Associate Vice President - Clinical Research - Government Contracting

at  WESTAT

Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat’s research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Westat’s Health Sector is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate Vice President (AVP) with strong business development, client management, project leadership, and clinical research experience to join our leadership team in the Clinical Research Practice. You will have a proven track record in spearheading business development in clinical research, with significant experience managing large-scale projects and securing contracts with federal agencies. The AVP will be responsible for helping to grow our Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) portfolio by leading various capture activities and directing existing or new projects of varying sizes.
This is a remote eligible role.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve on the Clinical Research Practice’s leadership team to foster growth and develop/implement initiatives ensuring an overall culture of quality and excellence.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to expand the company’s clinical research services within HHS agencies.
• Lead business development and capture for opportunities within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal clients to secure new business opportunities.
• Direct and manage large clinical trials support services contracts or a series of smaller projects including leading design, data collection, analysis, and publication.
• Lead and mentor a team of clinical research professionals, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation while ensuring billability.
• Collaborate on cross-practice initiatives and serve as a thought leader both internally and externally.
• Represent Westat at industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to promote our services and expertise.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biological sciences, clinical research, public health, or related field; PhD and/or PMP preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive project and team leadership experience in clinical research.
• Successful track record of business development in government contracting, specifically with NIH and/or FDA.
• Demonstrated understanding of U.S. government regulatory compliance including but not limited to Human Subjects Protections and Good Clinical Practice.
• Experience mentoring research staff at all levels.

This Associate Vice President role is viewed as a thought leader within Clinical Research. Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills are essential. The successful candidate must be highly organized, detail oriented, able to take initiative, as well as direction from leadership. Must be capable of managing multiple tracks of complex business activities simultaneously. Must be effective working both independently and in teams with a commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (20 days per year)
• Sick Leave (10 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.

• Serve on the Clinical Research Practice’s leadership team to foster growth and develop/implement initiatives ensuring an overall culture of quality and excellence.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to expand the company’s clinical research services within HHS agencies.
• Lead business development and capture for opportunities within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal clients to secure new business opportunities.
• Direct and manage large clinical trials support services contracts or a series of smaller projects including leading design, data collection, analysis, and publication.
• Lead and mentor a team of clinical research professionals, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation while ensuring billability.
• Collaborate on cross-practice initiatives and serve as a thought leader both internally and externally.
• Represent Westat at industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to promote our services and expertise