Position description
At the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), we believe bold science saves lives. As the world’s largest non-profit funder of melanoma research, MRA has fueled more than $200 million in scientific grants and research investments that have accelerated 19 FDA-approved treatments, which has transformed the outlook for patients with melanoma and other cancers, and their families worldwide. MRA is increasingly serving not only as a funder of research, but as a convener, catalyst, and strategic partner accelerating innovation across the melanoma ecosystem connecting academia, industry, philanthropy, technology, and patient communities to drive progress faster for patients.
Founded in 2007 by Debra and Leon Black, MRA brings together scientists, industry leaders, advocates, and patients to advance prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Yet our work is far from over. Each year, more than 330,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma globally, and only about half of patients with advanced disease respond to available therapies. The need for bold, innovative research has never been greater.
Every dollar we raise goes directly to research thanks to the generosity of our founders who cover 100% of MRA's operating costs. We move fast, collaborate deeply, and never lose sight of why we do this: to save lives! Join us in driving the next wave of breakthroughs. www.curemelanoma.org
About the Role
MRA seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial and purpose-driven Chief Mission Officer (CMO) to help shape the future of melanoma research, patient impact and healthcare innovation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Chief Science Officer, the Chief Mission Officer will serve as a senior strategic leader at the intersection of science, industry partnerships, philanthropy, patient engagement and mission growth. The highly collaborative executive role will help expand MRA’s scientific and strategic partnerships across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, AI-health, life sciences, academic and philanthropic sectors while identifying new opportunities to accelerate mission-aligned growth. The ideal candidate is a scientifically credible leader with deep oncology expertise, strong relationship-building capabilities, and the ability to navigate effectively across research, industry, patient advocacy, and executive leadership environments.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Mission Growth
- Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO and partner with the Chief Science Officer on scientific strategy, partnership development, and emerging opportunities across oncology, healthcare innovation, and mission expansion.
- Help shape and execute MRA’s long-term strategic vision as a global leader in melanoma research and patient impact.
- Identify and develop mission-aligned growth opportunities through strategic alliances, research collaborations, educational initiatives, philanthropy, and industry engagement.
- Support the evolution of MRA as a cross-sector convener and catalyst advancing innovation across the melanoma ecosystem.
Strategic Partnerships & External Affairs
- Lead the development of strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, AI-health, digital health, life sciences, and research organizations.
- Structure and negotiate co-funding collaborations, sponsored scientific initiatives, public/private partnerships, and translational research programs.
- Cultivate senior-level relationships with industry executives, scientific leaders, government agencies, academic institutions, and philanthropic stakeholders.
- Represent MRA externally at major scientific conferences, industry forums, media engagements, and strategic convenings.
Scientific & Patient Impact
- Work collaboratively with the Chief Science Officer and scientific leadership team to help advance MRA’s research priorities and translational initiatives.
- Serve as the lead “patient navigator” and help strengthen MRA’s role in patient engagement, clinical trial awareness, and educational outreach by serving as a bridge between patients, researchers, clinicians, and institutions.
- Identify opportunities to accelerate innovation in areas such as precision medicine, AI-enabled healthcare, early detection, and next-generation therapeutic development.
- Contribute strategic insight into emerging scientific trends, therapeutic landscapes, and partnership opportunities across oncology and related fields.
This position is based in Washington DC or New York, NY. MRA requires staff to work on-site at a
minimum of three days a week.
Qualifications
- PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced scientific/medical degree in oncology, immunology, translational medicine, or related field.
- 10+ years of leadership experience in oncology research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, healthcare innovation, or related sectors.
- Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and navigating complex cross-sector collaborations.
- Strong understanding of oncology research, therapeutic development, clinical trials, and translational science.
- Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across academia, healthcare, government, industry, and philanthropy.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and executive presence.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and advance innovative opportunities aligned with organizational mission and growth.
- Passion for accelerating scientific progress and improving outcomes for patients and families impacted by cancer.
- Track record of marshaling resources to advance mission-driven scientific activities.
- Ability to interact and influence diverse disciplines at senior levels, including physicians and scientists, business executives, pharmaceutical leaders, government officials, and philanthropists.
- Passion for advancing cancer research, healthcare innovation, and making a difference.
- Publications and recognition as a key opinion leader in therapeutic area.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral), results-oriented project management, facilitation and consultative skills to influence decision making and manage key stakeholders are required.
- Melanoma experience is preferred but not required.
Compensation & Benefits
MRA is committed to salary transparency. The salary range for this position is $225,000–$275,000, commensurate with experience. This role is also eligible for performance-related bonus opportunities.
Benefits include:
- Hybrid work environment
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer match
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Paid parental and family leave
- Life and disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Professional development support, conferences, scientific forums, and leadership learning opportunities
The Fine Print:
- This position is based in Washington, DC (preferred) or New York, NY, and requires employees to be on-site at least three days per week. Fully remote work is not an option for this role.
- Candidates must either currently reside in the DC or NY metro area or be willing to relocate before their start date. MRA will provide a relocation package for the right candidate. We kindly ask that only applicants who meet this location requirement apply, as remote candidates will not be considered.
- Significant travel is required for this role including partnership meetings, MRA events, site visits, and medical conferences.
- Successful candidates will be subject to an authorized background check.
- We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.
What It’s Like to Work at MRA
At MRA, purpose drives everything we do. Our team works alongside some of the world’s leading researchers, physicians, industry executives, philanthropists, and patient advocates to accelerate breakthroughs that save lives. As part of a highly collaborative and agile organization, team members have the opportunity to work across disciplines — from science and development to communications and patient engagement — contributing directly to global progress in melanoma research and care. MRA values innovation, strategic thinking, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making meaningful impact for patients.
Application instructions
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