The Institute for Systems Biology is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Operating Officer to strategically guide operations to transform health through science.

About ISB

Led by Dr. Jim Heath, ISB scientists make breakthrough discoveries in cancer, health, chronic and infectious disease, and environmental issues. Our agile research teams collaborate seamlessly, exchanging knowledge and expertise. Our strong affiliation with Providence and partnerships with top research institutes worldwide give us a distinct advantage in scientific excellence.

The Opportunity

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a pivotal executive role responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership across all operational functions of ISB. Reporting directly to the President, the COO will serve as the President's key advisor, a trusted thought partner, and a highly visible representative to the Board of Directors, key external partners, and the entire institute community.

You will prioritize administrative issues, concerns, and decisions, presenting clear, actionable recommendations to the President. Your high-level understanding of administrative functions, their business necessity, and strategic impacts will be essential.

Key Responsibilities Include

Strategic Leadership & Financial Stewardship: Drive financial sustainability, strategically expand diverse funding streams, optimize resource allocation, and oversee long-range financial planning in the current climate of uncertain federal funding for research.

Communication & Visibility: Be a proactive, vocal, and accessible communicator, bridging connections between department leadership, the Board, and the President.

Operations: Provide strategic oversight and guidance to administrative departments (Finance, FP&A, Innovation, Development, Facilities, HR, IT and Sponsored Projects and Communications).

What We're Looking For

15+ years of progressive leadership, with 7-10+ years in a senior executive role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, CFO) in a complex organization.

Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial management and resource allocation, particularly with variable funding.

Proven ability to provide high-level strategic guidance across diverse administrative functions.

Exceptional executive presence with the ability to influence and represent executive and board leadership effectively.

High emotional intelligence and strong consultative instincts, adept at making clear, data-driven recommendations and decisions.

Experience in a biomedical research institute or similar non-profit research environment is preferred.

A strong understanding of fundraising and philanthropic strategies is highly desirable.

All ISB staff members are expected to have baseline technical skills and the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately over email, the intranet/forum, etc. Employees should be able to use Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint at a functional level.

Benefits: https://isbscience.org/careers/benefits/

Compensation: The pay range for this position is $225,050 to $432,100. The expected annual pay is $226,000 - $325,000.

ISB is a D/V/EOE.

ISB is an EOE (M/F/veteran/disability status)

Institute for Systems Biology (ISB)

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