Staffing Advisors is proud to have partnered with the American Kidney Fund (AKF) in the selection of its Senior Director of Clinical Education, Shahzia Lakhani. AKF is a national charitable nonprofit organization that directly supports patients and caregivers wherever they are in the fight against kidney disease. The organization operates with approximately 125 staff members. Learn more about AKF’s leadership team here.
About the Search for AKF’s Next Senior Director of Clinical Education
After a deep discovery process to identify the organization’s most critical business issues and strategic priorities, Staffing Advisors sought an experienced executive to bring specialized clinical expertise to support AKF staff day-to-day, lead research initiatives, drive its clinical education program, and represent AKF’s position on scientific and medical issues. The new leader would ensure that AKF provides accurate, standardized, up-to-date information to stakeholders, inform policy positions to help advocate for better patient outcomes at the national level, and enhance AKF’s ability to deliver the most relevant and impactful education and programs, ultimately shaping the future of patient care.
The search was led by Staffing Advisors Vice President of Executive Search Aileen Hedden, with strategy consulting from Founder & President Bob Corlett and support from the entire Staffing Advisors team.
Working closely with AKF’s leadership, Staffing Advisors surfaced several key competency areas for the role. A summary of each is listed below:
- Clinical Expertise Resource for AKF Staff. Serve as the organization’s clinical resource by reviewing medical content, monitoring emerging nephrology research and treatments, and advising leadership on clinical issues affecting programs and policy; support communications and external engagement by providing expert guidance for media responses, partnership discussions, and board materials; advise on complex patient eligibility cases and overseeing the Clinical Scientist in Nephrology program; and contribute clinical expertise to board committees, policy development, and organizational initiatives.
- Research Endeavors. Lead the medical oversight and analysis of patient data collected through the organization’s grants management system; design and evaluate surveys for patient and professional audiences; and contribute to research dissemination by authoring abstracts, presenting findings, and representing the organization at professional conferences.
- Thought Leadership. Advance the organization’s thought leadership by managing strategic initiatives such as the Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease project; contribute clinical expertise to educational programs, virtual and in-person events, and professional training; and represent the organization as a subject matter expert through industry panels, media engagement, advisory committees, and external partner collaborations.
The Staffing Advisors team was honored to support AKF in this important leadership transition. Since 2008, we have partnered with AKF on several key roles, including a Chief Medical Officer, a Senior Director of Brand Marketing, and a Senior Director of Human Resources.