Director of Scientific Programs & Strategic Initiatives

Director of Scientific Programs & Strategic Initiatives

Location: On-site, Rockville, MD

Compensation: $206,440 - $227,000

Type: Full-time

Kelly Government Solutions is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Senior Director of Scientific Programs & Strategy for a major federal health organization. In this role, you will drive large-scale scientific program management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration—working closely with senior leadership to advance national scientific and healthcare priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement robust policies and procedures, and guide staff in executing scientific program initiatives.
• Oversee end-to-end project management for high-impact research and clinical programs, ensuring timely completion, fiscal oversight, and outcome reporting.
• Lead design and review of major scientific studies, survey instruments, analytical databases, and computerized data collection systems.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, workshops, and consultations—facilitating effective collaboration among experts in diverse research fields.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize complex scientific, programmatic, and big data/bioinformatics information; prepare professional presentations, manuscripts, data summaries, and educational materials.
• Direct ongoing administrative and portfolio analyses to evaluate program effectiveness, productivity, and progress toward organizational goals.
• Troubleshoot operational and technical challenges related to clinical research protocols; spearhead continuous process improvements.
• Identify knowledge gaps and strategic opportunities, propose and launch new research initiatives, and shape future funding concepts.
• Guide the development and maintenance of data management systems, coordinate use of advanced automated platforms, and oversee hardware calibration and screening library preparation.
• Prepare executive summaries, technical reports, and briefing materials for senior management and stakeholders; ensure timely communication of project progress and emerging research advances.
• Evaluate scientific programs, analyze policies and procedures, and lead comprehensive studies to establish metrics, milestones, and strategic plans.
• Provide scientific review and analysis of grant proposals; interact with potential grantees and thought leaders to inform funding decisions.
• Mentor scientific program staff, facilitate ongoing education, and build team capacity for excellence in scientific program management.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a scientific, biomedical, or related field; MBA or MPA a plus.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in scientific program/director-level management, preferably in federal government, NIH, DoD, or large healthcare systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic program planning, policy development, bioinformatics/big data analysis, and cross-functional team leadership.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; proven track record of preparing executive-level reports and scientific publications.
• Experience with clinical research protocol development, regulatory compliance, grant analysis, and technology/platform oversight.
• Advanced proficiency with electronic data management systems, analytic databases, and tools for large-scale scientific data synthesis.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational abilities; ability to influence and drive operational excellence in complex environments.
• Local residency required; must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Why Kelly Government Solutions?

• Over 25 years as a trusted partner to federal healthcare agencies
• Commitment to professional development, equity, and inclusion
• Impact-driven work advancing public health and scientific innovation

Apply Now—lead the future of national scientific research, innovation, and policy!