Director, Awards

The Director of Awards will oversee, maintain, and help grow the Academy’s portfolio of scientific award programs including the Tata Transformation Prize and Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists from development through execution. Manage a team of multidisciplinary PhD scientists to successfully deliver all elements of the Awards cycle from nominations to selection to gala ceremonies globally. Collaborate with the Academy’s Marketing, Communications, and Operations teams, external vendors, and Advancement staff to promote, fund, create dissemination products, and execute program events. As the Academy expands its Awards portfolio to include new prize programs supporting scientists across diverse fields and career stages, the Director, Awards will provide key conceptual, program management, coordination, and implementation support to help advance this growth.

Responsibilities

Support Academy leadership in developing and advancing the strategic vision for the scientific awards portfolio; Manage day-to-day program operations to ensure the portfolio is on track to meet objectives, schedules, and budgets; Contribute to the growth and development of the Awards portfolio; Collaborate with the Advancement team, the SVP Scientific Programs & Awards, and the Chief Scientific Officer on outreach strategies and fundraising efforts; Oversee or support program renewals; Develop budgets in partnership with the Finance team; Plan and execute awards ceremonies, symposia, jury meetings, and other events in the U.S. and internationally; Ensure compliance with Academy policies, internal controls, and funder requirements; Track progress against defined goals and develop metrics; Support the planning and oversight of the judging process; Contribute to the development and refinement of application, evaluation, and selection policies and procedures; Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to promote Awards programs globally; Directly manage and oversee the day-to-day activities of multidisciplinary, PhD-trained scientists

Requirements

Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (Medicine and Biology, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Engineering); At least 5-7 years of experience in scientific leadership, program management, or partnership development in academia, industry, government, publishing, or nonprofit/NGO sectors; Demonstrated success in program management, including sponsor stewardship experience and identification of expansion opportunities; Proven project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives, budgets, and cross-departmental teams; Excellent relationship-building, communication, and facilitation skills; Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities; Experienced leading teams and mentoring people; Domestic and international travel (2+ trips/year)

Benefits

Affordable health insurance; Retirement plan with matching employer contributions; Personal and career development stipend; Generous paid time off policies