Director, Dana Frontiers Program

The Director of the Dana Frontiers Program reports to the Vice President of Neuroscience within Society of the Dana Foundation and is responsible for overseeing the Dana Frontiers strategy and programs of the Foundation. The Dana Frontiers program aims to strengthen neuroscience’s positive role in the world by growing capacity for informed public reflection on emerging neuroscience and neurotechnology. Specific objectives include facilitating greater understanding and informed decision-making among judicial professionals, healthcare professionals, science communicators, and regulators, by providing education, resources, and convening meetings on emerging neuroscience topics that relate to their practice; developing models for multidirectional public engagement on emerging neuroscience issues to lay groundwork for mutual understanding and trust between scientists and publics; and strengthening informed policy creation that considers societal needs and values by convening and engaging leaders and influential figures in horizon-scanning on emerging neuroscience within society issues.
The Director will collaborate closely with the Vice President and Foundation staff members to develop and implement strategic plans; maintain a landscape view of trends and themes at the intersection of neuroscience and society; design, run, and evaluate programs; organize meetings; and track resources. This position represents an exciting opportunity to partner with the new leadership of the Dana Foundation as the organization enters a new chapter in its history.
The Dana Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing understanding about the brain. It was established in 1950 in New York City by Charles A. Dana, a legislator, industrialist, and philanthropist who became its first chairman. In partnership with his wife, Eleanor Naylor Dana, they fostered development of funding programs primarily focused on cancer research, higher education, and the arts. The Foundation’s grants helped support the Sidney Farber Cancer Center, which was renamed the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in honor of the partnership. In 1992, under the leadership of Foundation Board Chair and President David Mahoney, Dana turned its focus to research and outreach on the human brain. Since its founding, the Foundation has appropriated almost $500 million for philanthropic purposes.
The Dana Foundation is at an inflection point, as it refines its longstanding commitment to research and public education on the brain, to focus now on neuroscience within society.
Future programs will focus on intersections between neuroscience and areas such as ethics,
law, humanities, and the arts. The Foundation pursues its mission through grants and
programs. These include funding grant initiatives under the Neuroscience within Society
focus, including Brain Awareness Week, an annual global education initiative with almost
6,000 partners in 120 countries, and institutional partnerships with the American Association
for the Advancement of Science, the Royal Society, and the U.S. National Academy of
Sciences to support judicial seminars on emerging issues in neuroscience.
Key responsibilities:
• Partner with the Vice President and other Foundation staff to develop strategic goals
and implement neuroscience within society objectives and programs.
• Work closely with the Vice President on annual budgeting process for the Dana
Frontiers program, monitoring spending and program investment allocation.
• Maintain a current understanding of the needs and specific gaps in neuroscience
within society, in areas such as neuroethics, neuroscience and the law, neuroscience
and the arts/humanities, and neuroscience and education.
• Engage in open communications and information flow among programmatic and
operational staff.
• Contribute to a culture and work environment that values excellence, commitment,
collaboration, integrity, continuous improvement, diversity, and inclusion.
• Represent the Foundation within the neuroscience community, at scientific
conferences, and with government agencies and foundations.
• Perform other duties related to the operations of the Foundation.
Required education and experience:
• Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, psychology, bioengineering, or related field; or
J.D./M.S./M.P.H. with strong experience working in science or societal aspects of
science.
• Demonstrated expertise and success in multidirectional public engagement with
neuroscience initiatives.
• Minimum five years of post-terminal degree academic or work experience, or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding and appreciation of how neuroscience reflects and informs
societal issues.
• Experience working in strategic programming, management, and evaluation at an
academic institution, non-profit organization, or foundation.
Desired skills and characteristics:
• Demonstrated evidence of being a hard-working and passionate supporter of neuroscience and its societal implications. • Background or strong interest in ethics, responsible innovation in research, or Science and Technology Studies (STS).
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with team player mentality.
• Commitment to contributing to a strong organizational culture that represents the Foundation’s core values and code of conduct.
• Brings excitement and optimism during a time of vision and strategic change.
• Demonstrated commitment to data-driven program development and self-evaluation, including measuring programmatic outcomes, impact, and success using qualitative and quantitative measures.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent written, graphic, and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated creative approach to problem solving with the ability to rise to new challenges and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
• Ability to maintain diplomacy and composure under pressure.
• Ability to work as a member of teams consisting of both internal and external stakeholders.
Application process:
• Please submit a cover letter describing your qualifications, a brief bio (200-word limit), and your curriculum vitae to Pat Mangini, Director of Human Resources: pmangini@dana.org
Benefits offered:
• Group Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance: premiums paid by the Foundation
• Direct medical and gym reimbursement plans
• Short- and long-term disability, and Paid Family Leave: Short-term disability and Paid Family Leave funded by the Foundation
• Section 401(a) retirement plan: Non-contributory contribution of 15% of compensation up to the IRS statutory limit (eligible after six-months’ employment)
• Section 403(b) savings plan: Voluntary plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education Assistance Program
• Matching Gift Program
• Vacation and Holiday Leave: All employees are entitled to 20 vacation days, other than those hired during a calendar year who are entitled to one day vacation per each full month of work. Employees are also entitled to three personal days and 12 paid holidays.