Director, Awards

About the role

The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1817. It advances science for the benefit of society and supports a wide range of educational initiatives. The Academy focuses on various scientific disciplines including life and physical sciences, social sciences, nutrition, AI, computer science, and sustainability. It also provides resources for researchers at all stages of their careers.

Job Title

Director, Awards

Department

Awards

Reports to

SVP, Scientific Programs and Awards

Summary

The Director of Awards oversees and helps grow the Academy's award programs, including the Tata Transformation Prize and Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists. They manage a team of multidisciplinary PhD scientists to ensure successful execution of the Awards cycle and collaborate with various teams to promote and fund these programs.

Essential Duties

• Support Academy leadership in developing and advancing the strategic vision for the scientific awards portfolio.
• Manage day-to-day program operations to ensure the portfolio meets objectives, schedules, and budgets.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, enhanced representation, and alignment with the Academy's broader mission.
• Collaborate with the Advancement team, SVP Scientific Programs & Awards, and Chief Scientific Officer on outreach strategies and fundraising efforts.
• Oversee or support program renewals.
• Develop budgets in partnership with the Finance team; track expenses against budgets, prepare forecasts, and ensure proper approvals and compliance with Academy guidelines.
• Plan and execute awards ceremonies, symposia, jury meetings, and other events in the U.S. and internationally, ensuring high-quality program delivery and smooth execution.

General Responsibilities

• Strategic Contributions & External Engagement: Develop scientific and programmatic insights to help shape goals, build partnerships, and support fundraising efforts.
• Program Management & Operations: Ensure compliance with Academy policies, internal controls, and funder requirements, manage budgets, and track progress against defined goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to promote Awards programs globally and encourage diverse applicant pools.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (Medicine and Biology, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Engineering).
• At least 5-7 years of experience in scientific leadership, program management, or partnership development in academia, industry, government, publishing, or nonprofit/NGO sectors.
• Demonstrated success in program management, including sponsor stewardship experience and identification of expansion opportunities.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives, budgets, and cross-departmental teams.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and facilitation skills; able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities, coupled with integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to the Academy's mission.
• Experienced leading teams and mentoring people.

Work Schedule and Environment

The Academy operates during standard business hours Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm ET. The standard work week is 35 hours, unless otherwise noted. The Academy offers a flexible hybrid work model, which includes a combination of in-office and remote work. Specific in-office days are determined in coordination with the team and leadership. Flexibility is offered where possible, but regular in-person collaboration is required to support team effectiveness and project goals. This role requires Domestic & International travel (2+ trips/year) within the U.S., India, and/or Europe, and other locations as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $110,000 - $125,000 annually. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The Academy offers a comprehensive benefits package, including affordable health insurance, a retirement plan with matching employer contributions, a personal and career development stipend, and generous paid time off policies.

How to Apply

Applications must include a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The New York Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. The Academy is committed to making good faith efforts to recruit applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, including those historically underrepresented in the sciences. Reasonable Accommodations: The Academy is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and employment process, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.