Director, Global Research Operations

Full Time | Remote-First

About Myasthenia Gravis Foundation Of America

Established in 1952, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) is the only nationwide organization solely dedicated to serving people affected by Myasthenia Gravis and related disorders. We serve diverse stakeholders including MG patients and family members, scientists and clinicians, national and community volunteers, donors, sponsors, fundraisers, and industry partners.

About The Opportunity

MGFA is seeking an operationally-minded research professional to join our team as Director, Global Research Operations. This strategic role offers the unique opportunity to build and optimize our research operations while directly connecting cutting-edge scientific initiatives to meaningful patient outcomes. You'll significantly shape the execution of our research portfolio within our mission-driven, patient-centered organization, developing specialized expertise in rare disease research operations that sets you apart in the nonprofit sector.

Reporting to the VP of Global Research, you'll serve as the operational backbone of MGFA's research initiatives while maintaining broad organizational influence across all departments. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, offering the work-life integration that comes with our remote-first, smaller organizational environment without sacrificing meaningful career growth and impact.

What We Look For At MGFA

• Passion for MGFA's mission and patient advocacy - A genuine commitment to improving the lives of those affected by Myasthenia Gravis.
• Collaborative mindset - Ability to work effectively across teams and with diverse stakeholders.
• Execution focus - Driven to achieve results and translate strategy into action.
• Strategic thinking - Capacity to see the big picture while managing important details.
• Ability to operate independently - Comfortable navigating and finding paths forward in complex situations.
• Problem-solving capability - Experience identifying issues and developing innovative solutions.
  
  

What We're Looking For In This Role

Mission Impact Focus

• Drives strategic research operations that directly advance MG treatment and care options.
• Translate complex scientific processes into efficient operational frameworks.
• Ensures research operations align with organizational priorities and patient needs.
• Builds and scales research programs that advance rare disease scientific understanding and therapeutic development.
  
  

Strategic Operations Capabilities

• Cross-functional collaboration and organizational influence.
• Process design and optimization expertise.
• Innovative operational development in specialized healthcare research.
• Systems thinking to connect disparate research ecosystem elements.
  
  

Core Competencies

• Strategic grant/research contract lifecycle management (from inception through final reporting).
• Large-scale international conference and scientific event planning expertise.
• Ability to toggle between hands-on execution and high-level strategy.
• Experience managing complex multi-stakeholder initiatives.
  
  

Your day-to-day

Research Portfolio Management

• Oversee entire research project lifecycle from inception, grant or contracting, through milestone tracking and final reporting.
• Transform statements of work into actionable project frameworks with clear deliverables.
• Monitor progress across multiple concurrent research projects with varying timelines.
• Facilitate communication between academic researchers, clinician scientists, pharmaceutical partners, regulatory scientists, contract research organizations, and MGFA leadership.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, standards and policies governing MGFA funded research
  
  

Strategic Event Orchestration

• International Conference Management: Plan, design, and execute the 700+ attendee, biennial, MGFA International Conference on Myasthenia and Related Disorders in accordance with internal scientific direction, multi-stakeholder advisories, and outsourced event management.
• AANEM MG Scientific Session Management: Plan, design, and execute the 300+ attendee MGFA Scientific Session held in conjunction with the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) annual meeting.
• Think Tank Facilitation: Help design, implement, and manage intimate, specialized and action-oriented scientific sessions that generate innovative MG research directions.
• Manage subject matter expert review activities, ensuring efficient and thorough fit-for-purpose processes following rigorous scientific standards that meet real-world regulatory and research ecosystem needs.
• Create multi-sector networking opportunities that foster collaborative research partnerships.
  
  

Research Operations Excellence

• Implement and refine scientific merit and research and development processes that maintain scientific the highest standards of scientific rigor.
• Support the operations of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council in its strategic oversight role.
• Facilitate partnership development across multiple sectors to achieve MGFA research and development goals.
  
  

Process Optimization & Quality Assurance

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for research operation workflows.
• Establish operational metrics and KPIs in partnership with the VP of Research.
• Partner with the Marketing & Communications team on research-related materials and messaging.
• Provide regular performance reporting and analytics to leadership.
• Maintain meticulous documentation that supports accountability and knowledge sharing.
  
  

Specialized Research Operations

• Develop expertise in rare disease research funding and operations.
• Build relationships within the specialized rare disease and neuromuscular research communities.
• Navigate complex regulatory and compliance requirements specific to MG research.
• Connect directly with MG stakeholders to understand research priorities.
  
  

What You Bring

Must-Haves

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (master’s degree in project management or life Sciences preferred).
• 5-7+ years of demonstrated experience in research operations, project management, event planning, or related pharmaceutical/biotech roles.
• Proven success in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with measurable outcomes.
• Experience with research management and federal and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong project management or scientific event planning and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with project management tools and database management systems.
  
  

Should-Haves

• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare research environments.
• Background in scientific conference or event planning and management.
• Understanding of research review procedures and scientific evaluation criteria.
• Experience working with advisory boards or expert panels.
• Knowledge of disease research landscape and funding mechanisms.
• Familiarity with international research funding standards and regulatory frameworks.
  
  

Nice-to-Haves

• Advanced degree in life sciences, public health, or related field.
• Advanced degree in project management
• Background in rare or neuromuscular disease research.
• Experience with international research collaborations.
• Project management certification (PMP) or equivalent.
• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors or scientific advisory committees.
  
  

Success Indicators

• Research grant, contract, or partnership efficiency: reduction in time from conception to project initiation.
• Milestone achievement: percentage of funded projects meeting planned deliverables on schedule.
• Event impact: attendee satisfaction and networking outcomes from managed conferences.
• Process improvement: documented enhancements to research operations workflows.
• Partnership development: number and quality of new collaborative relationships facilitated.
• Research quality: maintenance of rigorous review standards while improving operational efficiency.
  
  

Cultural Attributes

• Research-centric philosophy - Connecting scientific excellence with patient impact.
• Strategic vision with tactical execution - Balance of big picture thinking and detail management.
• Mission-driven problem solving - Inspiring teams through connection to patient advocacy.
• Collaborative influence - Building relationships and driving results across the research ecosystem.
• Growth mindset - Comfortable optimizing processes and building new operational frameworks.
• Commitment to work-life integration - Thriving in our remote-first, flexible environment.
  
  

What We Offer

At MGFA, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a compensation package. The final offer will consider a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, skill sets, relevant experience, and training.

The salary range is $100,000 - $120,000 per year plus competitive benefits.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Remote-first work environment with flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Direct connection to meaningful patient advocacy work
• Opportunity to develop specialized expertise in rare disease philanthropy
• Collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture
• Work-life integration in a supportive, smaller organizational environment
  
  

Professional Growth Opportunities

• Operational leadership development through process optimization
• Cross-functional collaboration and organizational influence
• Specialized expertise development in rare disease research operations
• Innovative program building experience in scientific operations
• Direct access to senior leadership and scientific advisory board engagement
• Networking opportunities within the global rare disease research community
  
  

Selection Process

• Initial Screen [30 min]
• Capabilities & Skills [45 min]
• Project & Presentation [if necessary]
• Cross-functional Leadership [45 min]
• Culture & Values [30 min]
• Offer
  
  

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include employment and criminal history. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

MGFA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Don't meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At MGFA, we're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace with a tangible sense of belonging for all our people.

While we encourage people to use AI systems during their role to help them work faster and more effectively, please do not use AI assistants during the application and interviewing process. We want to understand your personal interest in MGFA without mediation through an AI system, and we also want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills.