Position SummaryThe Program Associate for the Science of Engagement will contribute to the implementation of PCORI's research agenda and assist with carrying out the mission of the Science of Engagement program. The Program Associate will provide scientific project management, support of funding initiatives and processes, and coordination of programmatic activities. The Program Associate will work with both PCORI staff and external PCORI stakeholders and serve as an integral member of the Public and Patient Engagement team.
Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesGeneral Program Responsibilities
- Serve as research administrator for the Advancing the Science of Engagement scientific portfolio, including project management, tracking, and correspondence with study teams.
- Assist Program Officers, Associate Director, and/or Program Director with administrative and facilitation tasks as needed to support the scientific portfolio, including managing applicant questions and requests, maintaining a team calendar of critical deadlines, and coordinating and implementing internal and external meetings.
- Participate in program and topic development, strategic planning, and synthesis and evaluation of the funding initiative and scientific program by maintaining documentation of funded project information.
- Perform literature reviews or synthesize systematic reviews relevant to programmatic research priorities, funded projects, or applications to assess evidence gaps or summarize the existing evidence base.
- Collaborate with other PCORI departments, including Contracts Management, Finance, Engagement, and Communications as necessary, including participating in cross-department work groups as appropriate.
Portfolio Management
- Lead pre-award processes including managing changes to the PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), reviewing letters of intent for programmatic fit and responsiveness, attending and synthesizing scientific merit review discussions, and contributing to programmatic discussions and evaluation of applications.
- Identify project milestones and monitor progress of funded projects and ensure appropriate documentation and status reporting of projects.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for PCORI-funded investigators, responding to inquiries as appropriate or triaging to Program Officers and Contracts Administrators as required. Independently identify potential study design or operation issues and collaborate in developing remediation plans.
- Produce reports, presentations, and related materials regarding PCORI's activities and outcomes, including materials for Board or subcommittee meetings, with minimal direction from Program Officers and senior leadership.
- Assist with implementing and improving PCORI's processes for funding awards and/or other PCORI policies.
Organizational Responsibilities and Contributions:
- Respond to public inquiries from prospective applicants about relevant PCORI funding announcements, alignment of prospective research ideas with programmatic goals, and technical questions related to the application process.
- Assist with coordination and planning of in-person and virtual meetings, convenings and webinars related to the Science of Engagement as needed.
- Attend external meetings and conferences on behalf of PCORI, on topics related to PCORI's portfolio. Program Associate may also be asked to represent PCORI publicly regarding program direction, program funding, and award results at PCORI-sponsored events or at scientific conferences or events for professional development purposes.
- Participate in efforts across the Engagement, Dissemination, and Implementation Division, including reviewing letters of intent and full applications for the Engagement Awards program, and applications for PCORI Advisory Panels.
- Assist with monitoring of contractual work, such as the work related to Learning Networks and related meetings, topic briefs, landscape reviews, or other projects to ensure accuracy of content and timely delivery.
Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above.
Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Required Skills and ExperienceRequired Experience
- Master's degree and 3-5 years of experience, or Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of directly applicable experience, to the duties, managing projects and coordinating internal and external activities in a complex, fast-paced work environment.
- Experience working in health-related research, familiarity with research application processes and research methods;
- Familiarity with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods preferred;
- Experience in health or health care related field, preferably in the non-profit, academic or government sector. Experience with a funding agency/organization is desirable;
- Three to five years of related work experience required.
Required Skills:
- Strong project management skills, including demonstrated ability to think independently, to be flexible and to juggle multiple priorities, work with minimal supervision;
- Tolerance of ambiguity and change in a dynamic work environment. Ability to develop, adapt and execute operating procedures, documentation procedures, and other process improvement efforts;
- Ability to produce polished, quality work products that demonstrate a high level of attention to detail with minimal oversight;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and articulate, professional speaking abilities both for routine internal or external communication purposes;
- Excellent analytic skills and ability to synthesize and translate complicated material into clear and simple language. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals and periodicals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations;
- Personally motivated to support PCORI's mission and goals; work independently and in teams to think imaginatively about opportunities; to create and respond to novel and innovative approaches to addressing an issue; to inspire others to work towards achieving team goals;
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills; collegial, energetic, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and others who contribute to program development and management;
- Ability to make decisions and justify recommendations.
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative and team environment;
- Ability to travel as required.
- Proficient in the use of technology including Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and online conferencing platforms, and strong electronic communications skills;
Compensation and BenefitsSalary Range: $85,000 - $100,000
The above range represents the salary range expected for the position; however, final offers are based on several factors such as the position's responsibilities; the candidate's experience, education, and skills; location; travel required; and current market conditions. Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, eligible employees may participate in PCORI-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents.
Conflict of Interest.
PCORI wants to ensure that prospective employees are aware of its conflict-of-interest policies so that employment deliberations take into consideration this aspect of PCORI employment. PCORI requires all PCORI employees to disclose upon commencement of their employment and on an annual basis all individual and close relatives financial, business, and personal association with the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one's decisions relating to PCORI. All disclosures made by employees are made publicly available on PCORI's website. Disclosures must include all financial and business and personal associations with any health or healthcare-related organizations and include all associations with any other organizations that have the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one's decisions relating to PCORI, including but not limited to vendors or other third parties with whom PCORI has a contract or that PCORI has funded. For more information please visit PCORI-Conflict-of-Interest-Policies-Outside-Employment-Policy.pdf
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