Vice President, Research Strategy

Job Posting Title: Vice President, Research Strategy

Reports to: Chief Scientific Officer

Location: Hybrid in New York, NY

WHO WE ARE

Fueled by passion and urgency, the National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we enhance lives through action, education, and accelerating change.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

NKF’s Mission is what we do, our Values are how we do it.

• Accountability- Earn and Keep Trust
• Collaboration-Work as a team
• Communication- Empower with information
• Community-Build stronger community
• Compassion- Lead with care and respect
• Impact-Focus on the mission

Your Voice Matters: https://www.kidney.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion

WHO YOU ARE 

The Vice President of Research Strategy is a leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s enterprise-wide research and insights strategy. This leader will ensure scientific rigor across all research activities, integrate data and analytics into decision-making, and translate evidence into actionable insights that drive programmatic impact, policy influence, and organizational growth.

The VP of Research Strategy will report directly to the Chief Scientific Officer and will lead a diverse NKF internal research portfolio, including implementation science, outcomes research, qualitative and quantitative studies, market research, and program evaluation, while also advancing the organization’s extramural research grant program.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Research Strategy & Portfolio Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, organization-wide research strategy aligned with NKF’s mission, strategic priorities, and revenue goals
• Oversee and integrate a diverse research portfolio, including:
  • Implementation science and health services research
  • Market research and stakeholder insights
  • Program evaluation and outcomes measurement
  • Signature initiatives (e.g., KidneyCARE Study, CKD Prognosis Consortium, CKD-EPI-CT, Transplants for All)
• Oversee NKF’s research grant portfolio and related funding programs, including strategic priority setting, application and peer review processes, award management, outcomes tracking, and dissemination of funded research findings
• Elevate NKF’s national profile as a leader in evidence generation, implementation science, and patient-centered research
• Ensure alignment of NKF-funded research initiatives with organizational strategic priorities, emerging scientific opportunities, and areas of unmet need in kidney health

Kidney Intelligence & Data Integration

• Lead the development of a Kidney Intelligence Hub, integrating data science, research operations, and analytics into a cohesive ecosystem
• Partner with internal teams to leverage data (clinical, programmatic, payer, and external datasets) to generate actionable insights on kidney care
• Establish frameworks for data governance, interoperability, and scalable analytics to support organizational decision-making

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Organizational Alignment

• Serve as a strategic partner across departments (Scientific Operations, Population Health, Marketing, Development, Policy, and Programs)
• Embed research and insights into program design, education, advocacy, and partnership strategies
• Support service departments in aligning insights and evaluation with fundraising and programmatic goals

External Partnerships & Fundraising

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to raise funds and expand research opportunities and strengthen NKF’s role as a convener and catalyst for innovative kidney research
• Build and lead strategic partnerships with academic institutions, health systems, payers, industry, and government agencies
• Identify and secure funding opportunities (grants, contracts, sponsored research, major gifts) to support research initiatives
• Represent NKF as a trusted partner and leader in kidney-related research and data-driven innovation

Team Leadership, Research Operations, and Role Details

• The VP Research Strategy role is based at NKF Headquarters in New York, NY and requires employees to be on-site two to three days per week. Fully remote is not an option for this role
• Candidates must currently reside in the New York Metropolitan area or being wiling to relocate
• NKF will provide a relocation package for the right candidate. Only applicants who meet this location requirement will be considered, as remote candidates are not eligible.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing research team, including the Senior Director, Data Analytics and the Senior Director, Patient Outcomes Research
• Oversee research operations, including study design, IRB processes, data management, and compliance
• Ensure adherence to the highest standards of scientific integrity, ethics, and regulatory requirements
• This position requires travel 6-8 times per year

WHAT YOU’LL POSSESS

• PhD, DrPH, ScD, or equivalent advanced degree in public health, health services research, implementation science, outcomes research, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in research, analytics, or insights roles, preferably within healthcare, nonprofit, academic, or policy environments
• Deep expertise in implementation science, health services research, outcomes research, or real-world evidence generation
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional research initiatives and translating insights into strategy and impact
• Experience building and managing external partnerships and securing research funding
• Experience overseeing research funding mechanisms, grant review processes, or scientific advisory committees preferred
• Strong track record of publications, thought leadership, and/or national recognition in relevant fields
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills

WHAT WE OFFER

• Work/life Integration: Enjoy plenty of vacation time, sick leave, and holidays so you can recharge, regroup or reflect—and come back ready to tackle anything
• Support for Your Health: We've got your back with top-notch medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your loved ones
• Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing you're covered with life insurance and a 403(b) plan with matching company contributions to secure your future
• Creative savings: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts to save on eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Easy Commuting: Reduce your stress with our commuter benefits program for transit and parking expenses
• Support When You Need It: Access confidential counseling, support services, and resources through our Employee Assistance Program
• A Chance to Spread the Word: Share the love and earn rewards by referring awesome folks to join our team
• A Big Tent: We're all about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard
• Mission-Fueled Culture: Join a team that's passionate about making a difference and guided by values like integrity, compassion, and innovation

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

At the National Kidney Foundation, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity apply to both our workforce and the communities we serve as they relate to kidney health and kidney disease prevention. It is the policy of NKF to provide equality of employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, qualified handicap or disability, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender, political affiliation or veteran status, or any other factor or reason prohibited by relevant local, state, and federal fair employment laws.

The Equal Employment Opportunity policy will apply to all employment practices of NKF, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, layoffs, transfers, and discipline. Implementation of the Equal Employment Opportunity policy is the shared responsibility of the management of NKF.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The National Kidney Foundation does not accept resumes from third-party recruitment/search firms. Please do not forward resumes to NKF employees, company locations, or email addresses. NKF is not responsible for any fees related to resumes not solicited by NKF Recruiting.

WORKING CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT USED AND SPECIAL INFORMATION

Must have unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness while possessing a high degree of tact, discretion and professionalism. Maintain effectiveness under pressure. Competent in the use of standard office equipment, including telephone, personal computer, fax machine, and photocopier. Flexible for moderate overnight business travel which may include weekends.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

The salary band listed reflects the range for this position. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.