Associate Director, Patient Recruitment and Retention

tic candidates that aim to address a wide spectrum of hematologic diseases by targeting fundamental biological pathways of red blood cell biology, specifically heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Disc Medicine values collaboration, professional development, and scientific integrity and promotes an inclusive company culture that empowers and inspires.
POSITION

OVERVIEW

Reporting to our Executive Director, Clinical Development Operations;
Disc Medicine is hiring a new Associate Director, Patient Recruitment and Retention due to the fast growth of the programs in the clinic. We are looking for someone to be an integral member of the Clinical Development Operations team and lead patient outreach, recruitment, and retention strategies for clinical studies. You will play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of patients through innovative clinical research.

Excellent patient engagement strategic knowledge and effective oral/written communication skills are required, as is the ability to work in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and with both office and remote team members. The Associate Director is responsible for developing and executing patient engagement strategies within assigned disease areas and clinical studies in a fully outsourced model and enhancing study efficiency, data quality, and overall patient experience.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Clinical Development Operations, this position offers the chance to join a team of passionate colleagues with the opportunity for career growth.
RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Recruitment & Retention Strategy Leadership – 50%
• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive patient recruitment and retention plans for US and global Phase 2/3 studies aligned with enrollment goals and timelines.
• Partner with Clinical Development and Clinical Operations Leads to design and implement study-specific recruitment and retention strategies.
• Drive study-level strategies to engage and recruit participants with appropriate demographics.
• Oversee development of compelling recruitment materials that educate and engage potential participants and sites.
• Lead initiatives to establish and manage patient referral management plans.
• Track and analyze KPIs to optimize recruitment and retention performance.
• Identify and implement innovative approaches, technologies, and industry best practices to enhance enrollment outcomes.

Cross-Functional & External Stakeholder Collaboration – 30%
• Collaborate with study sites to develop tailored recruitment approaches based on local demographics.
• Maintain and lead relationships with patient engagement and advocacy organizations.
• Manage and oversee external recruitment and retention vendors.
• Partner closely with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and Medical Affairs to ensure aligned and compliant strategies.
• Present recruitment and retention strategies to investigators, patient advocacy groups, and at industry conferences.

Communications & Continuous Improvement – 20%
• Oversee development of compelling recruitment materials that educate and engage potential participants and sites.
• Ensure messaging is compliant, culturally appropriate, and aligned with study objectives.
• Share learnings, insights, and best practices across teams to drive process improvements.
• Stay informed on emerging trends and innovative recruitment solutions; proactively educate internal stakeholders.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support evolving business needs.
REQUIREMENTS
• BA/BS in relevant field required
• 10 – 12 years in biotech, pharma, or CRO industry plus a minimum of 8 years of experience in patient recruitment and retention.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs as well as good working knowledge of electronic data systems
• Self-motivated,…