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About PAX sapiens

PAX sapiens is a grantmaking and operating foundation whose mission is to prevent predictable global catastrophes. They work to advance human security and sustainable peace by strengthening systems for pandemic prevention, reducing the risk of nuclear war, and promoting constructive U.S.–China engagement. PAX sapiens works through grantmaking, convenings, and information-sharing systems, building networks and strategies that reduce existential risks. Their team is impact-driven, collaborative, and committed to building a safer and more resilient world.

About the Role

The Vice President, Pandemic Prevention, will provide visionary leadership and executive oversight of PAX’s pandemic preparedness and prevention portfolio. This includes shaping strategic priorities, guiding grantmaking and programs, and ensuring initiatives align with PAX’s mission of preventing global catastrophes. The role requires working closely with Fellows, Senior Fellows, and program staff to design and implement impactful projects, while also serving as the organization’s subject matter expert in pandemic prevention and response. 

The VP will contribute to board-level discussions, engage directly with policymakers and practitioners, and represent PAX in global networks and professional fora. By ensuring measurable results, strong financial and operational management, and clear communication of institutional learning, the Vice President will position PAX as a thought leader in global pandemic preparedness and drive systemic change in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of PAX’s pandemic prevention strategy, including planning, budgeting, and oversight of projects;
• Provide strategic direction and approvals for fellows and senior fellows, and develop new initiatives with future fellows;
• Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on pandemic preparedness in internal and board-level discussions;
• Represent PAX at global networks, professional organizations, and conferences to strengthen influence and visibility;
• Collaborate with communications to produce external materials, publications, and presentations that share PAX’s strategy and learning;
• Align impact metrics with organizational goals and ensure robust monitoring and evaluation systems;
• Manage and mentor diverse, high-performing teams and fellows, fostering a culture of collaboration, performance, and innovation;
• Build and strengthen coalitions across governments, multilateral bodies, and civil society to advance governance solutions for pandemic preparedness;
• Work effectively without formal authority by influencing, convening, and aligning diverse senior stakeholders toward common goals;
• Support organizational growth by helping to expand the pandemic portfolio from three to six or more projects, ensuring coherence and sustainability as the area scales;
  Provide executive-level oversight of budgets and risk management as PAX continue to grow rapidly, ensuring financial integrity and accountability;
• Participate in and champion organization-wide initiatives that strengthen PAX’s reach, culture, and overall effectiveness;
• Travel for approximately 20% of work time to participate in conferences, events, and activities, and to collaborate with PAX staff in Colorado, Washington, DC, and Beijing.

Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field; PhD desirable;
• At least ten years of experience in public health, with direct involvement in pandemic disease detection or response;
• Demonstrated ability to lead in coalition settings, balancing independence and shared accountability among senior experts;
• Experience representing organizations or initiatives at the highest levels, similar to a special representative or envoy role;
• Strong track record in strategy development for complex, fast-growing organizations;
• Strong expertise across the financial, regulatory, administrative, and operational aspects of pandemic prevention;
• Proven leadership experience managing diverse, technically specialized teams;
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with a publication history considered an asset;
• Ability to represent an organization effectively to donors, policymakers, and practitioners;
• Proficiency in Chinese is an advantage.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

PAX sapiens celebrates diversity and welcomes its benefits and is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.