Senior Director, Scientific and Clinical Programs

at  National Multiple Sclerosis Society

WHO WE ARE:

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.
This position will lead the development and implementation of the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in MS (CTC) scientific and communication strategies (https://ectrims.eu/ms-clinical-trials-committee/). The individual will be responsible for providing day-to-day leadership for ongoing CTC global initiatives and developing new programs. They will have a critical leadership role in ensuring the confidence, engagement, participation of leadership/general members of the CTC and the global scientific and health care provider community.
The mission of the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in Multiple Sclerosis is to provide perspective and guidance to the multiple sclerosis (MS) scientific and health care provider community related to planning and implementation of clinical trials of MS therapies and related topics. The committee consists of 35-40 global leaders in MS clinical and translational research and is well known for the development of McDonald Diagnostic Criteria for MS, the MS clinical course descriptors, clinical trial design methodologies, and guidance regarding the treatment of MS.
The CTC convenes international meetings and consensus-building activities on specific topics determined to be high priority by Committee leadership. Outcomes of these activities are typically published in high-impact scientific journals as well as channels accessible by the public. This CTC is a global body sponsored by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ECTRIMS) and the National MS Society. The incumbent would be an employee of the Society and have accountability to both the sponsors.
The incumbent will serve as an intellectual and analytical leader for CTC and project manage a number of high-profile activities in parallel. They will regularly engage and interact with committee chairs, committee members and scientific thought leaders to shape the CTC research and clinical strategy as well as communicate research advances to Society and ECTRIMS constituents, donors, and the public. This person represents the Society and CTC at external convening activities, advances CTC initiatives, and cultivates relationships and collaboration opportunities to leverage resources with like-minded organizations and funding partners.
Essential Functions / Responsibility

SCIENTIFIC AND CLINICAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP (CTC): Working with Society and ECTRIMS scientific and operational staff, the individual will provide leadership for CTC strategic research and clinical initiatives.

• Drive the overall multi-year strategy for CTC committee in partnership with Society and ECTRIMS leadership
• Develop comprehensive project plans aligned with CTC scientific and clinical strategies and priorities to implement, communicate and implement multiple projects, track progress and performance, to be shared with CTC leadership, staff and committee members
• Working with CTC leadership, engage the international academic, clinical and commercial research community to develop innovative solutions and consensus around for MS challenges and opportunities
• Lead and manage the coordination, alignment, changes in project scopes and budgets to fulfill partnership and collaborative work with ECTRIMS for the Clinical Trials Committee
• Manage the CTC Sponsor group (the board of the CTC) including organizing quarterly meetings, drafting annual reviews, and ensuring timely financial planning and reporting
• Measure project performance against milestones and deliverables using appropriate tools and techniques
• Will have autonomy to make key decisions, but will report and escalate potential challenges and opportunities to EVP, Research, as needed
• Will report to CTC leadership, committees and staff as necessary; Liaise with the EVP, Research and the Director, Global Initiatives; Liaise with Society Research, Advocacy, Healthcare Access and Global Strategy departments to assure alignment and maximize on collaboration opportunities
• Create, receive, maintain and archive comprehensive project documentation to provide a history of the projects for use in similar projects in the future
• Identify and assess risks and develop plan of action if problems arise.
• Manage the development and project growth of new scientific or clinical initiatives within the CTC
• Perform other related duties as assigned

MEETING PLANNING AND CONTENT DEVELOPMENT (CTC): Lead Scientific meeting planning, content development and support for CTC in person and virtual meetings

• Organize oversight and planning meetings (teleconference and in-person) for ongoing CTC initiatives. Develop agendas, slide decks and meeting tools to share data and reports
• Develop and organize scientific meetings focused on CTC research portfolio and strategic initiatives. Assist with development of program and agendas and secure speakers for Alliance scientific strategy meetings
• Conduct program assessments and portfolio analysis for CTC leadership
• Prepare scientific reports and presentations for CTC leadership and committee members
• Drive and facilitate writing of scientific and consensus papers for publishing in key scientific journals

Scientific Program Management: Provide Scientific Program Management to Society Research projects.

