Program Manager I (Life Skills)

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Program Manager I (Life Skills) who will provide technical project oversight and management for the daily operations of a large-scale research study that will evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed psychoeducation program aimed at increasing resilience and lowering risk for suicide and other harmful behaviors among active duty service members. This role involves strategically guiding technical and research staff to ensure they are all working effectively toward the program's stated objectives. Key responsibilities will include tracking and reporting on project progress and managing essential program elements like goals, risks, resources, budgets, and quality control.

Project Summary: The Suicide Avoidance Focused Enhanced Group Using Algorithm Risk Detection (SAFEGUARD) research initiative will use machine learning and predictive analytics to identify soldiers at greatest risk for suicide, and deliver targeted interventions, trainings, and psychoeducation programs aimed at mitigating risk for suicide and other harmful behaviors. SAFEGUARD consists of three projects - Life Skills, Life Force, and Pathfinding - that will evaluate the effectiveness of three different targeted interventions. This role will support the SAFEGUARD Life Skills project, which will provide educational training to increase resilience and reduce risk of harmful behaviors among active duty Army Soldiers. This program involves in-person and remote guided skill training, combined with the use of a mobile app that provides practical exercises, as well as remote group booster sessions and personalized messages to promote continued skills practice throughout the first year of military service.

This position will be in support of the Department of Psychiatry / Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) is one of the nation's oldest and most highly regarded, academic-based organizations dedicated to advancing trauma-informed knowledge, leadership and methodologies. The Center's work addresses a wide scope of trauma exposure from the consequences of combat, operations other than war, terrorism, natural and humanmade disasters, and public health threats as well as risk and protective factors associated with suicidal behaviors. CSTS is a part of our nation's federal medical school, Uniformed Services University (USU), and its Department of Psychiatry. These affiliations represent the Center's history, mission and future directions as a major contributor to our country's understanding of the impact of trauma and the advancement of trauma-informed care. Learn more about the CSTS.

The Department has active research programs in the Basic and Clinical Sciences and Neurosciences. In addition to intramural research projects, the Department maintains active research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Drug Abuse, National Science Foundation, the Department of the Army and the Department of the Air Force. The department has ongoing collaborations with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, is sponsor of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress and provides psychiatry residency training through its affiliations with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Naval Medical Center and Malcolm Grow Air Force Medical Center and the National Capital Area Graduate Medical Education Consortium.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

Note: This site requires that the incumbent has lived in the US for three out of the past five years.

This position has an expected duration of 18 months, though there may be possibility for extension.

• Perform a wide range of administrative/project coordinator duties for, and in collaboration with, programmatic and research leadership teams.
• Serve as the technical point of contact and liaison between internal and external stakeholders (i.e. Principal Investigators, research collaborators, program management teams, and research staff). Establish and maintain effective working relationships on matters of mutual interest.
• Maintain regular communication with leadership and project management teams for all SAFEGUARD projects.
• Oversee and coordinate tasks for the study's various activities including but not limited to:
  • Coordinate with technology development team, design consultants, and study investigators to align progress and outputs of developing and refining the digital components of the intervention.
  • Coordinate with the field research team to track progress and ensure that protocol requirements are achieved for study activities including participant scheduling, enrollments, and follow ups, as well as data collection, entry, and maintenance.
  • Review tasks lists and ensure timely completion of project tasks.
• Support and participate in planning, creation, submission, and maintenance of project documents including, but not limited to, documents for institutional review board approval, progress reports, proposals, regulatory submissions, and agreements as requested.
• Monitors study performance, analyses, and reviews results. Track and report on progress and outcomes. Assists in the resolution of project issues.
• Manage key program elements, including but not limited to goals and milestones, risks, available resources, budgets, standard operating procedures, quality control, and results. Identify project interdependencies, aligning resources and efforts where appropriate.
• Supervise, advise, and guide technical staff throughout the project lifecycle, focusing on coordination of study activities. Take corrective action as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. Preference for degrees in social sciences, such as psychology, health-related fields of study, or other related programs.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience required.
• Preference for experience in program/project management and research management.
• Preference for experience working with military community.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in scientific research and/or research management
• Substantial knowledge of psychological health and/or related scientific areas
• General awareness of federal budget processes and fundamental principles of project management
• Solid Interpersonal skills, including the ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing, build and maintain teams, and identify and resolve problems
• Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate activities to meet deadlines
• Working knowledge of a variety of software including but not limited to Microsoft Office, proposal/project tracking, and data analysis software
• Experience with REDCap preferred
• Prior experiences in the life sciences or a health-related field strongly preferred
• Prior experience managing clinical trials or conducting human subjects research strongly preferred
• Prior experiences working with military populations or within the military health system strongly preferred
• Ability to obtain and/or maintain a T1 Public Trust with CAC.

Licenses and Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a office setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $64,200-$105,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.