This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Head of Patient Recruitment and Retention based in the United States.
This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and executing patient recruitment and retention strategies across a global clinical trial portfolio, with a strong focus on oncology studies. You will design and lead multi-channel recruitment approaches that ensure timely enrollment and sustained patient participation throughout the full study lifecycle. The role requires close collaboration with clinical, medical, and operational teams to embed patient-centric thinking into protocol design and study execution. You will also build and manage strategic partnerships with patient advocacy groups, vendors, and digital engagement platforms to expand reach and improve trial accessibility. Operating in a data-driven environment, you will leverage analytics, real-world evidence, and innovative technologies to optimize performance. This is a highly impactful leadership position where success is defined by improved enrollment outcomes, stronger patient retention, and more inclusive clinical trial participation.
Accountabilities:
- Define and lead the regional patient recruitment and retention strategy aligned with clinical portfolio priorities, ensuring effective enrollment planning across therapeutic areas and geographies.
- Integrate patient-centric principles into study design by collaborating with clinical, medical, and protocol development teams to reduce burden and improve participation.
- Develop and oversee multi-channel recruitment and retention programs, including digital campaigns, site-based initiatives, and community outreach strategies.
- Build and manage forecasting models to anticipate enrollment timelines, risks, and performance gaps, ensuring proactive mitigation strategies are in place.
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with patient advocacy organizations, recruitment vendors, site networks, and community stakeholders.
- Oversee execution and performance of external partners and vendors, ensuring alignment with enrollment targets and quality standards.
- Drive continuous improvement through data-driven insights, leveraging recruitment analytics, real-world data, and emerging technologies to optimize outcomes.
- Lead and develop the patient recruitment and retention team while supporting cross-functional governance across clinical operations.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific, medical, or healthcare-related field with 10+ years of experience in clinical operations, patient recruitment, or related disciplines.
- Proven experience leading patient recruitment and retention strategies in clinical trials, ideally within oncology or complex therapeutic areas.
- Strong understanding of patient engagement, retention drivers, and barriers to participation in clinical research.
- Demonstrated success in working with patient advocacy groups, recruitment vendors, and external engagement partners.
- Advanced analytical skills with experience using data, metrics, and predictive insights to guide strategy and decision-making.
- Strong project and budget management capabilities in a global, matrixed environment.
- Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment across clinical, operational, and external teams.
- Familiarity with clinical trial systems and analytics tools such as CTMS, EDC platforms, Citeline, Trialtrove, or similar.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with a collaborative, results-oriented mindset.
- Willingness to travel as required to support program and business needs.
Benefits:
- Competitive base salary ranging from approximately $171,900 to $231,900 annually, depending on experience, skills, and location.
- Eligibility for annual bonus plans or incentive compensation based on role structure.
- Equity participation through discretionary stock awards and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement benefits including 401(k), FSA/HSA options, and financial wellness programs.
- Generous paid time off and wellness-focused benefits supporting work-life balance.
- Opportunity to contribute to innovative oncology clinical programs with meaningful patient impact.
- Strong commitment to professional development, continuous learning, and global collaboration.