Executive Director

Role: Executive Director, RTW Institute
Location: New York City

Role Type: Full-time Onsite (4 days in the office)

About RTW Institute

The RTW Institute (RTWi) is an emerging think tank platform dedicated to advancing understanding and dialogue across healthcare innovation, rare disease, and health equity. 

Overview

This is rare opportunity to lead the build-out and scaling of a think tank.  We are seeking an Executive Director who will lead the strategic vision for the organization, report to the CEO and Sponsor, and be responsible for increasing capacity and impact.

The successful candidate will be a bold thought leader, an effective and persuasive communicator, detail research analyst, a skilled builder, and an astute strategist who can navigate complex stakeholder landscapes - from policymakers to corporate leaders to rare disease foundations to local community organizations.

This role will sit at the intersection of research, policy, communications, interfacing closely with RTW and RTW Foundation leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision
  • Lead the development and execution of a strategic plan to grow RTWi with a lens on impact.
  • Position RTWi as a prominent voice in healthcare innovation and policy, ensuring it’s at the forefront of emerging or topical issues.
  • Lead and represent the organization in national policy forums, federal and state policy discussions, and multi-stakeholder coalitions.
• Research and Policy
  • Lead policy research efforts across health innovation, access, pricing, and regulatory reform.
  • Oversee the synthesis of complex policy and scientific information into actionable insights for policymakers, media, and the public.
  • Ensure our research maintains the highest standards and credibility.
• Board Governance
  • Work closely with the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council to align on organizational priorities and strategic direction.
• Organizational Excellence & Team Building
  • Build and lead a high-performing team.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and shared mission commitment.
  • Develop and grow organizational capacity through effective mentorship and coaching.

Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for someone who has experience working in public policy who is passionate about the RTW Institute’s mission.

• At least 10 years of experience at the intersection of health policy, strategic communications, and research.
• Ability to forge partnerships and align interests across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong capacity to translate complex scientific and policy concepts into compelling content that resonate and inspire action from the public and policy makers.
• Deep understanding of U.S. healthcare, biotech innovation, or the rare disease policy landscape.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and analytical skills; strong attention to detail and tone.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities.
• Strong collaboration and leadership skills, with a bias toward clarity, mentorship, and execution.
• Rapid response experience is a plus.
• Experienced public speaker and media trained.

The base salary for this New York-based position ranges from $175,000-$200,000, depending on experience, skills, and responsibilities. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and the level at which the role is hired. In addition to the base salary, the role includes a discretionary incentive compensation program, and a full benefits package, including medical and life insurance, retirement plans, tax-free savings options, and access to other healthcare programs.