The Associate Director, Research Projects, manages and monitors projects and initiatives launched/led by the Alzheimer’s Association. This includes managing progress, agendas, minute and action items, and tracking and reporting of progress being made by the projects or initiatives. This position is directly responsible for the support of the World Wide FINGERS Consortium, an international collaboration under the auspices of the Alzheimer’s Association, that brings together more than a dozen countries and research studies that aim to demonstrate the benefit of lifestyle to cognitive aging. Other responsibilities include the support of other Medical & Scientific initiatives that include intramural research initiatives and the creation of diagnostic criteria and other standardization efforts.
This position is based in the Home Office in downtown Chicago, IL and reports to the Senior Director, Medical & Scientific Operations.
- Works closely with the Associate Director of International Research Grant Programs (IRGP), Senior Director and Director, Science Initiatives, Chief Science Officer (CSO) and Association Leadership to manage projects and initiatives.
- Ensures that agendas, action items and minutes are accurate and successfully advance WW-FINGERS and other initiatives.
- Works with CSO and Sr. Director to ensure that inquiries about projects/initiatives are responded to in a timely manner.
- Works with the Director, Medical Science Marketing Communications to ensure successes are reported out and represented in marketing opportunities. PR/Communications for social media and other outreach.
- Monitors trends and developments in research and public health evaluation methods and their application.
- Supports Relationship Development with donor assistance as needed and assigned by Sr. Director. Helps to collect data and represents successes of the IRGP to assist Relationship Development, Corporate Initiatives, and Chapters in promoting the Association’s science agenda for obtaining external investments.
- Collaborates with CSO, Senior Director and Directors of Med Sci to develop leadership in regard to scientific workgroups in product delivery conferences, press releases, published papers, scientific meetings attendance, etc.
- Minimum 5 years’ progressive experience in project management, program evaluation and/or portfolio analysis required
- 2-4 years’ supervisory experience preferred
- Ability to think quickly, critically and strategically, anticipate needs and proactively identify areas requiring improvement and attention
- Keen organizational and project management skills to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment; peak grant operational periods may be stressful
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly the ability to explain and discuss scientific and technical content in clear and concise terms to lay audiences
- Confident decision making skills to work independently while seeking guidance when appropriate
- Comfortable working collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners, team members and stakeholders; strong networking and social skills to develop relationships and work in a team environment
- Preferred relevant knowledge to neurodegenerative disease research and/or brain health
- Previous experience with independent research, grant/proposal writing, scientific or peer-review and/ or contract management is preferred
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for the job
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the US by plane or surface transportation. May included some international travel. Must possess valid passport or ability and willingness to obtain one. Estimated travel is 30%.