[Hiring] Prize Director @XPRIZE Foundation

Role Description

The XPRIZE Foundation is seeking a leader for our XPRIZE Healthspan competition. XPRIZE Healthspan is a 7-year competition that will recruit interdisciplinary teams of innovators from around the world to develop and scale integrated systems that can revolutionize health aging through the creation of innovative therapies that restore muscle, cognitive, and immune function by a minimum of 10 years and up to 20 years.

The competition teams are entering Finals stage which runs from 2026-2030. Competing teams will work with XPRIZE and our established research partners to conduct randomized clinical trials in adults aged 50-90 years.

The Prize Director is responsible for overall operations and management of the Prize competition, including:

• Coordination of operations
• Team relations
• Management of major testing partners
• Developing partnership ecosystem and scientific expansion
• Marketing
• Contract negotiations
• Budget management

This person will be able to not only clearly explain the subject matter to non-technical team members, executives, and clients, but importantly, is also able to represent the competition and its goals to internal and external constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and managerial direction to the Prize team.
• Execute Prize vision, strategies, and objectives.
• Ensure timely response to changing needs, requirements, issues, and direction, keeping all constituents informed in a timely manner.
• Oversee budget and authorization of expenditures within budgetary limits. Develop and implement cost control measures and processes.
• Partner with recruiting and Domain Lead to secure, retain, and effectively and economically manage needed personnel, materials, and resources to manage the Prize.
• Manage experts, other consultants, and advisors that support the Prize on a temporary and/or contract basis.
• Monitor and report on Prize competition to constituents, including Domain Lead, XPRIZE leadership, advisory boards, judging panels, sponsors, donors, and major testing partners, ensuring requirements are met.
• Organize, host, and participate in large and small events - both domestic and international - during the competition, for the awarding of the Prize, and post-competition.
• Ensure the competition is conducted in line with XPRIZE foundation rules and processes and also in accordance with specific Prize goals.
• Act as public face of the Prize through interviews, appearance at industry conferences, speaking engagements, blogging, and other public outreach activities.
• Collaborate and communicate across departments; facilitate intra-team communications and meetings.
• Oversee knowledge management systems and processes for the Prize.
• In partnership with Marketing, help with development and execution of the marketing and public affairs strategy for the Prize, including communications, media and government relations, Prize messaging, branding and web presence.
• Develop high-quality project plans which lay a path to reliable success.

Qualifications

• Strong scientific background, preferably with clinical and/or research experience in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, drug development, geroscience, longevity, geriatrics, family medicine, preventive medicine, or regenerative medicine.
• 7-10 years (inclusive of graduate and postgraduate training in relevant areas) of experience designing, managing, monitoring, and executing large complex projects, demonstrating strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Advanced degree - such as PhD, MD, DO, or similar doctorate degree - in direct field of study.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including relationship building and collaboration within a diverse, cross-functional team and with supporting competing teams and external partners.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Record of delivering high-quality, and innovative technology-based projects.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record in driving success in companies or complex programs.
• Ability to thrive and think creatively and calmly in fluid situations under deadlines.
• Experience in public speaking with ability to translate complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Additional language proficiency welcome, but not mandatory.
• Ability to travel 40% annually both domestically and internationally.
• Belief that a small group of motivated individuals can truly change the world for the better.

Benefits

• Remote-first environment (must live and work in the United States)
• Quarterly company-paid All-Hands meetings in Los Angeles for frequent in-person collaboration
• Employee and dependent medical, dental, and vision options
• A 401(K) program with employer match
• Ample paid time off, including vacation, floating holidays, sick days, and company-paid holidays
• An Employee Assistance Program for confidential, professional support with personal, family, or other challenges
• Employee stipends/reimbursements for cell phone, internet, health & wellbeing, and learning & development
• Generous Paid Parental Leave for all employees welcoming a new child to their family
• One meeting-free block per week and four focus weeks per year to ensure uninterrupted time for strategic projects