Are you interested in making a world of difference in cancer care?

Cancer strikes more than 10 million people worldwide each year. As the leading medical society representing doctors who care for people with cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is committed to conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality care.

Who we are:

ASCO is a flexible, high-performance membership organization where employees collaborate to support our mission through evidence, care, and impact. Together with Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, we foster a culture that prioritizes customer-centricity, emphasizes teamwork, and commits to quality. Our culture, ASCO Works – Our Way of Working, has long enabled workplace flexibility and embraced technology to help us achieve balance.

ASCO offers competitive salaries, an excellent benefits package, and opportunities to participate in professional development programs. .

Who we are looking for:

The Science and Research Policy Advisor leads the strategic design and long-term vision for ASCO’s science policy portfolio, ensuring technical direction American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is seeking an experienced Science and Research Policy Advisor, to lead efforts at the intersection of science, health, and federal policy. This role serves as a trusted advisor to ASCO leadership, committees, and staff—monitoring and shaping regulatory actions from key agencies such as NIH, FDA, CDC, and ARPA-H.

The successful candidate will help guide ASCO’s advocacy strategy, strengthen relationships with federal partners, and ensure the Society’s policy priorities advance cancer research and care in alignment with its Strategic Plan.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment, dedicated to advance care policy and care – we want to hear from you!

This position is hybrid with a primary location in Alexandria, VA.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision & Design: Direct the strategic design and long-term vision regarding policies and regulatory actions supporting clinical research and cancer care delivery (e.g., drug/biomarker approval, trial design, and diagnostics). Ensure all initiatives maintain structural integrity and align with ASCO’s mission.
• Executive Advising: Act as a high-level professional advisor to executive leadership, providing critical oversight and insight into the impact of proposed regulations, administrative actions, and multifaceted legislative trends.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as the primary technical leader for ASCO’s formal responses to regulatory issues. Recommend systemic improvements to ASCO policies and processes based on emerging industry trends and the evolving research landscape . Provide strategic analysis and input to legislative and regulatory actions or other policy proposals as appropriate .
• Stakeholder Management: Manage complex, senior-level relationships with Agency staff and external partners. Build strategic alliances to advise key external audiences and raise ASCO’s global visibility.
• Organizational Influence: Lead through organization-wide influence to ensure the successful delivery of work programs and advocacy strategies. Represent ASCO’s innovative vision in external coalitions , on task forces, and on Capitol Hill.
• Committee Leadership: Provide strategic leadership to the Government Relations Committee and other task forces; serve as a resource for membership while identifying emerging policy areas that require proactive ASCO action.
• Fiscal Oversight: Provide budget input and financial recommendations as they relate to assigned initiatives and large-scale policy programs.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, health, or science-related discipline.
• 9+ years' experience within the regulatory and/or legislative process (Agency or Congressional staff, or senior consultant), with a proven track record in healthcare policy.
• 5 years of experienc e with d emonstrated leadership in managing large-scale initiatives and a sophisticated understanding of lead scientific research agencies (NIH, FDA, ARPA-H, etc.).

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced degree (PhD, JD, or Master’s) in a health-research or science-related field.
• Extensive experience in a cancer-focused non-profit, medical society, or federal regulatory agency.

Competencies

• Ability to design long-term visions for major functional areas.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills suitable for interacting with executive leadership and high-ranking government officials.
• Proven ability to foster a culture of accountability and empower others while working across a complex organization.
• Deep understanding of the political nuances affecting cancer research and the ability to leverage the influence of senior leaders.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory/technical changes into actionable strategic plans for the organization.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced office environment, primarily requiring the constant use of computers and communication technology to manage high-priority policy deadlines.

ADA/Physical Requirements

Extended periods seated or standing at a desk.

Constant or frequent use of computers and other technological equipment.

Travel

5-7 days

Generous Benefits Package:

• Hybrid Work Environment
• Open Leave Policy
• Paid Family Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays per Calendar Year
• Staff Appreciation Days
• 401(k): 7.5% Employer Contribution
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fertility and Family Forming
• Healthcare Concierge
• Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Healthcare Savings Account
• Disability and Life Insurance

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, and religion.