Description
Job Title: Senior Program Operations Manager (Technology Transfer Focus)
Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Senior Program Operations Manager position. Reporting to a Director of Program Operations, this role plays a vital part in supporting key research programs as a member of the Research Operations department. With a broad perspective across the organization, this position works closely with programmatic teams and partners with departments like nance, technology, and others to facilitate grantmaking, project management, and program support aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
The role is responsible for establishing and implementing both short and long-term goals, objectives, and operational procedures for research programs, while also contributing to strategy development and program execution. This position provides technical guidance to peers managing research grants and key internal projects and focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure proper resourcing and service delivery. Central to delivering high-quality programs to the research community, this role involves eective program design, scope management, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and quality assurance. This position is instrumental in driving the success of the Foundation’s research and technology sharing initiatives by collaborating with programs or department leads in the Research Programs and Partnerships business unit to operationalize strategic goals.
This is a hybrid-flex position that may require in-person attendance on a monthly basis at the Foundation’s office in New York City.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Program Design & Implementation
Lead planning and execution of intricate, multi-party programs, often involving technology transfer or shared research assets
Partner with leadership to set goals, define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and turn strategies into detailed project plans
Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), workflows, and documentation to maintain consistency and transparency across all initiatives
Monitor progress using project management tools (e.g. Smartsheet, Asana, Salesforce), ensuring timely completion, quality results, and compliance
Support long-term and annual planning for the Research Operations team, contributing to portfolio reviews, capacity planning, and process improvements
Technology Transfer & Contract Operations
Act as an intermediary between the Foundation’s scientific team, legal staff, and external partners to coordinate technology transfers and resource-sharing agreements, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s open science or research resource sharing policies
Assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts such as MTAs, license agreements, service agreements, and grants, gathering input from scientific, legal and compliance experts
Manage contract deliverables, timelines, and compliance, and build systems to track and report on resource-sharing and contractual obligations
Help the Foundation translate complex legal and IP requirements into clear operational procedures, so all parties understand expectations around resource sharing, commercialization, and IP
Work with internal and external stakeholders to synchronize contractual, research, and funding objectives
General
Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the Foundation’s Strategic Research Agenda and related programs / respective portfolios
Serve as backup and short-term absence coverage support for peers
Facilitate onboarding & training, with a focus on supporting team growth & development
Engage in the wider Foundation community on staff-driven projects, initiatives, and events
Qualifications and Skills:
Relevant experience in program operations, project management, or similar roles in biotech, academic research administration, or nonprofit science funding
Knowledge of technology transfer, intellectual property, and contract negotiation in research or grantmaking settings
Demonstrated ability to run large, multi-stakeholder projects, including budget, risk, and compliance management
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to bridge scientific, operational, and legal perspectives
Advanced proficiency in project management software (Smartsheet, Asana, Jira) and Microsoft Office
Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills, with proven ability to juggle multiple priorities
Preferred:
Advanced degree in life sciences, policy administration, or business operations
Experience with grantmaking, nonprofit program management, innovating public benefits or academic technology transfer
Familiarity with research compliance and open science/research output-sharing practices
Proven skill in developing operational systems, standardizing processes, and leading cross-functional projects
Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $100,000. 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.
About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research 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, the Foundation 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.
Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information.
Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Requirements
Qualifications and Skills:
Relevant experience in program operations, project management, or similar roles in biotech, academic research administration, or nonprofit science funding
Knowledge of technology transfer, intellectual property, and contract negotiation in research or grantmaking settings
Demonstrated ability to run large, multi-stakeholder projects, including budget, risk, and compliance management
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to bridge scientific, operational, and legal perspectives
Advanced proficiency in project management software (Smartsheet, Asana, Jira) and Microsoft Office
Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills, with proven ability to juggle multiple priorities
Preferred:
Advanced degree in life sciences, policy administration, or business operations
Experience with grantmaking, nonprofit program management, innovating public benefits or academic technology transfer
Familiarity with research compliance and open science/research output-sharing practices
Proven skill in developing operational systems, standardizing processes, and leading cross-functional projects
