Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships - Portland, OR

Department Overview: · The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in t ...

Job description

Department Overview:

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection and treatment of cancer.

Function/Duties of Position:

Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for identifying, securing, negotiating, and managing strategic relationships with external partners (corporate, academic, nonprofit, and other) that enable the Knight Cancer Institute to advance its science. This role will be responsible for accelerating projects towards commercialization. These responsibilities encompass all units and faculty within the Knight Cancer Institute. The Senior Director is expected to understand Knight Cancer Institute research projects to sufficient depth to independently and frequently serve as a proxy for faculty in engaging partners. This role is also responsible for effectively liaising with the OHSU Collaboration & Entrepreneurship team, and the School of Medicine Partnerships office to combine forces for stronger partnerships and coordinate strategic expansion of Knight partnerships to other areas of OHSU or vice-versa.

A key quality needed for success in this position is a level of expertise and leadership that allows the incumbent to gain the confidence of other scientists and an ability to develop strategic relationships and partnerships with key constituents.

Responsibilities of this role include:

• Partner engagement: Identify, connect with, and cultivate strategic partners, with defined expected outcome of interaction—ensure alignment and advance relationships;
• Partnership development & management: C, negotiate, close transactions, and manage strategic relationships with incoming value to the Knight;
• Define and coordinate development of strategic partnership initiatives and associated business models;
• Develop and oversee high-value preferred partnerships that elevate the Knight's international stature;
• Develop collaborative relationships that have sizeable pre-defined revenue and/or royalty provisions;
• Expand existing partnerships to other faculty and outside partners;
• Extensive collaboration with internal teams to guide partnership planning and execution;
• Development of technically complex scopes of work with partners that lead to long-term, multi-year engagement;
• Competitive analysis of platforms, drugs, and technologies that align with Knight programs. Advise, mentor, and drive innovation by working with project teams to identify patentable innovations, go-to-market strategies, and research plans that will lead to commercialize-able products.
• Institutional coordination and alignment with VPR BD office, SoM partnerships, CTO, Tech Transfer, OHSU Foundation, and other relevant OHSU functions;
• Facilitate startup/spinout activity and other related efforts where appropriate;
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of individuals to execute these responsibilities;
• Secure funding from partners for project management and alliance support;
• Expose faculty to mentorship and training opportunities within partner institutions;
• Mentor faculty and provide strategic planning and leadership to ensure success of new Knight initiatives;
• Provide frequent updates to Knight and OHSU leadership.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

Undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry or equivalent AND at least 8 years of relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Significant track record initiating, managing, negotiating and closing a wide variety of transactions in the life sciences/healthcare sector (investments, partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures).
• Proven track record of generating revenue via sponsored research, or other relationships that lead to in-kind, discounts, beta instruments, or that support grantmaking/philanthropy
• Ability to create novel deal structures that fully engage partners and maximize strategic nature of relationship
• Demonstrated understanding of and participation in various commercialization mechanisms and due diligence considerations and related areas (IP, regulatory pathways, market landscape/competitive analysis, etc.)
• Demonstrated involvement in assessment and commercialization of cancer-related biology, treatments, and other advances.
• Ability to initiate and independently negotiate complex contracts and partnership agreements.
• Ability to guide scientific teams in the development of technically complex projects, proposals and pitches
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coordinate and guide strategic partnership discussions towards go/no-go decisions
• Ability to effectively lead a team overseeing numerous projects at different stages, guide and mentor junior staff to manage alliances and form partnerships
• Ability to manage team remotely
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time.
• Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) on Window OS. Ability to accurately type 60wpm
• Must have demonstrated excellent customer service skills both on the phone and in person.
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA, PhD, or equivalent
• At least 10 years of relevant experience

Additional Details:

Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.

We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
• Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
• Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
• 25 days a year of paid time off
• 8 days of sick time off
• 9 paid holidays
• Commuter subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
• Annual merit increase
• Growth/development opportunities
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses

All are welcome: Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at or