At Care Access, we are dedicated to expanding access to clinical research. We are seeking an Associate Director, Patient Recruitment Partnerships to drive this mission by building and optimizing a high-performing ecosystem of Recruitment Vendors and Patient Advocacy Organizations. You will lead the full lifecycle of partner strategy to ensure high-quality patient referrals that accelerate enrollment across a diverse portfolio of trials.
What You'll Do
- Identify, evaluate, and select Patient Recruitment Partners and Patient Advocacy Organizations based on therapeutic expertise, reach, compliance, and operational maturity.
- Lead RFP/RFI processes, negotiate MSAs, SOWs, budgets, and performance-based agreements in partnership with Patient Recruitment and Legal.
- Onboard mission-aligned partners to expand community reach and improve access for underserved populations.
- In collaboration with Campaign Managers, define and oversee the recruitment partner strategy across all trials, aligning partner efforts with study needs and enrollment goals.
- Establish performance and compliance expectations (GCP, IRB, HIPAA, SOPs, etc.), serve as the primary partner liaison, and provide ongoing guidance.
- Oversee financial management, ROI analysis, forecasting, and audit readiness for partners.
- Continuously identify inefficiencies and implement scalable, automated processes to support sustainable organizational growth.
- Own performance management across Recruitment Partners and PAOs to ensure delivery against contracted screening and enrollment commitments outlined in SOWs.
- Monitor recruitment funnel metrics, referral quality, pacing, and conversion rates to identify risks, gaps, and optimization opportunities.
- Drive corrective actions when partner performance falls short.
- Conduct regular performance and business reviews to enforce accountability, ensure adherence to scope, compliance, quality, and mission alignment, and validate partner value.
- Serve as the primary point of contact, building trust-based relationships while proactively resolving issues, aligning expectations, and co-developing improvement plans.
- Strengthen operational efficiency and scalability by refining SOPs, workflows, and playbooks, and implementing automation and process improvements.
- Partner closely with Patient Recruitment, Clinical Operations, Marketing, and Analytics to develop, align, and execute recruitment strategies across trials.
- Drive cross-functional planning, prioritization, and decision-making to ensure recruitment approaches support study needs, enrollment goals, and organizational priorities.
- Synthesize data, operational insights, and industry trends into clear strategic recommendations and communicate progress, risks, and opportunities to leadership and trial teams.
- Partner with Analytics to build and refine forecasting models for patient acquisition and partner throughput.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing across internal teams regarding partner best practices and market insights.
What We're Looking For
- Minimum of 6 years of proven experience managing Recruitment Partners and PAOs, including evaluation, contracting, onboarding, and performance oversight.
- Strong understanding of clinical trial patient recruitment, including funnel dynamics, referral pathways, and barriers to enrollment.
- Working knowledge of GCP, IRB, HIPAA and regulatory standards governing recruitment materials, patient communications, and community engagement.
- Proficiency with analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and strong data literacy to assess ROI, pacing, and partner performance.
- Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills.
- Familiarity with CRM or patient-tracking platforms such as Salesforce or similar systems.
- Ability to build trust-based relationships and collaborate effectively across internal teams and external partners.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate insights, guide strategy, and influence decision-making across stakeholders.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Solid project management capability to manage multiple initiatives, timelines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
- Mission-driven mindset with empathy, a commitment to patient access, and a continuous-improvement approach to operational excellence.
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Biology, Business, Healthcare, or related field preferred.
Nice to Have
- Master's in science, Public Health or related field preferred.
Technical Stack
- Tableau, Power BI
- Excel, Google Sheets
- Salesforce or similar CRM/patient-tracking platforms
Team & Environment
You will partner closely with Patient Recruitment, Clinical Operations, Marketing, and Analytics.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $115,000 - $145,000 USD per year
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Paid Holidays
- 100% Employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Bi-weekly HSA employer contribution
- Company paid Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
- 401(k) Retirement Plan, with Company Match
Work Mode
This is a remote position open to candidates located in the United States.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
