Position Title: Director/Senior Director, Research and Education
Reports To: Chief Mission Officer (CMO)
Location: Remote
Job Type: Full time, exempt

About NAAF
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) drives research to find a cure and accessible
treatments for alopecia areata, supports those impacted, and educates the public about the
disease. Founded in 1981, NAAF is the largest alopecia areata patient advocacy organization in the
world, connecting members of the alopecia areata community, including those living with the
disease, family members and caregivers, healthcare providers, and researchers through its many
programs. NAAF is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization
and has achieved the highest rankings from charity watchdogs.

NAAF’s Team Culture Statement
The NAAF staff is a community-centered team that values integrity and respect in all our
interactions. We actively collaborate to leverage our diverse strengths and perspectives. We have
high aspirations for ourselves, our team, and our community. We are bold and resourceful,
approaching challenges with courage. We care deeply about our work and the people we serve.
Our remote workplace thrives through accountability and responsiveness. We are committed to
learning, to being proactive, and to remaining nimble so we can adapt quickly to changing
circumstances and new opportunities. Our commitment to this team culture empowers our
success and brings joy and meaning to the work we accomplish on behalf of our community.

Position Summary
The Director/Senior Director of Research and Patient Education leads NAAF’s grants program,
liaises with the alopecia areata research community to support research and clinical trial
engagement, oversees the development of patient education materials, and supports the Chief
Growth Officer and Chief Mission Officer’s interactions with stakeholders. Final title and salary will
be negotiated based on candidate’s experience and skills.

Qualifications
The preferred candidate is a scientifically trained project management professional who derives
satisfaction from working proactively with colleagues to create optimal frameworks and execute
the fundamental tasks required for driving complex projects to successful fruition.

• A Master’s degree in health-related, social, or behavioral science is required, PhD preferred.
• 5+ years of experience leading grants-making programs in a professional setting (10 + years
  for senior director candidates), preferably with a non-profit patient advocacy organization
• Demonstrated experience leading research initiatives through a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Demonstrated experience leading grant programs, including developing funding opportunity
  announcements, managing peer-review process, and pre- and post-award management
• Strong understanding of the research process, and ability to critically review scientific
  literature and communicate about research to varying audiences with different levels of
  knowledge.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills; effective verbal, non-verbal, and written
  communication methods as well as reflective listening skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work without close oversight, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks and
  projects with differing, and at times changing, priorities and timelines.
• Proficient with PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov.
• Experience with reference management software (e.g., EndNote and Zotero).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end lifecycle of competitive research grants program. Create and promote
  requests for applications, develop guidelines/materials, and manage review, scoring and
  selection process. Administer and monitor award agreements, including progress reporting
  and payments, for research grants portfolio.
• Assist the Chief Mission Officer with the planning and execution of convenings of medical
  and scientific KOLs through summits, symposia, and meetings as needed, including
  management of pre-, on-site, and post-conference logistics, timelines, and budgeting.
• Support Chief Mission Officer to coordinate and manage activities of KOL advisory
  committees, including maintaining records, rosters, terms, and minutes.
• Support the President & CEO, Chief Mission Officer and Chief Growth Officer to maintain,
  enhance, and cultivate partnerships with biopharmaceutical companies, academic
  institutions, government agencies, other non-profit organizations, medical education
  companies, and other organizations, to expand NAAF’s profile in the alopecia areata
  community, support clinical drug development activities, and execute sponsorships
  deliverables.
• Represent NAAF at national/international scientific and medical conferences and assist
  with planning and coordination of related events (e.g., Industry Partner Program
  Roundtables, workshops/symposia).
• Organize research and treatment education sessions for the Annual Patient Conference.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of patient education materials focusing on
  treatment and research updates and navigating insurance coverage for FDA-approved
  alopecia areata treatments
• Manage NAAF’s Doctor Finder tool, including recruiting new providers
• Oversee NAAF’s activities to educate health care providers about the unique needs of
  individuals living with alopecia areata
• Assist in responding to community inquiries regarding treatments for alopecia areata,
  insurance issues, and research updates.
• Supervise Program Manager, Research
• Track relevant scientific literature and advancements. Engage with community and staff to
  provide advice and information regarding scientific and research developments.
• Prepare and disseminate research-related updates and announcements for the community
  (e.g., electronic newsletter articles), including interpretation and repackaging of complex
  scientific information.
• Manage the development and update of research content on the NAAF website.
• Responsible for reviewing and periodically updating scientific content related to disease
  facts and therapeutic pipeline to ensure accuracy.
• Support the President & CEO, and Chief Mission Officer and Chief Growth Officer in fund
  development activities related to research agenda.
• Lead industry services program to facilitate patient engagement activities and clinical trial
  recruitment for pharmaceutical partners.
• Lead ongoing webinar program, including directing staff team on execution of monthly
  webinar tasks, topic selection, data tracking, and metrics reporting to staff, Board, and
  sponsors.
• Present at board meetings, as needed; occasional public speaking to represent NAAF,
  including webinars, interviews and panels.

Compensation:
Salary range: Director – $100,000-$110,000/annually
Senior Director – $110,000 – $125,000/annually

Benefits/Why you should apply:
• Be a part of a mission-driven, dynamic, and passionate team.
• Join the largest alopecia areata advocacy organization in the world with four decades of success as
the voice of the alopecia areata community.
• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental and Vision.
• Generous paid time off.
• 401(k) retirement plan.

How to Apply
To apply, please complete the application using the designated link here. Questions regarding the position or the application process may be directed to [email protected].

NAAF is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression, age (40 and older), disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable
law. NAAF provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for
religious beliefs and observances.

If hired, must be able to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

NAAF has a distributed workforce and is based in Novato, California.

About the National Alopecia Areata Foundation
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) drives research to find a cure and accessible
treatments for alopecia areata, supports those impacted, and educates the public about the
disease. Founded in 1981, NAAF is the largest alopecia areata patient advocacy organization in the
world, connecting members of the alopecia areata community, including those living with the
disease, family members and caregivers, healthcare providers, and researchers through its many
programs. NAAF is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) (3) charitable
organization and is recognized with the highest possible ratings by the most trusted charity
watchdog organizations. For more information, please visit http://www.naaf.org, email [email protected], or
connect with NAAF on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X