The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”) is the world’s largest early phase site network, fully dedicated to oncology clinical research. Throughout our history, START has provided hope to cancer patients in global community practices by offering access to cutting edge trials throughout the US and Europe. Today, with over 1,300 studies completed, and with research facilities in the United States and in Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, START’s mission is to accelerate the development of new anticancer drugs that will improve the quality of life and survival for patients with cancer and lead to its eventual cure. To date, over 43 therapies conducted at START locations have obtained FDA/EMA approval. Incredibly, while Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) conduct 80% of cancer trials, such trials reach only 20% of the patient population – leaving the majority of patients who are treated in community practices and hospitals without access to a clinical trial when their care journey calls for one. START serves the many – by bringing cancer trials to physicians and their patients in community hospitals and practices when hope is needed most.
 
We are hiring a Director, Account Development (EU) that will play a key role advancing START’s early development (Phase 1) oncology site network across Europe. Working under the direction of the Vice President, Key Accounts, this individual will help drive the execution of START’s business development strategy by expanding client engagement, deepening relationships with biopharma and CRO partners, and identifying new business opportunities within the EU market.

This role requires strong knowledge of the early-phase oncology landscape, exceptional relationship management skills, and the ability to translate START’s scientific and operational differentiators into value-added solutions. The Director, Account Development will work in close coordination with the VP, Key Accounts to achieve business goals, ensuring alignment with START’s broader global strategy and maintaining consistency in client experience.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Work under the direction of the VP, Key Accounts, to achieve revenue goals and performance targets.
• Execute business development initiatives aligned with START’s overall strategic objectives within the EU.
• Partner closely with the CMO and Principal Investigators to help expand study share at assigned client accounts.
• Strengthen relationships with new and existing Sponsor and CRO partners by demonstrating START’s scientific expertise and operational excellence.
• Develop and manage comprehensive account development plans (Miller Heiman preferred); track progress against key account development milestones; report progress in regularly scheduled account review sessions with VP, Key Accounts.
• Identify and build relationships with key decision makers internally and externally.
• Track and record all client interaction through HubSpot. This includes accurate entry and upkeep of details for Accounts, Contacts, Calls, Tasks, Events, Opportunities and Client Referrals for a comprehensive CRM profile of each client.
• Deliver EU market and account insights that inform and enhance the VP, Key Accounts’ global forecasting and pipeline management efforts, ensuring accuracy and alignment with Finance.
• Represent START at industry conferences, scientific symposia, and networking events to increase brand visibility and engage potential partners.
• Regularly travel to client sites across Europe and occasionally to the U.S. for alignment meetings and global initiatives (up to 40%).

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years of professional experience selling services or solutions within clinical research, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical sectors (Phase 1 experience strongly preferred).
• Proven success managing complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles within the clinical research environment
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in life sciences, business, or related field preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal and persuasive communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build, maintain, and grow client relationships with senior-level stakeholders (e.g., VPs of Clinical Operations, Heads of Early Development, etc.).
• Consistent track record of achieving or exceeding annual revenue goals in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the competitive landscape and proven ability to win against established competitors.
• Strong analytical and business acumen to assess client needs and market trends.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Focused, with demonstrated work ethic, personal motivation, and enthusiasm; takes personal pride in accomplishment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken) strongly preferred. Proficiency in additional European languages are a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to adapt messaging to different audiences.
• Familiarity with oncology or clinical research is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or HubSpot CRM and virtual collaboration tools (Teams, Zoom, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Experience navigating the EU regulatory and clinical research environment across multiple countries.
• Experience supporting or working within a Phase 1 Oncology-focused organization or CRO.

More about The START Center for Cancer Research
Deeply rooted in community oncology centers globally, The START Center for Cancer Research provides access to specialized preclinical and early-phase clinical trials of novel anti-cancer agents. START clinical trial sites have conducted more than a thousand early-phase clinical trials, including for 43 therapies that were approved by the FDA. START represents the world’s largest roster of Principal Investigators (PIs) across its eight clinical trial sites. Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, START delivers hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world. Learn more at STARTresearch.com.

Ready to be part of a team changing the future of cancer treatment?
Join us in our mission to conquer cancer, one clinical trial at a time. Your expertise and dedication can help us bring hope and healing to patients worldwide. Please submit your application online.

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.