Overview
Director of Engagement and Advocacy Jobs in Bethesda, MD at Sarcoma Foundation of America
Title: Director of Engagement and Advocacy
Company: Sarcoma Foundation of America
Location: Bethesda, MD
The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and mission-driven Director of Engagement and Advocacy to lead and expand our national and global efforts to support people affected by sarcoma.
This senior leadership role is responsible for advancing SFA’s engagement, advocacy, education, and patient-centered initiatives to improve outcomes for individuals and families impacted by sarcoma. The Director will develop and execute strategies that strengthen and mobilize the sarcoma community, elevate the collective sarcoma voice, expand strategic partnerships, and advance policy and research priorities that accelerate progress in sarcoma treatment and care.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director will serve as a key connector among patients, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry partners, and advocacy organizations, ensuring that patient perspectives remain central to SFA’s work.
What You’ll Do
- Lead SFA’s engagement, advocacy, and education strategies to advance the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Build and mobilize a national network of patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, and partners.
- Develop programs that empower the sarcoma community through education, advocacy, leadership development, and research participation.
- Advance public policy initiatives that improve access to care, research funding, and treatment options for sarcoma patients.
- Serve as a bridge between the patient and scientific communities, ensuring patient perspectives inform research priorities and clinical trial efforts.
- Build and strengthen relationships with advocacy organizations, academic institutions, cancer centers, industry partners, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
- Represent SFA at conferences, industry meetings, advocacy events, and collaborative forums.
- Partner across teams to develop educational resources, awareness campaigns, and communications that inform and engage the sarcoma community.
- Measure and demonstrate program impact while helping position SFA as the leading voice for sarcoma patients and families.
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, healthcare, nonprofit management, communications, life sciences, public policy, or a related field.
- 8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in patient advocacy, healthcare, public health, oncology, nonprofit management, rare disease, or related fields.
- At least 5 years of people management experience.
- Demonstrated success building partnerships, leading strategic initiatives, and delivering measurable results.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
- Ability to work effectively with patients, clinicians, researchers, corporate leaders, policymakers, and nonprofit stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Personal or professional connection to the sarcoma, cancer, or rare disease community.
- Advanced degree (MPH, MPA, MS, MBA, PhD, or equivalent).
- Experience in oncology, sarcoma, cancer, rare disease, or patient advocacy organizations.
- Knowledge of clinical trials, biomedical research, and drug development.
- Experience in research advocacy, scientific communications, patient education, or public policy advocacy.
Why Join SFA?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of sarcoma advocacy and engagement while working alongside passionate patients, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and advocates. The Director of Engagement and Advocacy will play a pivotal role in driving meaningful change and helping ensure every person affected by sarcoma has a stronger voice, better resources, and greater hope for the future.
Travel: Approximately 20–30%
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Environment: Primarily Remote
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications. Please email your resume and cover letter, along with your salary requirements, to [email protected] with the subject line “Director Engagement and Advocacy.” Join us in advancing progress for the sarcoma community.
