Director – Scientific Programs – Int’l MS Alliance

Position Summary
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a national non-profit that exists because there are people with MS. Our vision is a world free of MS. Everything we do is focused so that people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.
We are more than an organization. We are a movement. United in our collective power to do something about MS now and end this disease forever. At the National MS Society you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those living with MS and their families.
As a member of the Society team, you’ll work in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, diverse perspectives, and most of all a relentless resolve so people with MS can live their best lives.
As the Director, Scientific Programs – International Progressive MS Alliance, you will lead the development and implementation of the Progressive MS Alliance scientific strategies. You are responsible for providing day-to-day leadership for ongoing Alliance global research initiatives and developing new programs in a growing portfolio of Alliance projects, specifically focused on the Understanding Progression and Accelerating Clinical Trials scientific priorities.
The Alliance is a global collaboration of MS organizations, researchers, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and people affected by progressive MS, transforming the landscape of progressive multiple sclerosis. The National MS Society (US) is the lead agency for the Alliance.
Your Key Responsibilities Include
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (65%)

• Align and track the team functions of three international Collaborative Network projects (approximately 40 scientists/11 countries) and new or ongoing strategic Implementation teams). Ensure effective communication between teams, schedule and coordinate various committee agenda/meetings, track progress and report milestones and success measures
• Manage review processes for follow-on funding for Network and Challenge Awards
• Direct a portfolio of scientific initiatives focused on Understanding Progression and Accelerating Clinical Trials scientific strategies
• Develop comprehensive project plans aligned with Alliance scientific strategies to monitor multiple projects and track progress and performance to be shared with Alliance staff and volunteers
• Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule and project costs using appropriate verification techniques
• Measure project performance against milestones and deliverables using appropriate tools and techniques
• Report and escalate potential issues and opportunities to VP, Research, as needed
• Report to Scientific Steering Committee leadership and Alliance Scientific Staff
• Create, receive, maintain and archive comprehensive project documentation to provide a history of the projects for use in similar projects in the future
• Accurately estimate budgets and monitor the actual spend as compared to the planned budget. Report and adjust accordingly.
• Identify and assess risks and develop plan of action if problems arise.
• Manage the development and project growth of new scientific initiatives within the Alliance.
• Manage award agreement changes when needed (and identify critical issues and promptly inform and propose mitigation actions)
• Liaise with the VP, Research, for any matter regarding project daily management
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Scientific Meeting Planning and Support (35%)

• Organize oversight and planning meetings (teleconference and in-person) for ongoing Alliance research initiatives. Coordinate with the VP, Research to develop agendas, slide decks and meeting tools to share data and reports
• Develop and organize scientific meetings focused on Alliance research portfolio and strategic initiatives
• Assist with development of program and agendas for Alliance scientific strategy meetings
• Conduct program assessments and portfolio analysis for executive and volunteer leadership
• Prepare reports and presentations for Alliance executive leadership and scientific volunteers
• Assist with administration of special research projects and engage with the Society meeting planning team, as needed

Qualifications
PhD required. Scientific disciplines related to multiple sclerosis, including: neuroscience/neurology, physiatry, immunology, cell biology and/or degrees in business or finance preferred
5+ or more years in scientific research, with specific demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects across and building timelines across multi-disciplinary international teams.

• Proven working experience directing scientific research projects
• Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Some domestic and international travel will be required.
• A proven track record of success in supporting and/or leading large, geographically dispersed projects in research and development with the ability to deliver high quality results to deadlines and under pressure
• Demonstrable experience of applying effective problem-solving techniques when the situation demands

Some Domestic And International Travel Will Be Required.
Must work out of Eastern, Central or Mountain Time Zone and be comfortable with conducting calls and/or virtual meetings as early as 6 a.m. in any of the aformentioned time zones.
Estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $82,000- $101,300 based on our average compensation schedule of Denver, CO. Final offers will be based on candidate geographic location and consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors.
You will have the opportunity for a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package that the Society provides to employees. Your benefits include a considerable Paid Time Off Plan; Paid Holidays; 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match; Educational Reimbursement Plan; Professional Development Assistance; Commuter Benefit Plan; Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, Life Assistance Plan as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings. We value continuous learning and support your professional development through a Professional Development Assistance plan. You will join an incredible mission focused team of people!
The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.