Senior Director Scientific Affairs

Position Overview

The Senior Director for Scientific Affairs will report to the Senior Vice President for Scientific Affairs and will help NDC amplify research about dairy’s health benefits and integrate knowledge and expertise in nutrition, product, and environmental research. The Senior Director will provide strategic guidance to educate scientists, health professionals and the dairy community about dairy’s role in sustainable diets nationally and globally. They will foster cross-functional collaboration and integration of Scientific Affairs with Nutrition Research, Nutrition Affairs, Sustainability Affairs, and Communications team, as well as other dairy partners and food and nutrition key opinion leaders.

Key Accountabilities

• Translate science and develop science-based content on dairy’s role in a healthy diet and sustainable food system
• Act as an expert scientific resource on dairy and contribute scientific expertise and leadership to NDC’s nutrition guidance strategy
• Lead in science writing of key knowledge products that amplify the latest science on the role of dairy foods in health, wellness and sustainable food systems e.g., science summaries, public comment
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Nutrition Research, Nutrition Affairs, Sustainability Affairs and Communications team to interpret and translate science to develop educational resources, POVs and scientific symposia (e.g., ASN)
• Evaluate new relevant studies published in peer-reviewed literature; educate dairy community on implications, as needed
• Ensure research outcomes are credible, peer-reviewed, and communicated effectively to scientific and regulatory audiences
• Author papers for peer-review journals and partner with key opinion leaders to draft and finalize consensus, perspectives and proceeding papers to amplify dairy science
• Create and execute scientific symposia at key scientific meetings
• Organize and implement science roundtables about new and emerging areas of research on dairy foods
• Identify and engage with respected scientists, academics and health professional organizations with relevant expertise that complements internal capabilities to fill knowledge gaps, as needed
• Attend scientific and other authoritative meetings of existing and emerging organizations focused on health and sustainability; review relevant authoritative reports and policy documents; submit public comments as appropriate
• Support advancing amplification of dairy science in global food systems, food-based dietary guidelines, and relevant global efforts and initiatives
• Advance NDC deliverables supporting global dairy industry partner priorities
• Monitor global food-based dietary guidelines approaches and their impact on US nutrition guidance processes
• Aid in emerging global food systems research and implications for dairy
• Aid in science-based education and engagement, including global reports and events support
• Lead internal and external partnerships to advance nutrition guidance priorities
• Position NDC as a trusted thought leader in nutrition, health, and sustainability
• Support Enterprise-wide development of nutrition guidance priority outcomes and coordination of implementation
• Build relationships with key opinion leaders, health professional organizations (e.g. American Society for Nutrition), and academic societies aligned with NRSA team strategic plans
• Serve as NDC representative in key partner organizational convenings and committees

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in related disciplines such as food and nutrition, agriculture, public health/policy, food systems
• Master’s degree in nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, or related studies
• Experience in global nutrition and food systems work is a plus
• CPG experience is a plus
• Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Research background and experience in science translation and thought leader education
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strategic and analytical thinker who can translate complex science into credible, engaging information to educate expert and scientific thought leaders
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Demonstrated capacity to be self-directed within a team and have a passion for collaborative efforts