CARB-X Assistant Director of External Affairs
The Assistant Director of External Affairs will play a pivotal role in strengthening CARB-X’s financial sustainability and elevating its partnerships and impact across the global antimicrobial innovation ecosystem. Reporting to the Director of External Affairs, this position offers the opportunity to help shape and execute CARB-X’s engagement strategy with funders, policy-makers and innovation partners worldwide. In this highly collaborative role, the Assistant Director will lead day‑to‑day relationship management, develop compelling grant proposals, generate high‑quality strategic research, and represent CARB-X in external engagements. The Assistant Director will also support senior colleagues in high-level meetings and events. We seek a talented professional with a strong understanding of, and passion for, resource mobilization in science, global health, or biomedical innovation. Familiarity with the pharmaceutical R&D landscape or policies and interventions related to global health and antimicrobial resistance is a plus. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is the ability to translate complex scientific and strategic concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
Essential functions include:
Manage day-to-day relationships with current and prospective funders
Coordinate internally to ensure that funder expectations are understood and integrated across CARB-X teams. Work closely with Boston University’s Sponsored Programs and other internal teams to draft funding proposals and negotiate grant agreements. Map funder priorities, funding cycles, and decision‑making processes to inform engagement planning and proposal timing. Use internal and external data to show CARB-X’s impact and strengthen the case for additional funding in the early stages of AMR product development. Provide strategic advice to colleagues across CARB-X on funder engagement and external positioning.
Manage day-to-day relationships with policy-makers and key stakeholders
Customize engagement tactics for each partner. Ensure regular documentation and internal sharing of insights from stakeholder interactions to inform future engagement strategies. Collaborate with other teams to provide CARB-X’s technical expertise to policy-makers and relevant partners. Support efforts to strengthen CARB-X’s convening role within the AMR and global health space.
Keep abreast of policy developments in AMR and global health R&D
Analyze news, reports and studies to identify and share emerging trends. Engage in forward-thinking analysis to anticipate shifts in the AMR and global health landscape. Deliver stakeholder mapping and power analysis, identifying influence, interests, and alignment with CARB-X goals. Refine CARB-X’s narrative based on these policy developments and emerging trends.
Support preparation of speaking notes, background briefs, and key messages for senior leadership ahead of external engagements.
Act as a representative of CARB-X at global health forums and conferences. Participate in roundtables and events with funders and policy-makers, advocating for the organization’s mission. Coordinate with external organizations about crucial narratives and messages.
In addition:
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Boston University is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today, with two primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the world. As a Boston University employee you will be part of a dynamic community where every individual is valued. You'll reap the rewards of being on a college campus, such as direct access to the heart of the education and research community and a myriad of opportunities to help create a positive impact on our students' educational experiences. Education thrives in Boston, and working here – at one of the largest employers in the city – will give you the opportunity to contribute to our mission and work with some of the most experienced educators and staff in the nation.