Director of Texas Research Strategy & Partnerships

Director of Texas Research Strategy & Partnerships
Alzheimer's Association | Dallas, TX (Remote with extensive statewide travel)
Job ID: DIREC002976

About the Role:

The Alzheimer's Association is seeking a dynamic, mid-career scientist to advance Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research strategy across Texas. This individual will serve as a scientific leader, convener, and connector - bringing together universities, research institutions, hospitals, and public and private partners to accelerate impactful research and effective implementation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) priorities in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association.

The ideal candidate combines scientific credibility with strategic thinking, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills. They will be highly collaborative, energetic, and comfortable engaging diverse stakeholders across academic, clinical, nonprofit, and government settings. This role requires regular statewide travel to participate in meetings, convenings, and partnership-building activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Implementation
- Collaborate with Alzheimer's Association leadership and Texas interested parties to develop and implement strategies aligned with DPRIT priorities.
- Identify and advance opportunities for collaboration with Texas institutions and the Alzheimer's Association that accelerate dementia research, prevention, and care innovation across Texas.
- Translate scientific goals into actionable programs, partnerships, and initiatives.

Convening & Partnership Development
- Convene, facilitate and participate in DPRIT related meetings, workshops, and cross-sector forums among universities, health systems, research centers, and community partners.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Texas academic investigators, institutional leaders, clinicians, and policymakers.
- Identify DPRIT/Alzheimer's Association collaborative opportunities for multi-institutional collaborations, joint proposals, and shared infrastructure.
- Serve as a trusted scientific liaison representing the Alzheimer's Association statewide on any DPRIT related collaboration/program.

Scientific Leadership & Advising
- Provide scientific insight and subject matter expertise to inform strategy, funding priorities, and program design.
- Monitor emerging trends in Alzheimer's and dementia research and recommend innovative approaches, specifically as they relate to opportunity within DPRIT.
- Support alignment of DPRIT and/or Alzheimer's Association research investments with community and health system needs.

Engagement & Communication
- Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to diverse audiences, including researchers, clinicians, funders, and community stakeholders.
- Represent the Alzheimer's Association at conferences, institutional meetings, and statewide events.
- Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture among partners.

Required Qualifications:
- PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, public health, biomedical sciences, or related field
- 5-10+ years of research, clinical research, or research administration experience
- Demonstrated experience working with academic, clinical, or research institutions
- Proven ability to build partnerships and lead cross-organizational initiatives
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Texas

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with state-level research initiatives or public-private partnerships
- Familiarity with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or aging research
- Experience convening multidisciplinary stakeholders or leading collaborative networks
- Experience in nonprofit, foundation, or research funding environments

Key Competencies:
- Strategic and systems thinker
- Creative and entrepreneurial mindset
- High energy and self-motivated
- Personable and relationship-driven
- Organized and execution-focused
- Comfortable working independently across a large geographic region

Position Details:
Location: Texas (remote) with extensive statewide travel
Work Schedule: Full-Time (37.5 hours/week)
Reports To: SVP, Med & Scientific Operations
Position Grade: Grade 512
Salary Range: $135,000 - $155,000
This position is eligible for a bonus based on both individual and organizational performance, up to 6%.

About the Alzheimer's Association:

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

At the Alzheimer's Association, our employees are at the core of all we do. Our network of more than 1,900 employees across the United States makes a difference each and every day for those impacted by Alzheimer's and those at risk for the disease.

Benefits (for employees working 24+ hours/week):
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, flex accounts
- Short and long-term disability, life insurance, long term care insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Generous Paid Time Off, 12 annual holidays, and Paid Family Leave
- Annual Cultural & Heritage Day and Volunteer Day
- Gold standard 401(k) retirement plan
- Annual School Visitation Day and Elder Care Facility Day (full-time employees)

The Alzheimer's Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment to the fullest extent required by law.