Director, Strategy and Research

Position Overview / Purpose of Role

The Director Strategy and Research serves as a senior administrative leader within the Regenstrief Institute’s  research enterprise, responsible for advancing the organization’s strategic priorities of advancing research, innovation, and partnerships. Reporting to the Chief Research Officer, this role leads and manages staff positions engaged in research projects, business development, and external and strategic communications, including public relations. The Director plays a key role in shaping and operationalizing Institute‑wide strategy for innovation, partnerships, and external engagement.

This position enables Institute investigators to translate their expertise in health services research, informatics, and real-world data science into high-impact partnerships, research opportunities, and external visibility through coordination and support. The Director will be a key point of contact that sustains strategic collaborations with healthcare companies, payors, technology developers, pharmaceutical firms, policymakers, media, and investors.

A successful candidates will bring:

• Experience operating at the intersection of research, external partners, and institutional leadership.

• Comfort navigating ambiguity and aligning diverse stakeholders.

• Credibility with both academic and non-academic audiences.

• Experience working in strategic communications

This position is a hybrid working model with two (2) to three (3) days of onsite work at the Regenstrief Institute building in Indianapolis, IN based on business needs. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Research Alignment

• Partners closely with the Chief Research Officer and Institute leadership to translate institutional research strengths into sustainable growth opportunities.

• Leads the administration of the Office of Strategic Innovation in efforts to identify, prioritize, and execute strategic initiatives that align the Institute’s research capabilities with market and societal needs.

• Drives the development and refinement of Office of Strategic Innovation service lines to reflect evolving market opportunities and research priorities.

• Within areas of responsibility, the Director has delegated authority to design processes, recommend priorities, and align resources in support of Institute strategy.

External Partnerships & Business Development

• Oversees and manages a high-value portfolio of external partnerships with healthcare service companies, payors, pharmaceutical firms, technology developers, investors, and other stakeholders.

• Develops compelling value propositions, pricing strategies, and partnership models that drive revenue growth and research impact.

• Works collaboratively with the Chief Research Officer and Institute leadership to identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities to expand non-federal research funding.

• Collaborates cross-functionally (finance, grants, research centers, legal) to develop proposals, contracts, and partnership agreements.

• Tracks, evaluates, and reports on performance metrics to inform strategy and continuous improvement.

External & Strategic Communications Leadership

• With prioritization set by Institute leadership, oversees the execution of the organization’s external and strategic communications through oversight of public relations and communication staff.

• Develops and executes a comprehensive external communications strategy that elevates the organization’s research impact, reputation, and thought leadership.

• Develops procedures and policies to ensure consistent, clear, and compelling messaging across external audiences, including industry partners, policymakers, media, and the public.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represents the Institute as a senior leader in external forums, strengthening institutional credibility and advancing strategic relationships

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including industry leaders, funders, and media.

• Serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on strategy, partnerships, and external positioning.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Leads and manages a multidisciplinary team spanning strategy, partnerships, and communications.

• Provides direction, mentorship, and performance management to team members, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

• Strengthens organizational capabilities in industry engagement, strategic communications, and translational research.

• Aligns internal stakeholders across scientific, operational, and communications functions to ensure coordinated execution.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public health, health services research, informatics, communications, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience.

• Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary, professional staff.

• Demonstrated experience in financial planning and budgeting.

• Demonstrated experience in strategic and/or external communications, public relations, or media engagement, preferably in a research, healthcare, or scientific environment.

• Proven track record of building and managing high-impact external partnerships that drive revenue growth, research funding, and organizational visibility.

• Strong understanding of the intersection between scientific research, innovation, and business operational needs.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to support the development of, and execute on, strategic plans informed by data, market insights, and organizational priorities.

• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence across technical, scientific, and executive audiences.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

• Working knowledge of legal and regulatory considerations related to partnerships, communications, and research activities helpful.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in a pharmaceutical, diagnostic, therapeutic, healthcare delivery, or digital health organization, particularly within real-world evidence or research strategy functions.

• Familiarity with research domains such as AI/ML evaluation, implementation science, health informatics, public health, healthcare delivery, or real-world evidence.

• Experience leading or partnering closely with communications, marketing, or public relations teams in a complex organization.

BENEFITS OF WORKING HERE 

• Work with a variety of diverse professionals in the healthcare industry

• Free parking

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

• Group Life and Voluntary Term Life insurance

• Long-term and Short-term Disability plans

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• 403b Retirement Plan with gracious employer contributions

• Fitness program

• Pet insurance

• Qualified employer for loan forgiveness

Please note sponsorship and/or relocation are not available for this position. 

REGENSTRIEF INSTITUTE REQUIRES ALL EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE THE INFLUENZA VACCINATION ANNUALLY UNLESS APPROVED FOR EXEMPTION