Program Manager (One Year Term)

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $49,257 and $62,311, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Our research in Alzheimers disease aims to identify genetic factors associated with dementia, specifically Alzheimers type. We are focused on increasing the representation of our study population by enrolling individuals from various ancestries. Through this, we seek to better understand the genetic underpinnings of memory loss and dementia. By collecting comprehensive data and biological samples, we will conduct genetic studies to identify potential genetic markers for dementia. The Program Manager will play a key role in managing these efforts, including participant recruitment, enrollment, and data oversight, while collaborating with study sites to ensure the success of recruitment and data collection initiatives. This is a full-time, 1 year term position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identify and enroll eligible individuals and meet enrollment goals. Cultivate relationships with potential study participants; providing education, building trust and promoting interest in study activities. Work within human research protection processes: create and maintain appropriate protocol documents, confidentially and sensitively obtain and review family and medical histories and perform study specific interviews, instruments, and exams and identify, obtain and review appropriate medical records. Draw blood for genetic studies (training can be provided on the job). Prepare detailed participant exam reports for adjudication. Oversee and maintain complete research files and comprehensive databases including: consent forms, demographics, family and medical history forms and all other study specific forms and data. Document and maintain records to show effort that may not be reflected in enrollment numbers; events attended, sign-ups, declines, phone calls, messages left, etc. Ensure compliance with IRB approved protocols and maintain data integrity. (70%)
• Collaborate with study leadership to create strategic approaches to identify and engage community and clinic partnerships. Build community partnerships through effective outreach efforts. Develop and implement community recruitment strategy and methods. Design and manage community events; reach out to various groups including but not limited to the Alzheimers association, churches, community senior centers, social groups and caregiver support groups. Maintain open communication with physicians and office staff participating in the studies in the community. Working closely with the research staff, monitor and oversee research activities for the ascertainment, recruitment and enrollment of study participants for the DAWN study and ensure timelines and goals are met. Evaluate outreach efforts, identify areas for improvement, advise leadership of alternative methods/efforts, and implement adjustments. (10%)
• Facilitate communication and provide regular research updates for meetings. Work with the team to prepare a yearly participant newsletter. Participate in research group meetings locally and with the national network and communicate with the Research Project Director and Principal Investigators to ensure that work on the studies is being performed as needed and expected. Attend regular meetings locally and nationally with the principal investigators/coordinators and collaborators. Maintain open communication/collaboration between departments within and outside of institution. (10%)
• Provide training and instruction regarding enrollment and data entry procedures for others working on the study. (7%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• May serve as a co-author on research publications. (1%)
• Provide training regarding enrollment and data entry procedures for others who work with the studies. May supervise students and technicians. (1%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: On-going contact with supervisor. Contact with Research Project Director and PI as needed, staff, faculty, postdocs, and study participants. Will work closely with any other team members who work on the same study, coordinate research activities for the ascertainment, recruitment, and enrollment of study participants for the human genetics research studies in their area.

University: Contact as needed with purchasing, human resources, space, and facilities planning, environmental health, safety/contact, Research Administration, IRB, and Sponsored Projects Accounting.

External: Regular contact with community leaders, collaborators at other universities, institutions, and industry. Occasional contact with vendors.

Students: On-going contact with students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. May train new staff; direct the work of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience 2 to 5 years of experience with minority community and familiarity with the aging population, preferably in the Cleveland area;

Education: Bachelors degree required. Prefer Nursing degree. Must have and maintain a valid drivers license and be able to travel to participant homes, exam locations and community events, primarily within the local area.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to concisely and effectively communicate methods, concepts, and study designs to all groups as appropriate, relevant and indicated.
• Effective and professional interpersonal skills. Demonstrated expertise and strong leadership skills in team-oriented environment.
• Ability to facilitate open communication/collaboration between department and other areas, as well as open communication with physicians and office staff participating in the studies in the community.
• Maintain level of confidentiality commensurate with nature of involvement with study participants, medical records and other sensitive HIPAA, demographic and family history information.
• Good problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated willingness to be hands-on and pro-active.
• Ability to multitask, work independently, and set own priorities, while maintaining accuracy and attention to details.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external colleagues and collaborators. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Phlebotomy skills preferred, but training will be provided to attain those skills.
• Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office environment. Employee will need to drive a personal vehicle to participants¿ home and exam locations and community events. (approximately 50%-75% of travel required). Occasional national/international travel for collaborative meetings. May need to work on occasional weekends and during evenings to attend and participate in community/recruitment events.

Term Position

This is a Term position. They are treated like regular staff positions for medical and dental benefits eligibility, vacation, holidays, and sick time. Term employees are not eligible for life insurance, retirement, long term disability, short term disability, tuition assistance, layoff status, or severance pay. Staff in term positions are also subject to the performance management review process and positive corrective action when work performance or behavior is unsatisfactory or unacceptable. Term employment does not alter the employment-at-will employee status of these employees.

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Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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