a strong knowledge of leading scientific research agencies at the federal level (e.g., NIH/NCI, FDA, CDC, ARPA-H, and related subagencies and organizations)

Preferred Education and Experience

Advanced degree preferable, especially in health-research or science-related field

Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory issues impacting the cancer research enterprise, including but not limited to clinical trials, drug development, and funding

Previous experience working for a cancer non-profit or association or member organization

Competencies

Demonstrated knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting cancer research, including use of common federal tracking systems and web resources

Outstanding communication skills, including written and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of internal organization and external stakeholders

The ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team environment while also being self-directed

Excellent organization and project management skills with high attention to detail

Strong leadership and influencing abilities; politically astute

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships internally and externally with agency leaders and their staff

Demonstrated integrity and evidence-based, informed decision making

Ability to analyze policy, regulatory, and guidance changes and to communicate their separate and combined impact to ASCO members and leadership

Outstanding time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritize workload, and multi-task

ADA/Physical Requirements

Extended periods seated or standing at a desk

High use of computers and other office technology equipment

Travel

9-12 days per year

Generous Benefits Package:

Hybrid Work Environment

Open Leave Policy

Paid Family Leave

13 Paid Holidays per Calendar Year

Staff Appreciation Days

401(k): 7.5% Employer Contribution

Medical/Dental/Vision

Employee Assistance Program

Fertility and Family Forming

Healthcare Concierge

Flexible Spending Account(s)

Healthcare Savings Account

Disability and Life Insurance

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or religion.

Apply here