The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Director of Patient Engagement

United States
Full-time
Posted Nov 4, 2026

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Skills

Communication
Leadership
Problem Solving

Job description

Job Title: Director of Patient Engagement

Position Summary:

The This position at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is responsible for aligning the Foundation’s investments by developing inclusive and patient-centric participant engagement strategies with the Foundation’s broader scientific goals. The Foundation invests in the development and dissemination of patient centricity best practices to ensure that Foundation-coordinated and external clinical studies serve the needs and are reflective of the Parkinson’s community. In addition, the Foundation believes that clinical studies with patient centered designs have the best chances of reaching recruitment goals, thereby accelerating the development of new treatments for Parkinson’s. This position leads a team of project and relationship managers focused on optimizing patient-centricity in clinical Parkinson’s research and is accountable for allocating financial and people resources to ensure achievement of strategic deliverables. Success in this role will ensure that the Foundation remains a field leader in developing resources to drive patient-centered drug development for Parkinson’s disease. This role works closely with a diverse set of cross-functional internal and external stakeholders. This position is a key liaison between these internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure the Foundation’s flagship clinical programs advance the broader research agenda and drive field-wide innovation in Parkinson’s therapeutic development.

Key Responsibilities:

•Identify, scope, and execute strategic programs against the Foundation’s Clinical Research priorities and Research Business Unit vision in collaboration with Research Leadership Team and external advisors

•Train, coach, and upskill a team of project and relationship managers focused on optimizing patent-centricity in clinical-stage Parkinson’s trials

•Oversee project/program-level budgets and hold team accountable to annual financial targets

•Oversee ongoing refinement and dissemination of the Foundation’s recruitment and retention best practices for global cohort studies

•Maintain intelligence on trends and upcoming challenges in the clinical trial recruitment and patent-centricity landscapes for Parkinson’s and related disorders; anticipate field needs to prioritize the Foundation’s research funding and stakeholder engagement.

•Manage strategic plans at all stages from concept development, acquiring internal and external buy-in, resource allocation, risk monitoring, and problem-solving as issues arise

•Serve as a thought and accountability partner on cross-functional initiates and tracking progress against department, business unit, and organizational key performance indicators

•Support annual strategic planning for the Clinical Research team (e.g., prioritization and allocation of resourcing, identifying, and scoping annual strategic imperatives, assessing performance against funding and scientific goals)

•Create executive-level communications (including presentations and reports) to communicate strategic impact of the Foundation’s Clinical Research activities and to ensure cross-functional alignment and coordination against major business unit and enterprise-level programs and projects

•Build strong relationships with clinical study leadership, clinical study operational partners, clinical site network personnel, key opinion leaders, and the patient and participant community

Qualifications and Skills:

•Relevant experience in biopharma, healthcare consulting, clinical research, or public health, including previous program management responsibilities

•Relevant people management experience (e.g., team leadership, delegation, coaching, talent development)

•Working knowledge and interest in clinical research practices, especially patient-centricity

•Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in personal and/or professional settings

•Expertise identifying short and long-term program needs, creatively formulate plans with cross-functional input, efficiently achieve

timely decisions/alignment, and organize and deploy resources.

•Ability to influence cross-functionally and drive alignment among the team, with peers, and with senior leadership, demonstrable level of executive presence

•Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to articulate program vision and motivate the team; ensures broader organization is aligned with and aware of program strategy, status, and risks

•Strong decision-making abilities amidst ambiguity; ability to make judgment calls on tough issues and own that responsibility

•Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including team-based problem-solving approaches

•Financial acumen and experience managing budgets

•Some travel may be required on an as needed basis (up to 10%)

Compensation & Benefits

Individual compensation for this role is dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, skillsets, and applicable laws.  In addition to salary, the Foundation 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 

•Flexible work environment.  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.    

Salary Range

$145,000 — $165,000 USD

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, 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.  

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.  