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SalaryPOSITION SUMMARY: The COPD Foundation (COPDF) is seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Vice President of Research and Operations to lead and oversee our clinical research initiatives. The VP of Research and Operations will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by managing and promoting innovative clinical research programs focused on COPD, with a strong emphasis on patient-centered approaches.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The VP of Research and Operation reports directly to the COPDF’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The primary role of the VPRO is to provide oversight of the COPDF/COPD360 Research Portfolio and management of Research program management staff, employees, and contractors/consultants. This includes oversight of COPDF research budgets and staff performance. The VPRO will also be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing large grant submissions that align with the COPDF research mission and strategy. In addition, the VPCR will also be responsible for identifying and developing collaborations with sponsors interested in partnering with COPDF for the development of novel therapeutics, medical devices, and other health technologies. The VPRO will collaborate with internal Corporate Relations staff in working with Industry Partners to develop requests for funding as appropriate. The VPRO is based remotely. Travel includes an estimated 5 meetings/conferences a year for various associations, government agencies, and partner meetings.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership:
- Oversee the execution of the COPDF Research Strategy in alignment with COPDF’s mission and goals.
- Lead and inspire a team of Research professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
- Collaborate with the CEO and COPDF’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer on the Research Strategy plan and plans for sustainable revenue.
Research Program/Portfolio Management:
- Research Programs: Oversee the COPDF/COPD360 Research Portfolio including but not limited to COPD PPRN and sub-studies, Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry (BRR), studies with Industry Advisory Councils including, but not limited to COPDGene, SPIROMICS, PIVOT, NIH/NHLBI, and PCORI studies, and industry partner studies and projects. Oversee research aspects of ancillary studies for COPD360 programs and ensure defined milestone targets are met/and or assessed for continuation or program closeout.
- Staff: Oversee and manage COPDF Research Staff, currently 6-8 employees/consultants. This includes continual evaluation of COPDF Research Staff workload and making modifications (additional staff or re-alignment) in alignment with changing study and research strategy needs. Responsible for providing guidance and direction to research program management staff, completing annual and ongoing performance reviews, evaluations, and feedback to research staff on work performance.
- Budgets: Oversee and manage COPDF research budgets, including allocation of salary to research budgets, and in collaboration with the COPDF CFO and other relevant staff, adjust budgets as necessary. Work closely with the CFO to ensure invoicing for program funding is completed accurately and timely by staff.
- Research Funding and Grants: Collaborate internally and externally to identify potential sources for funding or grants from corporate partners, government agencies, or private sources that align with the Research organization's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. Lead and manage the grant submission process for all large grant opportunities. Work closely with COPDF’s Chief Corporate Relations Officer to collaborate and align proposals and requests to Industry Partners.
Data Management and Analysis:
- Secure and oversee staff executing on research analysis, data collection, development of manuscripts and other aspects as necessary to ensure data quality and integrity.
- Oversee submissions to research regulatory Boards (e.g. IRB, etc.).
Stakeholder and Association Engagement
- Collaborate with external partner organizations (e.g. ATS, CHEST, AAFP, ERS) on Research and scientific partnerships to advance research central to the COPDF mission.
- Coordinate with research technology vendors on study-specific aspects of Research.
- Serve as a liaison to industry related to research activities, including cultivation and development of grant solicitations specifically related to research assets.
- Support the COPD Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee and sub-committees (MASAC).
- Represent the COPD Foundation in national and international forums related to COPDF’s research.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Clinical Research background - preferred (MD, PHD, RT, RN)
- 5-10 years' experience in clinical research management
- 3-5 years' experience with IRB and other research regulatory requirements
- Established track record in clinical research, preferably in the area of pulmonary disease as demonstrated through publications, meeting presentations
- Experience in managing grants, budgets, and personnel
- Experience in creating, writing, and leading large grants with industry, academics, and government.
- Experience in analyzing and managing clinical data
- Experience with patient-centered research or a working understanding of patient-focused research
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and establish priorities
- Ability to oversee multiple staff members and consultants and identify specific needs of each staff
- Strong interpersonal skills, including cultural competence
- Able to occasionally travel for job-related events, meetings, conferences
- Ability to establish effective relationships with external partners including physicians, academic researchers, industry partners, and government partners
- Proficient in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Experience with project management and budget management software
- History of successfully overseeing complex projects with aggressive timelines
- Strong spoken and written communication abilities
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents
- Ability to follow study protocols and approved operational procedures for studies
- Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or COPDF governance bodies (including the Board of Directors).
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work well in teams and to lead teams
Veterans, diverse candidates, and individuals who reside in the following states are encouraged to apply: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
The COPD Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. COPD Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
