Business Management Lead

About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

Core to our philosophy is how we think of our capital and its risk profile relative to other stakeholders in the drug development pipeline. We work aggressively to de-risk various therapeutic strategies and tools in the hopes of building a robust pipeline of new treatments for patients. In order to achieve our mission of finding a cure for PD it is critical that we engage with, and bring together, members of the PD community including researchers, physicians, health professionals and most important, people with Parkinson's and their families.

We believe that to find a cure for PD as quickly as possible, our capital needs to push research forward today—we therefore deliberately hold no endowment or excessive reserves. We instead seek to deploy funds raised as quickly and wisely as possible. MJFF raises over $100 million annually. Today, the Foundation has approximately 250 full-time employees. We offer a collegial and collaborative environment where optimistic problem-solvers and entrepreneurial, resourceful individuals can thrive and make a tangible difference for millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Position Summary: 
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Business Management Lead position. This role plays a pivotal part in advancing the Foundation’s mission by providing operational support for the Foundation’s public policy strategies. This role works closely with the Interim Chief of Policy, executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure the efficient execution of policy-related programs, enhance operational efficiency and help drive impactful advocacy efforts at local, state and federal levels.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Budget and Financial Oversight
  • Oversee the development, management and monitoring of the Public Policy team’s budget
  • Work closely with the finance team to track expenses and ensure financial resources are allocated appropriately
  • Provide regular financial reports and forecasts to the Interim Chief of Policy
• Strategic Business Support
  • Provide business management expertise to ensure that the Public Policy team operates efficiently and effectively within the Foundation
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to align resources, personnel and operations with organizational priorities and strategic goals
  • Support the development and monitoring of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)
• Program and Project Management
  • Lead the planning, execution and management of public policy projects and initiatives aimed at advancing the Foundation's policy priorities
  • Develop detailed project plans, timelines and budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
  • Coordinate with internal teams (e.g., communications, research, development) to ensure smooth implementation of policy initiatives and timely achievement of milestones
  • Monitor project progress, resolve issues, and adjust as necessary to ensure successful outcomes
• Stakeholder Management & Communication
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration between the Public Policy team and external stakeholders, including government officials, advocacy groups and other partners
  • Ensure smooth flow of information and coordination between various internal and external parties involved in policy campaigns and initiatives
• Risk Management & Compliance
  • Identify and address potential risks associated with policy-related projects and initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and organizational policies
• Continuous Improvement
  • Stay informed about developments in public policy, nonprofit management, and the healthcare industry, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease
  • Identify opportunities for innovation and process improvements within the Public Policy team and across the organization

Qualifications and Skills: 

• Proven success in managing a diverse project team with strong leadership and interpersonal skills  
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for interacting with stakeholders and team members
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify potential issues and find effective solutions 
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices
• Budgeting and financial management skills to track department costs and expenses
• Time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks
• Experience with project management and business intelligence tools a plus
• PMP, PgMP or equivalent certifications strongly preferred

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $165,000.  In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
• Competitive dental and vision plans
• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer paid life and disability insurance
• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
• Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work.  We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.  

How to Apply: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.

MJFF is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Diversity may refer to characteristics including, but not limited to, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstance, geographic background, ability and disability, political ideology and age.