Methods Director, Clinical Practice Guidelines

The Alzheimer’s Association® is seeking an experienced senior guideline methodologist and a decisive leader to serve as Methods Director, Clinical Practice Guidelines, within the Association’s Knowledge Mobilization and Clinical Practice Guidelines program. In this key role, you will set the methodological standard for the program and keep it moving at pace. You will produce rigorous systematic reviews, clinical practice guideline recommendations, clinical tools and other materials that support and improve quality care in Alzheimer’s and other dementias nationally and internationally, and you will help move that evidence into practice. You will drive implementation of the strategic objectives in the organizational Medical Affairs Strategic Plan, including scientific conference strategy and dissemination activities that get evidence and guideline recommendations to their intended audiences. You will lead systematic review and guideline development in collaboration with the Medical and Scientific Relations, Mission Engagement and Health Systems teams, directing the work of about 20 research volunteers and contractors. You will also represent the Association on matters of significance to the knowledge mobilization and clinical practice guideline program and drive national and international guideline initiatives and partnerships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the systematic review and clinical practice guideline methodological process, including convening panels, managing conflicts of interest (COIs), screening, data extraction, analysis, GRADE assessments and development of GRADE evidence profiles and evidence-to-decision tables, directing the work of volunteers and contractors and keeping projects on schedule
• Lead training of guideline panels and volunteers in PICO format and GRADE methodology to scope systematic reviews and guidelines quickly and accurately
• Lead panel meetings (with oversight of supervisor and MED/SCI scientific advisor) throughout the guideline development process, including planning for, facilitation of, and summarization and follow-up after each meeting, so panels reach well-documented decisions on schedule
• Co-lead the development and review of systematic review and guideline manuscripts with supervisor and medical writer, in collaboration with the guideline panel and contractors/volunteers, moving drafts efficiently to completion
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify opportunities and develop, disseminate and promote uptake of guideline products, including clinical tools, as needed
• Engage in collaborative efforts within the ADRD/guideline development evidence ecosystem to stay current on new research and methodology and keep Association systematic reviews and guidelines up to date and relevant
• Contribute actively to Association activities and staff meetings to promote the integration of knowledge mobilization and guideline program outputs

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proficiency in systematic review and guideline development software (Covidence, DistillerSR, GRADEpro, MAGICapp, RevMan, R, Excel, Word)
• Ability to plan ahead and use agile methodologies to manage projects and deliver work quickly without compromising rigor
• Ability to make sound decisions quickly, navigate complex processes and situations, and remain effective in the face of shifting priorities and timelines
• Ability to stay connected to the latest technologies and methodologies in guideline development and knowledge mobilization
• Ability to collaborate across internal divisions and with external partnering organizations and volunteers
• Ability to maintain in-depth knowledge of the organization, competitive environment and social implications of organizational activities
• Ability to apply and direct methodological expertise in conducting guideline development and systematic reviews
• Ability to provide leadership and clear operational direction to diverse collaborators, set priorities and hold work to deadlines

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Seven years of professional experience with the development of systematic reviews, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and other types of clinical guidance
• Five years of experience leading or co-leading decision-making during guideline panel meetings
• Demonstrated record of directing the work of teams, including volunteers or contractors, and delivering high-quality systematic reviews and guidelines on tight timelines
• Minimum of 3-5 publications using the GRADE approach
• Master’s degree in public health, health research methods or other health sciences is preferred
• Prior experience in a patient advocacy or professional/clinical association is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working at a computer
• Occasional travel to scientific/guideline conferences (2-3x a year)

Position Title: Director, Clinical Practice Guidelines

Position Location: Chicago, hybrid 

Full time based on 37.5 hours per week minimum

Position Grade: 511 Exempt (Estimated Annual Salary $130,000-$150,000)

Reports To: Senior Director, Knowledge Mobilization and Clinical Practice Guidelines

Who We Are:

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia– by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

At the Alzheimer’s Association, our employees are at the core of all we do. Our network of more than 1,900 employees across the United States makes a difference each and every day for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and those at risk for the disease.

We warmly invite qualified applicants to consider this opportunity to make a life-changing impact on the millions living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and those that may develop the disease in the future. Read on to learn more about the role, then visit our website www.alz.org/jobs to explore who we are and why we've been recognized as a Best Place to Work for the last twelve years in a row.

At the Alzheimer's Association®, we believe that diverse perspectives are critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care. The Association is committed to engaging underrepresented and underserved communities and responding with resources and education to address the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

 The Alzheimer’s Association commitment remains steadfast in engaging all communities in our full mission. The Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment to the fullest extent required by law, including, but not limited to, on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employees working 24 hours/week or more are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, flex accounts, short and long-term disability, life insurance, long term care insurance, tuition reimbursement, generous Paid Time Off, 12 annual holidays and Paid Family Leave, as well as an annual Cultural & Heritage Day and Volunteer Day of their choosing. They are also eligible for our gold standard 401(k) retirement plan.

Full time employees (37.5 hours/week), will enjoy all of the above plus an annual School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of their choosing.