Strategy And Operations Lead

Program Strategy and Operations Lead

This senior-level role provides strategic leadership and oversight for CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening public trust in vaccines through evidence-based research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. This position is responsible for driving the vision and execution of the project, from concept development to implementation. Responsibilities include shaping project concepts, leading grant and proposal development, supervising staff, and ensuring timely execution of initiatives aligned with program goals. The position fosters collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders to advance related strategies. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully leading complex initiatives within multifaceted organizations. This role reports directly to the Director of CIDRAP. Note that this is a 67.5% FTE position.

Duties and Essential Functions:

• Serve as the program director for certain Vaccine Integrity Project initiatives and program (50% time).
• Perform liaison activities within the University and other key partners as needed (30%).
• Draft proposals and interact with external funders. (10% time).
• Supervision and mentorship (5%).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director (5%).

Qualifications Required:

• Master's or PhD in epidemiology or related field.
• At least 20 years of practical, hands-on experience in public health strategy and operations at the state, federal, or international level.
• In-depth understanding of public health principles and practice and the public health system in the United States at the federal, state, and local levels.
• A working understanding of topics of major public health importance, such as immunizations, vaccine-preventable diseases, and public health data surveillance.
• Experience with program development, implementation, management, and evaluation, including direct staff supervision.
• Ability to perform strategic planning and develop performance management processes and tracking.
• Exceptional writing skills with demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise scientific writing; edit colleagues' work; convey technical material effectively to a range of professional audiences; and synthesize complex information accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit interpersonal, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary communication skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and competency.
• Ability to travel several times per year, including internationally.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstration of national leadership.
• Experience working directly with US government agencies or international multilateral groups in the public health arena.
• Basic understanding of risk communication principles.
• Ability and experience mentoring employees and/or students.

About the Department:

The mission of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), which is part of the Research and Innovation Office (RIO), is to prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into real-world, practical applications, policies, and solutions. CIDRAP addresses a variety of international and national public health policy issues related to the prevention and control of infectious diseases through various projects, including vaccine-related issues; emerging infectious disease threats; development of R&D roadmaps for coronavirus, influenza, Ebola/Marburg, Nipah, Lassa, and Zika virus vaccines; antimicrobial resistance and stewardship; chronic wasting disease; and bioterrorism/pandemic/emergency preparedness.

Pay and Benefits:

Pay Range: $116,437.50-$135,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 67.5% Time Appointment (27 hours/week)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off; continuous learning opportunities through professional training; medical, dental, and pharmacy plans; healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts; university HSA contributions; disability and life insurance.