Cell Therapy Donor Services Collection Specialist

Overview

The Cellular Therapies Donor Services Specialist facilitates allogeneic donor identification and collection processes on behalf of adult and pediatric patients undergoing a stem cell transplant or other Cellular Therapy, including standard of care and clinical research therapies. This position is responsible for initiating and managing the search for suitable donors, coordinating donor testing and collection, donor product acquisition, and ensuring a smooth and effective process for both the donor and recipient. The role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary care teams, and donor registry organizations, as well as attention to detail, organization, problem-solving and effective communication. The specialist is responsible for the analytical, logistical, and administrative aspects of donor services, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and supporting overall operations of the Cellular Therapy department.

The Cellular Therapies Donor Services Specialist position is a full time position, Monday through Friday with some on-call required. The position is hybrid, requiring 2 to 3 days on-site at the Longwood Medical area. DFCI guidelines state that employees must reside in New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

• Identify suitable donor options for patients through family and/or donor registries, including domestic and international sources. Assess patient needs, therapy plan, and timing to ensure alignment with donor plan.
• Responsible for comprehensive understanding of HLA donor search algorithms and other non-HLA factors, such as ABO, age and CMV status.
• Analyze donor searches and apply current donor selection algorithms and strategies.
• Responsible for the facilitation of the work up, collection, and acquisition of the stem cell product.
• Perform product labeling verifications and courier hand off for donor registry.
• Serve as donor advocate and primary point of contact for potential donors, providing ongoing support throughout the process.
• Manage donor evaluations, including medical assessments and laboratory testing.
• Provide comprehensive education to donors about the donation process, potential risks, and benefits.
• Register donors in EMR and assign appropriate insurance coverage for accurate billing.
• Conduct donor health screening (advanced). Collect donors’ medical health history information and assess medical conditions and non-medical factors to determine further donor participation.
• Manage donor testing (blood typing, HLA typing, and physical exams) to assess suitability.
• Coordinate and schedule bone marrow or stem cell collection procedures, working with multidisciplinary care teams and donor registries.
• Monitor the status of the donor collection process, ensuring that all necessary documentation and regulatory compliance requirements are met.
• Attend Bone Marrow Harvest Procedures to ensure all procedures and documentation are competed accurately.
• Ensure all necessary donor documentation is submitted and processed in a timely manner.
• Manage the analytical, logistical, and administrative Donor Services operations of allogeneic donor cellular therapies.
• Utilize critical thinking and solution-based approaches to address situations and navigate the nuances of each individual case.
• Act as the liaison between transplant center, donor registries, donors, recipients, facilities, and the clinical transplant team.
• Develop timetables with the clinical team to support the patient and donor’s progress through complex therapies.
• Provide timely updates via email or in weekly clinical review meetings to the transplant team regarding donor status including progress, challenges, and adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, AABB, FACT, NMDP) related to donor screening, collection, and processing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize outcomes and support operational improvements efforts.
• Maintain databases and systems related to donor information, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Triage cases in a time sensitive manner, which may be subject to emergency contact of clinical team.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• Associates Degree required.

Minimum Experience:

• 2 years of experience in a patient care, healthcare administration, or clinical operations role in a complex healthcare environment required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, Health Sciences or similar field strongly preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of FACT, NMDP & DFCI donor testing requirements and procedures, as well as donor suitability and eligibility.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HLA typing, HLA antibody and donor search algorithms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with healthcare professionals, patients, and donors.
• Demonstrated ability to work in highly regulated environments, following strict guidelines, such as clinical trials or complex medical systems.
• Ability and willingness to work effectively in a collaborative interdisciplinary team model.
• Must be detail-oriented with strong problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach when engaging with donors and their families.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines related to bone marrow donation and transplant processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to always maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Willingness to engage in efforts to support an inclusive culture and workplace.
• Proficient in DFCI/BWH/CHB clinical systems as applicable to the position.

PATIENT CONTACT:

Yes – all ages.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

$30.58 - $36.20

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.