Position Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Programs promotes PRIM&R’s position as a thought leader in the field of research ethics and oversight. The Director of Programs translates their extensive knowledge of research ethics and subject protections into high-quality educational programs, initiatives, and resources for research oversight professionals.

The Director of Programs is an integral member of PRIM&R’s senior management team, and is involved in strategic planning, budgeting, development of organizational structure, and going to scale planning and implementation. Alongside the senior management team, the Director of Programs works to promote a strong organizational mission and culture. Additionally, the Director of Programs serves as a key external voice and thought leader for our organization with partners, funders, and other stakeholder groups.

What you’ll do:

• Work in close collaboration with the Executive Director, to shape the strategy, operations, and metrics for the Education team.
• Direct PRIM&R’s online learning programs, in-person educational programs and resources, and oversee professional development programs.
• Provide daily leadership, management, and mentorship for the Education team, ensuring they have clear direction, resources, and support to achieve their individual and team objectives.
• Initiate and direct new educational program development, and identify and direct other new initiatives, in accordance with PRIM&R’s mission and strategic plan. Facilitate or identify, recruit, and work with external faculty to deliver programs.
• Contribute as needed to PRIM&R’s public policy efforts, knowledge-generating activities, and publications.
• Advise the Executive Director on publications, findings, and trends in the research protections and ethics fields and serve as in-house subject matter expert.
• Take responsibility for program revenue funded by fee for service, grants and other special programs.

Relationships:

• Internal: Works closely with Executive Director and senior management team in strategic and long-range planning. Works with all departments on educational programs and overlapping initiatives. Oversees the Program team in outreach, program design and implementation efforts, keeping curriculum in alignment with current needs and trends.
• External: Works with external organizations and individuals on partnerships and collaborations. Serves as a highly visible external representative of PRIM&R and must be comfortable cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with diverse partners.

What we’re looking for:

• Extensive subject-matter expertise in research ethics, subject protections, scientific methods, publication and reporting ethics and practice, and federal oversight of research.
• Expertise in educational practice and theory; demonstrated effectiveness in teaching; ability to think creatively, strategically and responsively about educational programming and implementation.
• Self-motivated team player with the ability to meet deadlines, remain flexible, and adjust to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced leadership and supervisory skills; demonstrated ability to effectively lead, mentor, and motivate individuals and teams; flexibility to deal effectively with a variety of personalities and situations.
• An enthusiastic leader with a zest for learning and a strong commitment to positively impacting others.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills; ability to effectively work with a variety of partners; facility in translating scientific/technical information for nonexpert audiences.
• Excellent computer, organization, project management, and planning skills. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Salesforce (or another database) preferred.

Travel: The Director of Programs is required to travel to the PRIM&R Annual Conference. Additional travel up to 25%, including travel to the office, on a schedule to be determined, is required.

About PRIM&R

Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) is an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Boston’s historic Back Bay whose mission is to advance the highest ethical standards in the conduct of biomedical, behavioral, and social science research. Since 1974, PRIM&R has served as the primary professional home and trusted thought leader for the human and animal research oversight communities. Through educational programming, membership services, professional certification, public policy initiatives, and community building, PRIM&R seeks to ensure that everyone involved in research understands the central importance of ethics in the advancement of science. This includes working to address systemic racism and other forms of structural injustice as they impact the research enterprise. PRIM&R is committed to advancing justice, equity, and inclusion among our staff, membership, leadership, and the wider research community. Visit primr.org for more information.

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