Biotech Strategy Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description:

About McAllister & Quinn

McAllister & Quinn is a federal research development consulting and government relations firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. We offer our 200+ clients a unique blend of comprehensive grant consulting, strategic advising, and government relations services. Specifically, McAllister & Quinn equips clients with the knowledge and expertise to pursue federal and private foundation funding opportunities that align with their organizational priorities. We support clients’ strategic positioning efforts, help craft competitive applications, develop and expand funding streams through the congressional appropriations process, and facilitate public-private and international partnerships that advance their missions.

Defense and Advanced Technology Practice

The Defense & Advanced Technology Practice helps engineering and technology companies, from startups to Fortune 500s, secure federal R&D funding to develop, commercialize, and scale innovation. We work across Defense, Emerging Technologies, Energy, and Biotechnology, with this role focused on?supporting our biotechnology client portfolio.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

We’re seeking a Managing Director to lead federal funding strategy and proposal development for biotechnology clients. You’ll manage the full lifecycle from identifying opportunities to submitting competitive proposals across agencies such as NIH, ARPA-H, NSF, DoD, FDA, and USDA.

This role combines client leadership, strategic advising, and hands-on proposal management for funding ranging from SBIR Phase I (less than $250K) to large-scale programs (greater than $20M).

Client and Consultant Management

• Serve as the primary client contact and trusted advisor
• Lead client engagements, including regular agenda setting, updates, presentations, and strategic planning
• Build and manage relationships and deliver high-quality, deadline-driven results
• Support external client interactions on partnerships, consortium building, and other stakeholder engagements with federal agencies, program officers, and partners
• Engage with clients on site and participate in industry conferences (approximately <20% travel).

Funding Strategy and Proposal Development

• Lead end-to-end proposal development using cross-functional teams (SMEs, writers, reviewers, etc.)
• Identify, monitor, and assess funding opportunities aligned to client goals
• Maintain extensive knowledge of federal grant programs and trends and advise clients on positioning and competitiveness
• Oversee the strategic planning and execution of services, including project timelines, deliverables, and quality standards.
• Develop white papers, concept papers, and briefing materials
• Advise on compliance, readiness, and post-award capacity building

Requirements:

Required

• Master’s degree in relevant field
• 6+ years of relevant experience (R&D, federal funding, government consulting, or proposal development)
• Strategic thinker with strong project management and proposal leadership experience
• Highly collaborative with a strong customer service mindset
• Excellent communication, client-facing, and analytical skills

Preferred

• Experience with NIH, NSF, DoD, DOE or other federal agencies.
• Background in industry R&D, academia, tech transfer, consulting, or federal agencies
• Familiarity with federal appropriations and grant processes
• PMP, APMP, or similar project management certification

Key Success Traits

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented and deadline-driven
• Confident communicator and client advisor
• Highly collaborative with a strong customer service mindset

Compensation & Benefits:

• Normal work hours are 8:30 am through 5:30 pm Monday through Friday EST (for local staff)
• Location: In-office preferred (Washington, D.C.); remote optional for exceptional candidates
• Hybrid work schedule:3 days in the office as determined by supervisor and/or practice
• Competitive 401(k), healthcare, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, dependent care FSA, HSA/FSA, and transit benefits.
• Salary consideration will be commensurate with experience starting at $110,000.00 annual base salary and bonus eligible after one year of continuous service.
• Flexible vacation and leave policy.

At McAllister & Quinn, we’re challenging the status quo. When we connect different perspectives, we open ourselves to new possibilities, inspire innovation, and allow us to achieve the full potential of our people. We’re building an employee experience & engagement that includes appreciation, belonging, growth, and purpose for everyone in our team.