Director, BARDA Alliance

J&J Family of Companies - Director, BARDA Alliance - Annapolis, Maryland

Johnson & Johnson is recruiting a leader for BLUE KNIGHT, a joint initiative between Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Preferred location is Washington, D.C. Candidates may also be considered to be based at another JLABS location in the U.S. (San Francisco, San Diego, NYC, Houston) or New Brunswick. Remote candidates may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Candidates must be willing/able to travel to Washington, D.C.

The goal of Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JJI) is to advance transformative healthcare solutions that improve the lives of people around the world. JJI accomplishes this by catalyzing new science and technology through collaboration and exchange of ideas. This growing team is looking for a colleague inspired to help build and innovate new ways of fostering a productive life-science ecosystem.

BLUE KNIGHT launched in 2020 and is a global initiative supporting early-stage companies strategically aligned to both J&J and BARDA. Companies selected for BLUE KNIGHT are supported through JLABS and receive unique benefits through the collaboration with BARDA, including fee assistance for access to JLABS and additional mentorship.

This position will be responsible for setting the BLUE KNIGHT strategic direction; portfolio sourcing, selection, and management; and oversight of all operational activities related to the collaboration with BARDA. This role requires close communication and collaboration with BARDA.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Maintain strong relationship with BARDA through consistent engagement.
2. Lead strategy, operational and logistical activities to ensure delivery of business objectives.
3. Develop educational programming and manage delivery to ensure stakeholder engagement.
4. Represent BLUE KNIGHT at external engagements and conferences.
5. Manage sourcing and selection of high potential companies.
6. Engage with start-up companies globally and serve as an advisor.
7. Build relationships with Venture Capital, Angel Funds, and Government Agencies.
8. Drive internal collaboration with J&J sectors.
9. Manage portfolio of resident companies and network them across channels.
10. Lead vision for the initiative and manage financial forecasts and reporting.

Qualifications:

1. Deep experience in infectious disease, global public health, and/or pharma industries.
2. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
3. A minimum of 10 years of experience in senior program management.
4. Knowledge in Public Health and/or BARDA areas of strategic interest required.
5. At least 6 years of relevant experience in the healthcare industry.
6. Experience in program budgeting and fiscal management.
7. Experience working with government agencies and funding requirements.
8. Strong leadership and adaptability across functions.
9. Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.

Johnson & Johnson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status.