The Associate Director will focus on and support the Planned Parenthood Research Network (PPRN), which is a collaboration between all affiliates conducting research and PPFA. They will ensure high-quality, ethical, and compliant research studies and conduct, increase affiliate capacity to conduct different types of research and ensure study and regulatory obligations are met by all parties including external research sponsors and partners. The Associate Director will work with affiliate and national office staff to improve study capacity and operations, manage research-related activities, and identify and facilitate new study opportunities with industry, academic, and foundation partners. This position will involve strategic decision-making for research activities including business and protocol/proposal development, staffing models, operations, federal regulations, and study budgeting, as well as training and acting as an ambassador for Planned Parenthood. Examples of this strategic focus include but are not limited to research workforce development initiatives, Epic EHR integration with research activities, and incorporating health and race equity principles into research conducted throughout the federation.

Delivery :

●      Develops and manages strategic priorities for study coordination and technical assistance.

●      Oversees all activities of the new Research Advisory Council and governance model.

●      Reviews affiliate- and external researcher-submitted manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for compliance with the Research Standards and Guidelines.

 

●      Establishes and leads the Clinical Research Coordinator Corps (CCLC), a structured learning community for frontline affiliate research staff (known in the industry as “clinical research coordinators”) through web-based and in-person interventions. Assists in its expansion to include social science research.

●      Develops and implements a curriculum to teach and review “best practices” in research through book clubs and other group learning opportunities.

●      Provide mentorship and coordination of team members. May hire and supervise interns, consultants, and/or support staff.

●      Manages the Research Readiness and Expansion Program (ReREP) which is a targeted and deep engagement with PPFA and affiliate research staff to build research capacity and infrastructure within affiliate programs. Conducts on-site and remote visits. Facilitates, makes funding decisions, and consults.

●      Revise, update, and create new federation-wide Research Standard Operating Procedures, including affiliate adoption and implementation process.

●      Partner with internal stakeholders to incorporate research operations into programming when appropriate.

●      Manage, coordinate, and execute annual race equity in research action plan, in collaboration with key stakeholders from affiliates, PPFA, patients, and external partners.

 

Consult on the creation of the following:

●      Revise and release the Research Standards and Guidelines, which support the ethical conduct of mission-aligned human subjects research by or at Planned Parenthood affiliates and the national office.

●      Conducts robust partnership development by establishing relationships with study sponsors/partners/funders that result in repeat business for the PPRN.  Completes protocol analysis, feasibility data collection, budget and justification development, and contract negotiation.

●      Manages all activities related to active PPFA-coordinated and consulted research studies and studies in development, including operationalizing study protocols and revenue cycle management for PPFA and payments to affiliates.

●      Evaluates affiliate performance through the development and tracking of study metrics and KPIs (with support from the administrative coordinator). Uses the data to provide affiliate and research partner feedback and an annual research report.

 

●      Curates and facilitates expert panels, delivers presentations, and produces training webinars for internal and external stakeholders.

●      Leads and conducts affiliate accreditation research reviews and interviews.

This position requires interaction and management of a multitude of internal and external audiences and stakeholders. The Associate Director will have familiarity and experience working with the population Planned Parenthood serves, including people of different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, people with different gender identities, and individuals with disabilities.

 

Key customers include:

●      Planned Parenthood affiliate staff at all levels

●      Industry sponsors and external research partners

○      Serves as the main point of contact for all industry sponsors including biotech and pharmaceutical company executives for the planning, coordination, and financial management of research.

○      Engages with external research partners including academic and research organization leaders, regulatory experts, and program consultants to secure partnerships or provide technical assistance to affiliates.

●      Internal research stakeholders

○      Communicates regularly with internal research stakeholders from many divisions and departments.

 

●      Master's degree or at least 2 years of post-baccalaureate education in a related subject required. 

●      Current research certification preferred. Willingness to acquire and maintain certification within the first year of employment is required.

●      At least five years’ experience of directly related, progressively responsible research project management experience. Experience leading clinical research in a clinical setting is a must. Experience in a Planned Parenthood affiliate is preferred. At least 3 years of supervisory experience is required.

●      Require a high-level knowledge of concepts related to clinical and social science research and study management, including federal research regulations, and IRBs.

●      Requires working knowledge of reproductive health and the core medical services provided by Planned Parenthood affiliates.

●      Must be able to analyze complex issues and information to anticipate research network needs, potential problems, and growth opportunities.

●      Must be able to set priorities and balance multiple projects and demands.

●      Must be able to lead groups, identify potential inter- and intra-group challenges, and work with key stakeholders to identify strategies for mitigating those challenges.

●      Knowledge of and sensitivity to different racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and people with different gender identities, cultural differences, and disabilities.

●      Ability to demonstrate effective communication with diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities, across a variety of organizations and job levels.

●      Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite, introductory knowledge of research EDCs and research payment systems.

●      Ability to support a telecommuting and New York-based team.

●      Ability to organize, maintain, analyze, distill, and disseminate data and results, considering the impacts of the work on multiple communities, including communities of color

●      Must be able to identify resource constraints work collaboratively and maximize resources.

●      Ability to be flexible in working with others, to display diplomacy, and to maintain the integrity of confidential and sensitive information.

●      Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to write project reports, presentations, and other professional documents for multiple audiences.

●      Ability to work with multiple constituencies across departmental and organizational boundaries to problem-solve, build alliances, and influence meaningful outcomes.

●      Ability to develop, operationalize, and continuously improve systems to create efficiencies.

●      Willingness to travel multiple times per year.

●      Demonstrated commitment to reproductive health and rights.

 

TRAVEL: 25%-30%

$108,000 - $118,000 a year

Total offer package to include generous vacation + sick leave + paid holidays, individual/family provided medical, dental and vision benefits effective day 1, life insurance, short/long term disability, paid family leave and 401k. We also offer voluntary opt-in for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Transportation/Commuter accounts.   

We value a truly diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We're committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

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*PDN-HR

Roles that are denoted as NYC, DC, or both will work a hybrid schedule, requiring 2-3 days per week in the office unless the role is denoted as onsite, which requires working onsite full time or 5 days per week.