Sr. Director, Life Sciences

*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.

*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific 

job duties and consistent with ESD policy.

*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Senior Director provides strategic and tactical support to the Life Science Initiative, collaborating closely with the Senior Vice President (SVP) and other senior team members in overseeing the Governor’s $620 million Life Science Initiative. This role involves designing and implementing new programs, managing key projects, and preparing reports, presentations, and other materials for internal and external stakeholders. 

WORK PERFORMED:

• Proactively manage projects, anticipate challenges, and develop strategies to address them. 
• Facilitate and oversee life science projects through ESD’s approval process, including securing ESD Board of Directors approval. 
• Prepare materials to inform and engage key decision-makers and ensure all necessary approvals are obtained. 
• Create briefing materials for senior ESD officials, state representatives, and external audiences. 
• Draft sensitive correspondence and speeches for the SVP. 
• Develop and publish the annual legislatively mandated report on the Life Science initiative, incorporating supporting data and metrics. 
• Generate and oversee solicitations for funding proposals, evaluate applications, and manage grants and contracts effectively. 
• Collaborate with project managers and grant recipients to ensure milestones, deliverables, and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) are achieved. 
• Act as a liaison with various ESD departments (e.g., Loans & Grants, Legal, Procurement) to execute grants and contracts. 
• Partner with the press office, web team, and colleagues to publicize events and programs. 
• Serve as a primary contact for inquiries from the Governor’s Office and other stakeholders. 
• Build relationships with external life science community members and maintain active communication. 
• Monitor life science industry trends to inform new programs and partnerships. 
• Enhance awareness of state-sponsored life science initiatives. 
• Respond to ad hoc requests from stakeholders and manage special projects as needed. 
• Perform project review, analysis and evaluation. 
• Prepare various administrative documents, including the following: project origination documents; reports; presentations; budget materials; memoranda; and other documents as needed. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education Level Required:  Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, business, or a relevant field. Associate’s degree with 7 years, direct relevant experience may substitute. 

Relevant Experience required:  A minimum of five (5) years of experience in grant making and management, economic development, policy research, program implementation, public administration, or business administration. 

Knowledge Required: Familiarity with the life sciences industry is required. 

ALTERNATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES: A minimum of 5 years of satisfactory service in another (relevant) position with Empire State Development. Up to 2 years of accredited post-secondary education, or service in the U.S. military may be substituted for service at ESD.