The Third Coast CFAR seeks qualified candidates for a new Clinical Research Associate position that will function as the manager of the center’s three scientific cores. In collaboration with CFAR leadership, the core manager will be responsible for facilitating and monitoring delivery of core services to faculty and sponsored projects engaged in HIV research. The manager will also lead evaluation efforts, participate in strategic planning, provide consultation and research navigation, and liaise with the administrative core to meet reporting requirements.

Job Summary
The NIH-funded Third Coast CFAR is citywide collaboration led by Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and key partners including, the Chicago and Illinois Departments of Public Health, Howard Brown Health, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, and multiple community-based organizations. The center’s mission is to catalyze cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional HIV research that will end the HIV epidemic, with Chicago as a national model for innovative research that spans the translational continuum from basic sciences through successful implementation of HIV prevention and treatment interventions. The scientific cores are led by senior faculty at Northwestern and the University of Chicago. Each core’s specific mission is to provide services and resources that advance NIH-funded HIV research and that supports the development of early stage investigators. Learn more about the scientific cores and services:

• Behavioral, Social, and Implementation Sciences Core
• Clinical Sciences Core
• Viral Pathogenesis Core

In collaboration with core directors and CFAR leadership, the core manager will ensure that each core meets its specific aims and annual goals by facilitating communication within each core and between the scientific and administrative cores, monitoring utilization, advertising and developing core services, and implementing new initiatives. The position reports to the center’s associate director.

Application Process

To apply for this position, navigate to careers.northwestern.edu, search for job ID 44087, and click Apply for Job. For full consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Oversees & ensures that day-to-day operations are appropriately managed, efficient and effective.
• Operationalizes goals & objectives; ensures that resources are created or obtained.
• Manages customer service; creates associated practices & procedures & metrics to measure success.
• Manages logistics requirements, including facilities, venue, scheduling, technology, instruction, catering, etc. 

Communication, Outreach & Recruitment

• Creates plan to drive awareness of program/project in appropriate markets.
• Partners with academia and organizations to continue to innovate & enhance program/project.
• Actively obtains market intelligence by monitoring program/project peers/competitors and sharing information with appropriate groups.
• Builds relationships with appropriate communities & organizations that will result in program/project enhancement.

Evaluation

• Manages evaluation processes; recommends & implements changes for enhancement; monitors effectiveness through follow-up evaluation studies.
• Assesses programming and recommends changes that will innovate and invigorate program including cutting edge developments in the field and changes to better meet external partners’ needs in order to achieve goals. 

Events

• Develops, plans & implements strategies, goals & approach for programs & events.
• Collaborates with internal/external partners to ensure that events are implemented and meet or exceed planned goals.

Grants & Contracts 

• Writes technical reports detailing procedures, outcomes, and observations. 

Program Development

• Oversees the ongoing development and refinement of the program’s/project’s current and future curriculum and course offerings in consultation with subject matter experts.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, local & NU laws, regulations, policies & procedures.

Strategic Planning

• Develops and implements a comprehensive, visionary program/project strategy designed to continually grow and improve programs and build internal/external engagement.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of an advanced degree in health or biological sciences, public health, or program administration at an accredited college or university; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 5 years program/project administration or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Demonstrated ability to be a strong, effective communicator – both spoken and written.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of the work, possessing initiative, and good follow-through.
• Coachability – Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement.
• Collaboration – Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one’s own team.
• Collegiality – Helpful, respectful, approachable; builds strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Meets deadlines – Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines.
• Multi-tasking – Demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Organization – Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior working experience managing a university-based core and/or NIH-funded research projects or centers.
• Prior working experience in HIV research or programs.
• Prior working experience managing multi-departmental and multi-institutional initiatives.