Program Manager, Neuroscience

Career opportunities are presented in the language received.

REPORTS TO: Director, Neuroscience

THE ORGANIZATION

The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation (HWGF) empowers passionate leaders to build thriving communities and regenerate ecosystems, by nurturing innovation and scaling proven solutions to deliver transformative change. The HGWF supports a range of charitable work in: the environment, neurodegenerative diseases of aging research and care, youth opportunity, and humanitarian response. Based on recent strategic planning, approximately 25% of the HGWF’s granting will be dedicated to neuroscience research and to programs supporting people living with dementia, and their caregivers.

The HGWF focuses on transforming treatment and care for individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases of aging. It advances this vision by investing in innovative, high-impact projects that deliver meaningful improvements for individuals living with these conditions and their caregivers.

The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation’s neuroscience team also supports the UK-based Galen and Hilary Weston Foundation and shares information and expertise with the Weston Family Foundation.

THE POSITION

As the HGWF seeks to have a greater impact in the strategic areas that it supports, the newly created role of Program Manager will work closely with the Director, Neuroscience, enterprise teams, and external advisors, to conceptualize and deliver high-quality programs and manage a portfolio of grants. The role requires a combination of scientific expertise, operational rigor, and strong relationship management skills.

The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing grant portfolios, identifying emerging opportunities, and contributing to the development of new initiatives aligned with the strategic priorities of the HGWF. The role also supports the HGWF’s broader operational effectiveness by ensuring rigorous processes, robust systems, and appropriate communications.

The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., neuroscience, biomarker or therapeutic development, brain health, clinical or non-clinical research) and brings experience in grant and/or project management.

Responsibilities

Program Design & Delivery

• Contribute to the design and implementation of innovative neuroscience funding programs.
• Support the development and execution of formal calls for proposals, including timelines, guidelines, and review processes.
• Coordinate the review and adjudication of applications by collaborating with external subject matter experts and advisors.

Grants Management

• Manage a portfolio of grants by reviewing progress against milestones, appropriate financial stewardship, and achievement of intended outcomes. Monitor and assess impact of grants, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• Draft and manage grant agreements and related documentation, liaising with legal counsel as needed.
• Facilitate and track grant payments and ensure alignment with approved budgets and timelines.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of grants management workflows.

Relationship Management

• Build and manage relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including grantees, advisors, collaborators, and internal colleagues.
• Plan and deliver convening activities (e.g., workshops, roundtables, webinars) to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Attend relevant events and conferences to enhance knowledge or represent the Foundation, as needed.

Communications

• Support the development of materials and agendas for Board meetings.
• Collaborate with the Director and Communications / Social Media team to develop clear and compelling external communications, including:
• Website content
• Press releases
• Social media materials
• Stakeholder communication

Operations

• Proactively identify and implement improvements to grants management systems and operational processes.
• Support budget tracking, including monitoring grant disbursements against annual allocations.
• Implement and update the standardization of organizational templates and guidelines.
• Prepare high-quality meeting materials, including data summaries and visualizations.
• Provide general administrative and operational support as required.

Candidate Qualifications

• Advanced degree in neuroscience or a neuroscience-related field, such as; brain health, therapeutic development, lifestyle interventions, non-clinical and clinical research, or experiential equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in grant/pr