Director of Research and Administration, CCDD

26-Sep-2022

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

58735BR

Job Summary

The Department of Epidemiology, at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, studies the frequency, distribution, and determinants of disease in humans, a fundamental science of public health. In addition to pursuing ground-breaking global research initiatives, we educate and prepare future scientific leaders and practitioners as part of our mission to ignite positive changes in the quality of health across the world.

The Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics (CCDD) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, established in September 2009, is focused on improving methods for mathematical modeling and statistical inference on infectious disease data, engagement with policy makers to use the results of quantitative infectious disease studies to improve decisions, and working with multiple constituencies to provide education about communicable disease dynamics, tools for their analysis, and opportunities for interaction with scientists in the field. The Center is led by Director, Prof. Marc Lipsitch, Associate Director, Prof. Caroline Buckee, and Interim Associate Director Prof. Bill Hanage.

The Center works in key areas of research, outreach/education, and policy. The research efforts of the CCDD have contributed to an improved local, national and international response to the 2009 H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics, expanded methodology for analyses to support decisions for infectious disease control, and made a substantial advance in our understanding of the evolutionary, ecological, and behavioral determinants of infectious disease incidence and spread.

Reporting to, and working with the Center Director, the Director of Research and Administration will be responsible for oversight of all CCDD research and administrative activities, including research management, strategic planning and fundraising, communications, finance, and center and staff management.

Position Description

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Research Administration Management

• Manage complex research portfolios for Center PIs. Pre-award: direct grant proposal processes, prepare and draft research proposals, develop administrative and financial components of the application. Post-award: draft scientific progress reports and manage submission, present to external stakeholders as needed.
• Provide day-to-day research support for Center PIs and mentorship for trainees; stay informed of the latest scientific project work by attending lab and Center research meetings
• Liaise with external research contacts including grant Project Officers, prime or sub-contracting institutions etc.
• In collaboration with the Sr. Grants Manager, monitor budgets and spending; anticipate and manage budget and FTE allocations; and revise budget and spending plans as appropriate
• Ensure all regulatory compliance is up to date and research protocols are strictly followed
• Oversee IRB applications for all Center research; track submissions and modifications, and ensure research is conducted following ethical standards
• Strategize, develop, and implement key management policies and operating practices, including Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), subcontracts, data use agreements, materials transfer agreements, software licensing etc.
• Research and identify grants and other external funding opportunities
• Other related duties as assigned

• In collaboration with the Sr. Strategic Programs Manager, oversee the Center’s strategic planning and development efforts by identifying funding interests and opportunities, drafting and submitting proposals, and developing relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Develop CCDD near- and long-term strategic objectives and outcome measures in collaboration with Center leadership.
• Develop reports and presentations to disseminate information on the Center, program progress, and key findings for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the Center’s mission and its researchers in growing and diversifying funding.
• Represent CCDD to donors, funding agencies, collaborators, and strategic partners.

• Oversee the Center’s external communications presence to fulfill strategic planning and development goals, especially around the Center’s research impact and potential.
• Maintain connections with CCDD alumni; track successes and outcomes of the Center’s research training environment to be used for fundraising and advancement purposes
• Liaise with HSPH and University communications channels, and external avenues to achieve maximum reach and impact.

• In collaboration with the Sr. Grants Manager, manage gift and other non-sponsored research funding; develop and manage budgets, monitor spending, and approve expenses
• Oversee budget planning and to inform strategic planning, development, and communications activities

• Manage 3-4 direct staff reports, including: hiring and orientation; training and development; workflow and performance management; and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment
• Oversee academic appointments for the Center; including recruitment and hiring, promotions, salary increases etc.
• Create workflows, lead regular staff meetings, assign roles and responsibilities to staff, and ensure all necessary resources are allocated to ensure operational success
• Oversee the Center’s physical space and planning needs; advocate for Center needs and priorities at the Department, School and University levels
• Oversee development and implementation of Center policies and standard operating procedures
• Other related duties as assigned 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• 7+ years of related experience required
• Prior supervisory experience required
• Prior research writing experience required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Master's Degree (MPH, MS, or equivalent)
• PhD in a relevant subject a strong plus
• Experience working in an academic, public health, and/or research environment
• Experience working with epidemiology, infectious diseases or modeling research
• Experience with Institutional Review Board (IRB) management
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills required, including cross-cultural communication
• Excellent problem-solving, supervisory, and organizational skills
• Handles and prioritizes multiple program activities and balance conflicting priorities
• Capacity to handle confidential information discreetly and appropriately

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity
• Experience fostering and reinforcing an environment that values unique experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and goals

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of 2 years from date of hire with the possibility of extension based on continued funding availability.

PLEASE NOTE: The primary work location for this position is Boston, MA and in order to be on Harvard payroll, you must reside in one of the following states – MA, NH, RI, ME, CT, VT, NY, MD, or CA. We are also working primarily remotely at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until our return to campus, this interview process and position will be conducted virtually – including virtual interviews, remote onboarding, and remote work. The remote nature of this position is only temporary. Local, on-campus work will be required as a condition of continued employment once the School and this role return to an operational status that supports it. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will support flexible work schedules upon this return, subject to individual departments’ business needs.

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Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee's start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard.
• Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events -- and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston.

• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. 

Job Function

General Administration, Research

Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

361058 Administrative Manager

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values  and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging  initiatives.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.