Vice President, Research Strategy

Reports to:Chief Scientific Officer

Location:Hybrid in New York, NY

Fueled by passion and urgency, the National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we enhance lives through action, education, and accelerating change.

• Accountability
  - Earn and Keep Trust
• Collaboration-Work as a team
• Communication
  - Empower with information
• Compassion
  - Lead with care and respect
• Impact-Focus on the mission

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The Vice President of Research Strategy is a leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s enterprise-wide research and insights strategy. This leader will ensure scientific rigor across all research activities, integrate data and analytics into decision-making, and translate evidence into actionable insights that drive programmatic impact, policy influence, and organizational growth.

The VP of Research Strategy will report directly to the Chief Scientific Officer and will lead a diverse NKF internal research portfolio, including implementation science, outcomes research, qualitative and quantitative studies, market research, and program evaluation, while also advancing the organization’s extramural research grant program.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, organization-wide research strategy aligned with NKF’s mission, strategic priorities, and revenue goals
• Oversee and integrate a diverse research portfolio, including:
  • Implementation science and health services research
  • Market research and stakeholder insights
  • Program evaluation and outcomes measurement
  • Signature initiatives (e.g., Kidney CARE Study, CKD Prognosis Consortium, CKD-EPI-CT, Transplants for All)
• Oversee NKF’s research grant portfolio and related funding programs, including strategic priority setting, application and peer review processes, award management, outcomes tracking, and dissemination of funded research findings
• Elevate NKF’s national profile as a leader in evidence generation, implementation science, and patient-centered research
• Ensure alignment of NKF-funded research initiatives with organizational strategic priorities, emerging scientific opportunities, and areas of unmet need in kidney health
• Lead the development of a Kidney Intelligence Hub, integrating data science, research operations, and analytics into a cohesive ecosystem
• Partner with internal teams to leverage data (clinical, programmatic, payer, and external datasets) to generate actionable insights on kidney care
• Establish frameworks for data governance, interoperability, and scalable analytics to support organizational decision-making

• Serve as a strategic partner across departments (Scientific Operations, Population Health, Marketing, Development, Policy, and Programs)
• Embed research and insights into program design, education, advocacy, and partnership strategies
• Support service departments in aligning insights and evaluation with fundraising and programmatic goals
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to raise funds and expand research opportunities and strengthen NKF’s role as a convener and catalyst for innovative kidney research
• Build and lead strategic partnerships with academic institutions, health systems, payers, industry, and government agencies
• Identify and secure funding opportunities (grants, contracts, sponsored research, major gifts) to support research initiatives
• Represent NKF as a trusted partner and leader in…