Job Description

POSITION: Chief Mission Officer
REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
LOCATION: Washington, DC or New York, NY (Hybrid: On-site at least 3x per week
required).
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Exempt
Join Us: Make Breakthroughs Possible
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.
What You Bring: Experience and Leadership Profile
• 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.

Ready to apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the following
subject line: Chief Mission Officer.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
No phone calls please. All inquiries will be held confidently.

What you can expect if you move forward in the recruitment process:
• Initial interview with MRA’s CEO (45 minutes).
• If you are selected for the next round, virtual or in-person interviews with MRA’s Chief Science
Officer; Director of Communications; and Director, Development Operations.
• If you are selected for the next round, possible interview(s) with MRA Board members.
• Reference check and background check.
• Offer to the selected candidate.

Our culture and commitments:
Every person at MRA is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to
a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge
and passion with colleagues and the scientific and patient communities we serve. Our leadership is
actively involved in our commitment to fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone.
MRA upholds an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to
race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, marital status, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military
obligations, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy applies
to all applicants, employees, consultants, and third-party workers.

To request a disability accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process,
please contact us at [email protected].