Senior Director, Program Innovation and Strategy

The path from discovery to treatment is too often determined by access to capital rather than the strength of the science, and many researchers lack the practical tools needed to navigate funding pathways and bring their work to market. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is advancing a cross-portfolio approach to ensure researchers have both the skills and opportunities to translate promising ideas into treatments and cures for eye and vision conditions. As Senior Director of Program Innovation and Strategy, you will lead the strategic planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous evolution of ARVO’s portfolio of programs outside of its Annual Meeting.

This portfolio spans education, mentorship, leadership development, fellowships, and member engagement programs that support researchers across career stages and extend ARVO’s reach year-round. In this role, education is a key strategic lever, but not the only one. You will strengthen and connect existing programs while identifying opportunities to expand ARVO’s impact through new translational pathways. You will build on a strong foundation by refining offerings based on member needs, market signals, and program performance, while introducing targeted innovations that extend ARVO’s reach and relevance.

Serving as a member of the senior leadership team, you will report to and partner closely with the Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO), program leaders, and volunteer subject matter experts from the global research community to translate ARVO’s strategy into a cohesive, high-impact portfolio. You will lead the people, processes, and systems that support this work, setting a clear roadmap that aligns resources to enable scalability, measurable outcomes, and financial sustainability.

Central to your role is applying a data-informed approach to portfolio management, identifying where to invest, where to refine, and how to align programs with ARVO’s strategic priorities. You will provide executive oversight across education, mentorship programs, fellowships, leadership development, regional and SIG-driven programming, and digital offerings, ensuring the portfolio functions as an integrated system rather than a collection of standalone activities.

Externally, you will shape strategic partnerships with academic institutions, industry, funders, and peer organizations, positioning ARVO as a convener and leader in advancing research education and translational impact.

How You’ll Make an Impact

ARVO has identified a clear need to better prepare researchers to translate research outcomes into real-world impact. This requires relevant, outcome-driven programs that support researchers at different career stages and reduce barriers to translation, particularly for those without access to institutional resources. Your work will help ARVO expand equitable access to knowledge and opportunity and accelerate progress toward treatments and cures that improve lives worldwide.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• Initially, you will work remotely as we move locations (Rockville, MD). Then you’ll enjoy a flexible hybrid schedule with one day in the office each week to collaborate with colleagues. Some travel is required, including 10 days at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
• The budgeted salary range for this position is $155K-185k. We offer an outstanding benefits package including comprehensive medical insurance, employer-paid vision, dental, life, and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and childcare expenses, matching retirement savings, employer-paid parking or monthly contribution for public transportation, generous PTO (12 paid holidays, 12 days of vacation increasing to 18 during 2nd year, and 10 days of sick leave), and tuition reimbursement for professional development.
• We recognize the value of our employees and strive to create an environment that is both flexible and conducive to a high-performing organization. Your colleagues are collegial, collaborative, and eager to help each other succeed.

Responsibilities

Strategy

• Lead and oversee the formulation and execution of strategy for education and mentorship, integrating with broader organizational objectives.
• Translate ARVO’s strategic priorities into multi-year roadmaps and coordinated program plans, working across functions to ensure clarity, alignment, and progress.

Program Portfolio Oversight

• Provide senior leadership for ARVO’s education portfolio, balancing strategic direction with hands-on oversight in a small, highly collaborative team environment.
• Direct the lifecycle of a diverse set of programs—including structured education, mentorship, professional development, and emerging translational initiatives—guiding program design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Establish priorities, oversee portfolio-level planning and coordination, and lead decisions to scale, redesign, or sunset programs to ensure offerings remain relevant, well-integrated, aligned with ARVO’s strategic direction and the needs of a global research community, and financially sustainable.
• Partner with senior leadership and regional advisory councils to balance impact, scale, and responsible use of resources as the portfolio grows.

Mentorship Network Expansion

• Enhance global mentorship programs and build alumni networks to accelerate career trajectories and organizational retention, integrating or aligning mentorship offerings with program initiatives to ensure coherence and value.

Program Partnerships

• In collaboration with the senior leadership team, shape strategic program partnerships that enhance educational impact and reach. Work closely with volunteer subject-matter experts, instructors, and advisory working groups to inform program direction and content priorities.

Impact Analytics and Reporting

• Oversee the development of advanced metrics to assess program participation, satisfaction, and learning outcomes.
• Review results regularly, calibrate programs accordingly, and communicate insights that support staff decision-making and inform board-level discussions.

Talent and Team Leadership

• Partner with the COFO to build and lead a high-performing team, creating a culture of accountability and high performance within a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional program leaders and champion an innovative mindset among staff.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience (typically 15+ years) leading a portfolio of programs with direct responsibility for setting priorities and making portfolio-level decisions, ideally within scientific or medical associations, research-focused nonprofits, or related environments. Exposure to academic research environments and translational research pathways is a plus.
• Experience building or evolving education or professional development programs in membership-based organizations.
• Deep understanding of adult learning strategies, along with knowledge of the professional needs and values of scientific professionals at different career levels.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships or collaborations that enhanced program delivery, reach, or impact.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with experience working with subject-matter experts, volunteer leaders, and cross-functional teams in mission-driven organizations.

About ARVO

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest and most respected eye and vision research organization in the world. Our members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. Our mission is to advance research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating, and curing its disorders.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.