TITLE: Director, Project Management & Operations

REPORTING TO: Head of Product Development

LOCATION: Center for Biomedical Research, New York, NY OR Remote

JOBS SUPERVISED: Associate Director, Supply Chain Management and 2-3 Project Managers 

ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: Indefinite

POSITION SUMMARY: The Population Council conducts research to address critical health and development issues. Our work allows couples to plan their families and chart their futures. We conduct research and programs in more than 50 countries. Our New York headquarters supports a global network of offices in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

Through its Center for Biomedical Research (CBR), the Council has developed and licensed some of the most widely used long-acting, reversible contraceptives in the world. We are seeking a strategic leader for our Product Development group. This position is responsible for 1) project management of all PD activities associated with the Council’s internal drug development;2) management of all operational and financial activities associated with the PD team; 3) communication and reporting of PD activities (internally and externally); 4) project management support of cross departmental high priority projects; and 5) supervisory management of Project Management and Operations/Administrative staff, if needed.

The position requires an in-depth understanding of the drug development process in each of the functional areas of formulation, CMC/analytical, manufacturing, preclinical, regulatory, and clinical development, as well as a significant understanding of budgeting, business process development and management, contracts, and pharmaceutical project management. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Provide strategic direction and high-level project management of all R&D projects, including developing and managing product development plans and target product profiles, timelines, budgets, contracts, and reporting for multiple pharmaceutical development projects.

2. Act as a primary communicator and repository for R&D project information to other Council departments, and to external collaborators. 

3. Coach and mentor direct reports and/or team members with regard to relevant pharmaceutical/drug development knowledge and formal Project Management and Operations Management tools and processes, as needed.

4. Effectively manage cross functional teams driven at advancing pharmaceutical development projects.

5. Oversee management of R&D external project portfolio. 

6. Develop, implement, and manage all departmental business and operational processes including budgeting and budget management, contracts management, agreement development, administrative support, and document management. 

7. Serve on EVP of PD senior management team and support or manage high priority activities and projects such as Scientific Advisory Board meetings, Product Prioritization, departmental planning, development of funding proposals, etc.

8. Act proactively and maintain a high level of organization.

9. Represent PD at ET meetings when required and oversee content of project presentations to ensure it aligns with strategic goals and is appropriate for ET.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

We recognize that strong candidates may not have every qualification listed here, and encourage applications from individuals who bring passion, skills, and experience in many or most of these areas.

1. Bachelors in Science in biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related field and an MS degree in a related technical or management field.

2. Must have 10+ years of experience in a Pharmaceutical/Drug Development organization with focus in Project Management and operations management.

3. Minimum of 5years of supervisory experience. 

4. Experience working with external contractors and consultants, contracts and budget development and management, etc.

5. Experience in leading and managing a cross functional product development team

6. Must work well independently and in a team setting and be able to tolerate moving timelines and objectives

7. Experience in pharmaceutical development risk management and mitigation, critical path analyses, and task prioritization and resourcing.

8. Knowledge and experience establishing and managing administrative and business/financial/operational systems and processes.

9. Be able to understand and manage a varied portfolio of projects, act as the main point of contact to senior scientific collaborators and be able to assess and track budgets and timelines associated with these activities.

10. Be able to develop and implement business and operational processes and lead departmental planning efforts.

11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

12. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary range between $125,000-181,000 annually, depending on knowledge, skills, and experience. Excellent benefits package includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance available immediately upon hire; 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution equal to 12% of annual salary after one year of employment; generous annual and sick leave; and paid parental leave. We strive to provide an environment of professional growth and development. 

Application Deadline: May 25, 2022

When applying through the web portal please attach your CV and Cover Letter in Word or PDF format.

The Council requires all U.S. based staff, interns and fellows to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. New staff members must verify vaccination at the time of hire. Exemptions will only be considered for medical reasons and sincerely held religious beliefs. Exemptions are not guaranteed and must be discussed with Human Resources. 

The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of country offices. We are seeking an individual to fill the position described. If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in this position, please apply at: http://www.popcouncil.org/employment/index.asp.

The Population Council provides equal opportunity; it does not discriminate against any person with regard to age, color, creed, national origin, disability, political belief, veteran status, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions on employment are based on an individual’s qualifications as related to the position for which they are being considered. The Council especially encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups including but not limited to Black people and people of African descent, Indigenous people, people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, including people who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender expansive, people with disabilities, first-generation college graduates, and those from communities with the most to gain from expanded access to sexual and reproductive health services and information. The Population Council is international in the composition of its board of trustees and its staff, as well as in the nature and deployment of its activities.