Strategy and Operations Lead

Job Title Rsch Pro - 6
Posting Title Program Strategy and Operations Lead
Job ID 9792EP
Location Minneapolis, MN

About the Job:
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:
1. Serve as the program director for certain Vaccine Integrity Project initiatives and program (50% time).
a. Provide oversight, leadership, and guidance on diverse initiatives, including staff supervision and oversight.
b. Provide leadership and oversight of dissemination of program results, including writing and publication of reports.
c. Monitor and summarize progress, per funder reporting requirements.
d. Monitor immunization developments and trends.
e. Provide input into program budgets and proposals, in partnership with finance team.
2. Perform liaison activities within the University and other key partners as needed (30%).
a. Ensure excellent communication within division, with the department, and with other key constituencies.
b. Foster relationships with internal and external partners to identify best practices and advancement strategies and/or possible collaborations, where appropriate.
3. Draft proposals and interact with external funders. (10% time).
a. Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure timely execution and alignment of projects.
b. Oversee grant awards and associated milestones.
c. Develop long-term strategies and relationships with funders.
4. Supervision and mentorship (5%).
a. Provide leadership and oversight to staff while supporting their ongoing professional development.
b. Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement to enhance individual and team performance.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director (5%).
a. Work outside of regular office hours when required.
b. Assume other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
* 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.
o Public health practice, experience designing and implementing all aspects of public health programs.
o Operations and strategy experience, including the development and execution of program budget, performance management, and project oversight in the field of public health.
o Public health policy issues and policy development as related to the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
* 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 (as evidenced by prior program management and managing diverse teams).
* Ability to perform strategic planning and develop performance management processes and tracking.
* Exceptional writing skills with demonstrated ability to: (1) produce clear, concise scientific writing; (2) edit colleagues' work; (3) convey technical material effectively to a range of professional audiences; and (4) synthesize complex information accurately.
* Demonstrated ability to exhibit interpersonal, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary communication skills (as evidenced by working on cross-disciplinary teams).
* Cultural sensitivity and competency (as evidenced by experience working with diverse or underserved populations).
* Ability to travel several times per year, including internationally.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:
* Demonstration of national leadership (through representation on national committees or organizations, publication record, or collaboration with leaders in the field).
* Experience working directly with US government agencies or international multilateral groups (such as the World Health Organization) in the public health arena.
* Basic understanding of risk communication principles (as evidenced by working with public information officers on health information messages for the general public).
* Ability and experience mentoring employees and /or students.

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. CIDRAP has a strong Web and communication presence through the CIDRAP website, CIDRAP daily newsletters, podcasts, and webinars. National and international experts alike turn to CIDRAP for the latest information on COVID-19, influenza, and other crucial emerging infectious diseases.

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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

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
• Employee wellbeing program
• Retirement plans
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).