• Manage review processes for Society Research Awards
• Direct a portfolio of scientific initiatives of the Society
• Develop comprehensive project plans aligned with Society scientific strategies to monitor multiple projects and track progress and performance to be shared with Society staff and volunteers
• Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule and project costs using appropriate verification techniques
• Measure project performance against milestones and deliverables using appropriate tools and techniques
• Report and escalate potential issues and opportunities to EVP, Research, as needed
• Create, receive, maintain and archive comprehensive project documentation to provide a history of the projects for use in similar projects in the future
• Accurately estimate budgets and monitor the actual spend as compared to the planned budget. Report and adjust accordingly.
• Identify and assess risks and develop plan of action if problems arise.
• Manage the development and project growth of new scientific initiatives within the Society
• Manage award agreement changes when needed (and identify critical issues and promptly inform and propose mitigation actions)
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Role Qualifications:

Education:

• PhD/MD/DO/NP/PA or other comparable post-graduate degree with 7-10 years of research or clinical experience and 3-5 years experience conducting and managing research in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sector and/or clinical care or nursing – preferably in MS. Experience in patient advocacy/non-profit setting is preferred. Demonstrated track record of supervising staff and managing multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment.

Experience:
Scientific Project Management, Communication, Planning, Managing and Measuring Work, Negotiating, Diplomacy, Analysis, Managing Systems, Managing Processes, Active Listening, Building Relationships

Knowledge and Skills:

• High level planning, program and project management skills to ensure effective use of resources (Essential)
• Vision, strategic insight and intellectual capability to understand the environment in which the CTC is operating, and to develop/refine the strategy accordingly (Essential)
• Outstanding leadership skills with ability to adapt style to circumstances (Essential)
• Ability to focus on impact and deliver outstanding results in a team environment and contribute positively as part of a team (Essential)
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, able to influence a wide range of stakeholders (Essential)
• Communications – excellent written and verbal skills in English (Essential)
• Ability to cope with, and resolve, conflict.
• Ability to manage and deliver a complex and diverse workload.
• Results oriented, takes initiative and ownership to get the job done
• Experience supporting large, geographically dispersed projects in the voluntary, public sector or multi-site environment of comparable size and complexity, to deliver high quality results to deadlines and under pressure (Preferred)

Competencies/Behaviors:

• Able to take a strategic overview and work collaboratively and effectively with international teams and senior management to drive strategic goals
• Emotionally resilient and able to work with ambiguity, group pressures, the opposition of ideas and difficult tasks
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to change
• Willingness to have flexibility to work outside of ‘normal’ office hours regularly (due to the worldwide CTC membership)
• Approachable – Will be open minded and value diversity
• Empowering – will enable positive change
• Passionate about the Society and CTC’s goals and delivering excellence

Technical Competencies:

Financial Management

• Work with the Executive Vice President, Research and finance to ensure the efficient management of Alliance expenditures, including effective budget preparation, planning and monitoring for the CTC

General

• Some domestic and international travel will be required
• Experience and proficiency with computer software such as Microsoft Office, MS Project, particularly database use, spreadsheet and analytical software, or willingness and ability to rapidly gain such expertise, is required for this position. Understanding the administrative and operational aspects of medical research in a clinical setting is required; prior exposure to issues relevant to MS highly desirable.
• Ensure compliance with the CTC’s policies including: The perspective of people affected by progressive MS as a critical component of decision-making; all meetings and activities are conducted with accessibility in mind; data and information is shared; collaboration across organizations and borders is paramount; transparency in decision-making is a discipline
• Ensure compliance with the Society’s policies on working with people with MS, Volunteers, Recruiting Safely, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity
• Ensure compliance with the Society’s guidelines on the requirements of Disclosure

Compensation & Benefits Info:
Estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $96,000 - $135,000 based on our average compensation schedule. Final offers will be based on candidate geographic location and consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package to employees. These benefits include a considerable Paid Time Off Plan; Paid Holidays; 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match; Educational Reimbursement Plan; Professional Development Assistance; Commuter Benefit Plan; Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, Life Assistance Plan as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.
The Society has a career framework that is our foundation of a clear, consistent structure for growth and careers. It is comprised of career bands and career levels, as well as functions and disciplines, that together, capture the Society’s positions and work.
This position is in the Professional career band and a level of 5 (P5).
The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.

Please refer the Job description for details