Robertson Foundation | Program Officer, Medical Research

• Are you passionate about neurodegenerative disease research and its potential to save and improve lives? 
• Do you have experience and networks across biomedical research (academia, industry, nonprofits)? 
• Are you interested in strategically deploying philanthropic funds to accelerate biomedical breakthroughs? 
• Are you an excellent communicator who can engage experts and lay audiences? 
• Are you a creative, critical thinker who can quickly get up to speed on new topics?
• Are you a highly organized, proactive worker who can juggle multiple projects with precision and flexibility?

If you answered YES to all of the above, we invite you to apply to the Robertson Foundation for a full-time Medical Research Program Officer position.  

About the Robertson Foundation: The Robertson Foundation is a private, family-led foundation established in 1996 by Julian Robertson, the founder of Tiger Management LLC, and his wife, Josie. By taking a targeted yet creative approach to philanthropy, the Robertson family seeks to have a positive social impact and create a legacy that reflects their values. Since 2021, the Robertson Foundation has been undergoing a strategic refresh across its three giving areas (medical research, environment, and education)—clarifying the priorities and strategies that will shape the Foundation’s next decade of giving. 

About the position: The Program Officer will provide dynamic support to the Medical Portfolio Director, leading diverse projects related to strategy development, grantmaking, and field building. This is an ideal opportunity for an individual with a biomedical research background—especially in the field of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD), our current focus—who is passionate about speeding basic research and the development of new diagnostics, treatments, and prevention strategies. 

The Program Officer will be part of a small but mighty MED Portfolio team (3.5 full-time employees) that works with colleagues, external advisors, and the Foundation’s leadership to define and implement the Portfolio’s strategy, conduct due diligence on grantmaking opportunities and engage with grantees and like-minded funders to amplify the Foundation’s impact. The Program Officer will engage deeply with scientists, funders, and other thought partners—to learn about where philanthropy is most needed and build the Medical Portfolio’s network of partners in the ADRD field and beyond. The Program Officer will also help develop a range of learning and evaluation projects to inform future grantmaking decisions. 

The ideal candidate will be a curious, strategic thinker who is excited to dig into multiple complex topics and learn from a wide range of sources; a proactive, action-oriented worker who can independently advance a range of projects and competing priorities; and a mission-driven team player, who enjoys working behind the scenes and in collaboration with others in pursuit of impact. Candidates must have excellent written communication skills and enjoy engaging with experts and lay audiences. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Portfolio strategy and development: Research and synthesize information about the biomedical sector, specific areas of research (especially Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases), and current opportunities for philanthropic investment. Produce concise, compelling internal communications to support decisions by Foundation leadership about the portfolio’s strategy, priorities, and specific grantmaking opportunities. 

• Field engagement and networking: Attend conferences, workshops, and other meetings to learn about relevant topics and build the Portfolio’s network of advisors, partners, and grantees. Support convenings of grantees and other stakeholders to amplify the Portfolio’s impact. 

• Grants management and support: Support the Portfolio Director in defining and stewarding several multi-year, multi-million-dollar grants. (In 2024 and 2025, we will launch the Foundation’s first grants for ADRD research; in 2026 and beyond, we’ll work with the Board to assess where we want to double down or diversify our grantmaking.) Learn from and support grantees. Identify metrics and methods for evaluating the impact of the Foundation’s investments. Develop lay-friendly communications about the impact of the Foundation’s grantmaking. 

Background and characteristics of strong candidates:

• Track record of curiosity, collaboration, and impact. 
• Excellent research and written communication skills
• PhD preferred, but open to B.A. and relevant post-graduate degree or significant work experience in biomedical research 
• 1-2 years of work experience outside academia in non-profit or for-profit settings, strongly preferred
• Demonstrated passion for advancing neurodegenerative disease research 
• Familiarity with emerging trends and technologies reshaping the biomedical research ecosystem.
• Mission-driven, with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Passion for improving health equity  
• A sense of humor

**Please note that the Foundation cannot provide a work visa for this position** 

Compensation 

• The full-time position has hybrid (NYC-based) and fully remote options. 
• NYC-based colleagues currently follow a hybrid schedule of 2 days/week in-office expected.
• Fully remote colleagues are expected to visit NYC approximately 4x/year. 
• Salary range for this position is $130,000 - $165,000
• Excellent benefits package, including PPO healthcare, ample PTO, 401k contributions, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

If interested, please apply through https://robertson.pinpointhq.com/postings/039615f0-0245-4ca4-9227-8c597258b4a0 by June 10. 

***Please note that the Foundation is unable to provide a work visa for this position***

About our Recruitment Process 

Thank you in advance for the time invested in our application process, which will involve the following:

• Phone interview
• Zoom interview with the Foundation’s Medical Research team 
• Written assignment (similar to activities relevant to this position)
• Finalist interviews with the Medical Research Program Director and Foundation leadership 
• Analytical skills assessment
• Background and reference check

We hope to welcome a new team member in summer 2024.

The Robertson Foundation values diversity and is committed to recruiting and retaining individuals of diverse backgrounds, sex, race, religion, age, disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Our website, www.robertsonfounation.org, provides more information.