Program Officer, Methods

About Us

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. PCORI is committed to continually seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Chief Research Infrastructure Officer, the Program Officer is responsible for strategic decision-making and high-level program planning, management, and monitoring of a program portfolio and program activities that advance PCORI’s patient-centered research agenda. The primary responsibilities include providing scientific oversight for funded research awards, developing funding announcements, managing the Methodology Consult program, supporting the PCORI Methodology Committee in the development and updates to the Methodology Standards, and evaluating and implementing activities to further the strategic direction of the Patient Centered Research Program Department.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

General Program Responsibilities:

• Assists PCOR Infrastructure Chief, Senior Advisor and Associate Directors within Research Infrastructure and Innovation, and Patient Centered Research leadership in identifying and implementing strategic objectives for the Program.
• Identifies and manages the development and implementation of program funding activities (e.g., funding opportunity announcements, programmatic review of research applications, and scientific oversight of research awards).
• Supports the PCORI Methodology Committee in the development and refinement of the Methodology Standards and other initiatives to support methodological innovation.
• Collaborates with staff from other Patient Centered Research programs, as well as Communications, and Contracts Management staff in implementing program activities.
• Works closely with a team of PCORI staff in managing research awards.
• Provides support to carry out any other duties that may reasonably be required in line with general program responsibilities Portfolio Management:
• Identifies and manages the design and implementation of activities related to the development of program specific PCORI funding announcements (e.g., convening workgroup and advisory panels meetings, working with external organizations including government organizations)
• Develops, with assistance from PCORI staff and external organizations, program specific PCORI funding announcements.
• Actively engages in PCORI’s processes for reviewing and awarding applications received through the PCORI funding announcement process.
• Advises awardees on the execution of their contracts
• Engages in active portfolio management by monitoring awardees’ attainment of contract milestones and overall study progress, conducting site visits, and implementing learning networks or conferences to facilitate shared learning opportunities for relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborates with contract management staff to assess the status of projects.
• Evaluates the program’s portfolio to ensure balance and to identify the need for modification of strategic funding directions and opportunities.
• Advises potential applicants regarding their applications and the application process.

Organizational Responsibilities and Contributions:

•  Represent PCORI publicly regarding program direction, program funding, and the application process and award results.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and other professional development activities to maintain and enhance expertise and professional status.
• Lead, contribute to and participate in internal groups and teams and cross-cutting initiatives. Carry out other responsibilities as assigned by PCORI management.
• Keeps the Research Infrastructure and Innovation and Patient Centered Research Program teams appraised of developments and occurrences in the field that are likely to affect program decision-making, strategies, and/or award decision-making.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. 

Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 

Required Skills:  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle and manage multiple priorities effectively; must be adept at organizing time efficiently; high tolerance for ambiguity; ability to understand and work effectively with PCORI staff members
• Able to synthesize material and focus quickly on the essence of an issue; to identify major opportunities in a specific area; to see the big picture
• Strong oral presentation skills
• Strong project and people management skills
• Personally motivated to support PCORI’s mission and goals; to work independently and in teams to think imaginatively about opportunities; to create and respond to innovative approaches to addressing an issue; to inspire others to work towards achieving team goals
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; collegial, energetic, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and others who contribute to program development and management
• Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally
• Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, and is responsive and clear with funding announcement applicants
• Ability to travel, as required, including for site visits and representing PCORI at external meetings.
• Proficient in the use of technology
• Ability to link organizational goals to individual department missions and activities
• Ability to envision innovative solutions
• Demonstrated expertise in study designs and statistical methods for conducting clinical studies