Scientific Programs & Grants Manager

ABOUT TINA’S WISH

Know Early. Know Hope.® This is the mission of Tina’s Wish, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding groundbreaking scientific research for the early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer. Tina’s Wish was founded in memory of the Honorable Tina Brozman, former chief judge of the SDNY Bankruptcy Court who died two years after she was diagnosed – too late – with ovarian cancer. Since its inception in 2007, Tina’s Wish has raised more than $34 million and is currently awarding $2.4 million annually in private grants for cutting-edge research. With its education and awareness platform, What to Know Down BelowTM, Tina’s Wish provides vital resources, support, and information to help increase awareness about ovarian cancer and empower individuals to take proactive steps in their health and well-being.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The newly created Scientific Programs and Grants Manager position will play a pivotal role in advancing the Tina’s Wish mission by overseeing the Foundation’s research portfolio and driving the full grant lifecycle from start to finish. This includes developing LOIs and RFPs, coordinating peer review, managing grant agreement execution, tracking progress, and preparing reports for donor stewardship, leadership teams, and the board.

The manager will act as a central liaison among Tina’s Wish, its funded researchers, the scientific advisory board, and the broader scientific community. This position will strengthen scientific engagement through the coordination of researcher taskforces, preparation of lay-focused progress summaries, and active coordination of Tina’s Wish-sponsored scientific meetings. Additionally, it will lead initiatives to enhance the grantmaking process, including implementing a new grant platform and refining proposal criteria to ensure the greatest impact.

The Scientific Programs and Grants Manager will report to the Executive Director and will ensure accountability and collaboration across all grants, fostering strong relationships with grantees and providing coordination and logistical support for Tina’s Wish scientific meetings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the Full Grant Process: Oversee all stages of the grant lifecycle, from developing LOIs and RFPs to coordinating reviewers, finalizing grant agreements, tracking progress, and ensuring timely reporting
• Strengthen Scientific Engagement: Coordinate researcher taskforces, prepare lay-friendly progress summaries, and represent Tina’s Wish at symposia and scientific meetings
• Continuous Improvement of Grantmaking Systems: Lead initiatives to optimize grant management processes, including identifying and implementing a new grant platform, refining proposal criteria, and improving internal workflows
• Portfolio Oversight & Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact between Tina’s Wish, its funded investigators, the grant review board, and the broader scientific community. Ensure alignment of research projects with the Foundation’s mission and strategic priorities
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting: Track grantee deliverables, milestones, and outcomes; follow up to ensure accountability; and manage logistics for the Tina’s Wish scientific meetings
• Strategic Grant Planning & Landscape Analysis: Conduct research on funding trends, identify new funding opportunities, and provide data-driven recommendations to support strategic decision-making and portfolio development
• External Representation & Partnership Development: Represent Tina’s Wish in external partnerships, consortia, and scientific networks; cultivate relationships with other funders, research institutions, and policy groups to advance the Foundation’s mission

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline required; advanced degree (MA, MPH, PhD, MD) preferred
• 3–7 years of experience in research grantmaking and scientific program management
• Experience managing full grant cycles and scientific review committees
• Proficiency with grant management systems
• Strong analytical, project management, and organizational skills
• Ability to translate complex scientific content for lay audiences
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Professional presence in scientific, external community, and donor settings
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and should not require, now or in the future, visa sponsorship
• At time of hire, employees must live within a commutable distance of Manhattan due to hybrid work schedule

WORK SCHEDULE

• Hybrid schedule: typically two (2) days per week in the NYC office
• Additional time may be required for events, deadlines, early mornings, or evenings
• Hands-on involvement required for in-person NYC events and scientific meeting
• Potential for travel to periodic scientific meetings

WHAT WE OFFER

• Join a high-energy, mission-driven team passionate about funding cutting-edge research for the early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer
• Contribute to professional, meaningful fundraising and cultivation events that engage and inspire our community
• Thrive in a culture that values growth, ownership, and innovation, encouraging team members to develop expertise and bring new ideas
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Generous PTO and holiday schedule, including Summer Fridays
• 75% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision premiums
• Short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and pre-tax spending accounts
• Employer-matched IRA
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Annual performance-based bonus eligibility
• Salary range: $85-95k

TO APPLY

When applying please email careers@tinaswish.org and be sure to include:

• Subject line: Scientific Programs and Grants Manager
• Resume
• Cover letter describing through examples your 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 meet the position’s needs and are shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Tina’s Wish is an Equal Opportunity Organization. Tina’s Wish does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Generous PTO and holiday schedule, including Summer Fridays
• 75% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision premiums
• Short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and pre-tax spending accounts
• Employer-matched IRA
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Annual performance-based bonus eligibility