Research Program Manager

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We’re proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint. 

Work Shift:

8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Salary Range: $34.50 - $57.00

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Breadth and Depth of Research: The division encompasses ~24 research programs spanning cancer biology, rare diseases, and pediatric research, offering a unique opportunity to work across diverse, high-impact areas of science.
Mission-Driven Focus: Our work is deeply rooted in Sanford’s mission of advancing discoveries that improve health, with a strong emphasis on cancer biology, pediatric and rare diseases where new treatments are urgently needed.
Collaborative Culture: The division fosters an interdisciplinary, team-science approach, bringing together faculty, trainees, and staff who work collaboratively across labs and cores to accelerate discovery.
Strategic Grants and Funding: The division currently leads and supports multiple NIH COBRE program grants and other large, collaborative funding initiatives, providing opportunities to engage in high-level grant development and administration.
Growing National Reputation” Sanford Research is increasingly recognized for its leadership in pediatric and rare disease research, making this role an opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing, mission-focused organization with national and global impact.

Summary

The Research Program Manager serves as a trusted partner to senior leadership, helping to guide and execute the strategic vision of Sanford Research’s Biomedical Discovery Division. Working across ~24 research programs in cancer biology, rare diseases, and pediatric research, the manager plays a central role in coordinating complex initiatives, supporting large programmatic grants, and ensuring alignment of resources and priorities. This position is uniquely positioned at the intersection of science, strategy, and operations—supporting senior leadership, fostering collaboration, and advancing Sanford Research’s mission of discovery and innovation.

Job Description

The Research Program Manager is a dynamic and multifaceted role that provides critical support to the Executive Vice President of Biomedical Research and the Senior Director of Therapeutic Development. More than traditional project management, this position functions as an extension of leadership—helping to oversee and administer major initiatives, manage and write programmatic grants, and translate strategy into action.

This role requires close collaboration with the Sanford Grants Management team to support large-scale funding efforts, including several NIH COBRE grants, and direct interaction with internal partners such as administration, research operations, facilities, and marketing. The Research Program Manager also develops presentations and materials for internal and external stakeholders, contributes to quarterly townhalls and faculty retreats, and helps communicate the division’s achievements and goals with clarity and impact.

By aligning day-to-day activities with long-term strategic objectives, the Research Program Manager ensures that the Biomedical Discovery Division functions efficiently, effectively, and with a unified vision. This is a unique opportunity for an individual who thrives at the intersection of science and strategy—leveraging strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills to help drive the success of Sanford Research’s scientific enterprise.

Qualifications

Must have a Bachelor's degree in health services, life sciences, biomedical sciences, nursing, or clinical field required. Master's degree in public health, health care, business, or science related fields is preferred.

Minimum of five years' experience managing full life-cycle projects desired.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (or equivalent educational training) desired. For those hired into this position with emphasis in supporting Clinical Research responsibilities as defined by Research leadership, certification through Association of Clinical Research Professions (ACRP) or Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) is required within two years of employment into position. For those not supporting Clinical Research responsibilities as defined by Research leadership, certification is not required. As required by position, currently licensed with the applicable State Nursing Board and/or possess multistate licensure privileges.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. 

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.