Review Vacancy
The date on which the vacancy post was submitted.Date Posted 06/02/25
The last date that applications will be accepted.Applications Due09/02/25
This is the unique identifier for this vacancy.Vacancy ID189149
Indicates whether if this vacancy posting is part of the NY HELPS Program.NY HELPNo
The agency in which the vacancy exists.AgencyEmpire State Development, NYS
The job title for the vacancy.TitleExecutive Director & Vice President, Life Sciences & Strategic Partnerships
The job title for the vacancy.Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
The salary grade for this vacancy. Salaries are determined by salary grade and bargaining unit.Salary GradeNS
The collective bargaining unit to which this vacancy is assigned.Bargaining UnitNone listed
The minimum and maximum of the salary range for this vacancy.Salary RangeFrom $180000 to $185000 Annually
Indicates whether this job is full-time or part-time. If the job is part-time, an estimated percentage will be provided. Employment Type Full-Time
This indicates the type of job, typically permanent, temporary, or provisional. 'Provisional' means that the appointment will be temporary until the incumbent takes and passes an appropriate civil service examination. Appointment Type Permanent
Estimates the percentage of time incumbents of this vacancy will be required to travel. Travel Percentage 0%
This provides information on the expected workweek. Workweek Mon-Fri
The number of hours in the workweek, typically 37.5 or 40 for full time, or any other number for part time.Hours Per Week 37.5
Workday
If checked, the agency allows flextime. Flextime allowed? No
If checked, this vacancy includes mandatory overtime. Mandatory overtime? No
If checked, this agency allows compressed workweek scheduling. Compressed workweek allowed? No
If checked, this agency allows telecommuting for this position. Telecommuting allowed? No
The county in which the vacancy is located. County New York
The street address where the vacancy is located. Street Address 655 Third Avenue
The city where the vacancy is located. City New York
The state where the vacancy is located (the default is New York). StateNY
The zip code where the vacancy is located. Zip Code10017
The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description *Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.
*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.
*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Empire State Development (ESD) is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking executive to serve as the Executive Director & Vice President of Life Sciences and Strategic Partnerships. This critical leadership role is responsible for designing and implementing innovative programs and strategic alliances that strengthen New York’s life sciences ecosystem and drive statewide economic growth. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a deep commercial life sciences experience, a well-developed professional network, and a strong record of creating impactful partnerships and transformative programs. Success in this role will depend on exceptional relationship-building skills, strategic insight, and the ability to communicate and champion bold ideas to a wide range of stakeholders.
ABOUT ESD’S LIFE SCIENCES INITIATIVE:
Since its launch in 2017, ESD’s $620 million Life Science Initiative has capitalized on New York’s many life science research assets to establish a robust commercial life science ecosystem, fertile ground for innovation, and a world-class research cluster. Our strategic programs attract new technologies, promote investment in emerging fields, and stimulate life science business growth and employment statewide. Through investments, grants, and tax credits, we are enhancing New York’s ability to commercialize innovation and drive economic growth across the state. More information can be found in the Life Sciences Initiative Strategic Plan and 2024 Annual Report.
WORK PERFORMED:
• Lead the execution of ESD’s Life Sciences Division strategic plan, which aims to help make New York a leading destination for innovation and commercialization in the life sciences.
• Inspire and lead a high-performing team, fostering professional growth, innovation, and programmatic excellence.
• Develop and champion innovative program concepts that advance the sector and drive economic growth; articulate clear value propositions and galvanize stakeholder support.
• Identify and secure strategic partnerships, negotiating mutually beneficial agreements and ensuring effective collaboration and accountability.
• Set and communicate clear, mission-aligned goals to internal teams and external partners.
• Strengthen and manage existing partnerships through strategic-engagement, performance monitoring, and proactive conflict resolution.
• Design and implement data-driven marketing and outreach strategies to promote New York’s life sciences innovation and commercialization.
• Ensure strong cross-functional coordination across ESD divisions, regional economic development agencies, government entities, and private-sector stakeholders.
• Represent the Life Sciences Initiative through public-speaking, writing, and media engagement to elevate visibility and impact.
The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications Education Level Required: An advanced degree (e.g., M.S., Ph.D., or equivalent) in a life sciences-related discipline is required. An additional degree in business, public policy, or a related field is preferred.
Experience required:
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the life sciences sector, particularly the commercial space, with a strong, existing network of industry relationships.
Proven experience in the commercial or business sector, with a strong understanding of market dynamics and strategy.
Familiarity with government operations and policies, preferably with direct experience working with or within government agencies.
Strategic and future-oriented thinker with the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans and communicate them effectively.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex concepts and unite diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.
Knowledge Required:
Proven ability to identify and capitalize on new opportunities for growth across companies, investments, and job creation.
Demonstrated project management expertise with a results-oriented, data-driven approach.
Strong leadership capabilities, including hiring, managing, mentoring, and retaining high-performing teams.
Ability in navigating challenges and removing barriers to progress through adaptive problem-solving.
Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Salary range as specified.
Comprehensive Benefits Package.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
The name of the contact person for this vacancy. Name Jane Martinez – HR Trainer/Talent Acquisition Specialist
The telephone number to use for questions about this vacancy. Telephone N/A
The fax to use for this vacancy. Fax N/A
Email address for emailing applications, or to ask questions about this vacancy. Email Address resumes@esd.ny.gov
Address
The street address of the contact for this vacancy. Street 655 Third Avenue
The city for the contact for this vacancy. City New York
The state of the contact for this vacancy (the default is New York). State NY
The zip code for the contact for this vacancy. Zip Code 10017
Instructions for potential applicants.Notes on ApplyingExternal Candidates: Please attach cover letter and resume. To apply copy & paste URL in browser: https://bit.ly/3APr8cp
Internal Candidates: Please apply through ADP using the Myself/Talent menu and submit your cover letter and resume for consideration
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY