Senior Data Portfolio Manager

Job Title:Senior Data Portfolio Manager 

Position Summary:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for itsSenior Data Portfolio Manager. This positionfocuses on the management, coordination, and stewardship of research data across the Foundation’s funded portfolio. This role works closely with scientific portfolio managers on the Translational Research team to identify where data management support is needed across complex programs and projects, and partners with both internal teams and external grantees to guide data collection, standardization, quality control, and submission. This includes ensuring that datasets areproperly organized, documented, and made available throughappropriate data distribution platforms so they can be accessed and reused by the broader research community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate data management activities across a portfolio of funded studies, supporting research data scoping, standardization, quality control, and submission from generation through distribution and reuse 

• Work closely with internal scientific portfolio managers and external grantees to identify data management needs and ensure alignment with priorities and timelines 

• Support the implementation and use of data platforms and pipelines to enable efficient data ingestion, organization, and sharing 

• Facilitate collaboration across internal teams (scientific, data product, grant operations) and external partners to ensure consistent data practices and smooth handoffs 

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of data standards, submission guidelines, and workflows to improve consistency and scalability across programs and projects 

• Ensure research data are prepared, documented, and submitted by grantees in accordance with Foundation standards, data governance policies, and community best practices 

• Track and communicate data deliverables, timelines, and risks, providing clear updates to stakeholders and leadership 

• Coordinate with internal and external project teams in partnership with the Foundation’s data product owners and executive sponsors to ensure data management strategy is consistent with the Foundation’s needs 

• Establish effective communication and reporting methods to build transparent and trusting partnerships 

• Recommend technology investments, statistical methods, and practical solutions to scale Parkinson’s cohorts and data 

• Support data releases and growth tactics coordinating across internal Marketing, Communications, Development, and Research teams 

• Integrate deep considerations for research data governance, compliance, and patient privacy into all aspects of data management and sharing 

• Create, maintain, and socialize user documentation (e.g., data dictionaries, user guidance documentation, etc.) to support data reusability 

• Effortlessly code-switch between distilling technical complexities to less-technical senior audiences and translating clinical/scientific objectives into business requirements for developers 

• Assist in reviewing data-related project proposals and engaging in procurement activities 

• Other duties as assigned, based on departmental and business unit needs 

Qualifications & Skills:

• Relevant experience in data management, analytics, data science, or related field (neuroscience preferred) 

• Relevant experience and interest in open science, open data, and bioinformatics 

• Action-oriented, diplomatic, agile, and proven team-advocate with the ability to balance short-term deadlines with multi-year priorities 
• Understanding of data product design, software development lifecycles, and data usability 
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across various mediums (i.e., presentations, poster, publications, team updates) 
• Extremely organized with strong attention to detail 
• Demonstrate initiative and independence to identify short and long-term portfolio needs with input from peers within and across research business units 

Compensation & Benefits
Individual compensation for this role is dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, skillsets, and applicable laws.  In addition to salary, the Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums) 

• Competitive dental and vision plans 

• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution 

• Flexible spending accounts 

• Employer paid life and disability insurance  

• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4 

• Flexible work environment.  We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.   

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.   

How to Apply: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted. 

 
About Us: 
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide. 

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information. 

 
 Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.