Senior Clinical Program Officer, Healthcare Delivery and Disparities Research

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute - PCORI

Job Location

1919 M Street NW, Suite 200 Washington, District of Columbia

This search is being managed by our Executive Search Partner, Insight Executive Search. 

For more information or to apply for the position, please contact:

Aaron Schmidt, President [email protected]

About Us

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. PCORI is committed to continually seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work.

Position Summary

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is conducting a national search for a Senior Clinical Program Officer to support our Science programs.  The incumbent must have a proven track record of leadership in delivery of clinical care (as MD, DO or its equivalent). For example, experience developing and overseeing a research clinical topic or portfolio. Additionally, demonstrated expertise in Health Systems and/or Disparities, two of PCORI’s research priority areas, would be ideal.  

The Senior Clinical Program Officer is responsible for strategic decision-making and high-level program planning, management, and monitoring of a program portfolio and program activities (e.g., topic development, advisory panels, workgroup meetings), that advance PCORI’s patient-centered research agenda.  The primary responsibilities include providing intellectual and organizational leadership to shape the science programs research agendas and funding priorities, develop funding announcements, award and manage a diverse portfolio of research awards, and evaluate program activities to further the strategic direction of the program.  This individual will also serve as the subject matter expert to the program in clinical care considerations related to research topics and awards funded within the program.

We are seeking to fill one vacancy under this posting within PCORI’s Scientific Programs that focus on comparing patient-centered approaches to improve the equitability, effectiveness, and efficiency of care as well as seek to fill clinical information gaps by producing valid, trustworthy, and useful new evidence comparing the effectiveness of different clinical options.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Program Responsibilities: 

• Assists Scientific leadership in identifying and implementing strategic objectives for PCORI.
  


• Identifies and manages the development and implementation of program funding activities (e.g., requests for proposals).
  


• Collaborates with cross cutting business units and departments such as Science, Engagement, Communications and Contracts Management staff in implementing program activities such as PFA development, topic refinement, input into Advisory Panel or Oversight Committee agendas, strategic planning, or other emerging initiatives.
  


• Works closely with a team of PCORI staff in managing research awards. 
  

Portfolio Management: 

• Identifies and manages the design and implementation of activities related to the development of program-specific PCORI funding announcements (e.g., convening workgroup and advisory panels meetings, working with external organizations including government organizations)
  


• Develops, with assistance from PCORI staff and external organizations, program-specific PCORI funding announcements.
  


• Actively engages in PCORI’s processes for reviewing and awarding applications received through the PCORI funding announcement process.
  


• Advises awardees on the execution of their contracts
  


• Engages in active portfolio management by monitoring awardees’ attainment of contract milestones and overall study progress, conducting site visits, and implementing learning networks or conferences to facilitate shared learning opportunities for relevant stakeholders.
  


• Collaborates with contract management staff to assess status of projects.
  


• Evaluates the program’s portfolio to ensure balance and to identify need for modification of strategic funding directions and future funding opportunities for program. 
  


• Advises potential applicants regarding their applications and the application process.
  


• Leads/participates in small teams or working groups to conceptualize research topics, perform or assess systematic reviews of evidence, strategic research portfolio management, and facilitate the prioritization of research questions by experts or advisory panels.
  


• Applies knowledge of clinical care delivery and/or clinical trials conduct to portfolio management activities including PFA development, pre-award reviews and discussions with applicants, and post-award management and serves as a resource for other PCORI staff when clinical expertise is required.
  

 Organizational Responsibilities and Contributions: 

• Represents PCORI publicly regarding program direction, program funding, and the application process and award results. 
  


• Participates in conferences, seminars, and other professional development activities to maintain and enhance expertise and professional status.
  


• Leads, contributes to, and participates in internal groups and teams and cross-cutting initiatives.  Carries out other responsibilities as assigned by PCORI management.
  


• Keeps Program Director and team apprised of developments and occurrences in the field that are likely to affect program decision-making, strategies, and/or award decision-making
  

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above.

Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in clinical trial design, execution and oversight and in research methods, which may be reflected by prior success in publishing first-authored scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
  


• Preference for topical expertise in the following areas: primary care, cancer, mental health, cardiovascular disease, multiple chronic conditions
  


• Demonstrated expertise in health systems and/or disparities research preferred, which may be reflected by prior success in publishing first-authored scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
  


• Proven track record of leadership in either delivery of clinical care (clinical training with MD, DO, or equivalent), which may be reflected by clinical training, past work experience, or prior success in publishing first-authored scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.
  


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  


• Ability to handle and manage multiple priorities effectively; must be adept at organizing time efficiently; high tolerance for ambiguity; ability to understand and work effectively with PCORI staff members.
  


• Able to synthesize material and focus quickly on the essence of an issue; to identify major opportunities in a specific area; to see the big picture.
  


• Strong oral presentation skills.
  


• Strong project and people management skills.
  


• Personally motivated to support PCORI’s mission and goals; to work independently and in teams to think imaginatively about opportunities; to create and respond to innovative approaches to addressing an issue; to inspire others to work towards achieving team goals.
  


• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; collegial, energetic, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and others who contribute to program development and management.
  


• Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally.
  


• Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, and is responsive and clear with funding announcement applicants.
  


• Ability to travel, as required, including for site visits and representing PCORI at external meetings.
  


• Proficient in the use of technology.
  


• Ability to link organizational goals to individual department mission and activities.
  


• Ability to envision innovative solutions.
  

Required Experience

• Clinical (MD, DO or its equivalent) plus minimum of seven (7) years of work experience (residency plus post-residency) in a research discipline relevant to patient-centered outcomes research, participating in clinical trials, or serving in a clinical advisory role for such trials.
  


• Extensive experience plus proven leadership for specific area of knowledge in one or more of PCORI’s program areas: Health Systems and/or Disparities; extensive experience plus proven leadership in a funding research agency/organization; and/or extensive experience and proven leadership in research program and staff management.
  

The health and safety of our employees is a top priority. As part of that commitment, PCORI requires all employees, regardless of remote work status, to be vaccinated against COVID-19. As a prospective and/or new employee at PCORI, you will be required to comply with PCORI's vaccination policy, report your vaccination status, and provide proof of vaccination. Compliance with the policy does allow for exceptions, but those exceptions will only be granted in circumstances related to medical conditions, disabilities, and sincerely held religious beliefs. Continuing with this application indicates your intent to comply with PCORI's Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

PCORI conducts background checks on all applicants.

PCORI’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

PCORI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity both internal and external to the workplace. You can learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.