Research Project Manager, American Burn Association

Reporting to the Director, Quality and Research Initiatives, the Research Project Manager is responsible for bringing to life American Burn Association’s (ABA) newly prioritized research initiatives, growing the ABA’s research program, overseeing the management of ABA’s federal grants, and working with ABA’s partners on research projects.  In addition, this role will be responsible for overseeing the production of ABA’s journal, Journal of Burn Care & Research, and coding and reimbursement projects.

A few of the key personnel the Research Project Manager will work closely with: Quality Program Manager, Quality Coordinator and Verification Coordinator on quality related projects, programs, and initiatives. The Senior Director of Finance & Administration on financial compliance, the Senior Program Director on partnership with industry, government, and the private sector. ABA’s IT vendor, BData on research-based projects and research dataset requests and ABA’s advocacy and coding consultants on coding and reimbursement.

The ABA is based in downtown Chicago and offers its employees full time in-office, hybrid, or remote work options.  

This is a full-time exempt role with typical weeks being 37.5 hours. Typical work hours are 8:30am-4:30pm.

National travel may be required for the role, 1-3 times per year.

Responsibilities

The Research Project Manager will manage:

RESEARCH OPERATIONS

• Serves as the ABA liaison, with support from the Research Consultant, to all entities involved in the preparation, management and conclusion of grant proposals and projects.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of all research project documentation.
• Reviews monthly budget vs. actual reports and expenses for payment with Research Consultant and Finance Director.
• Compiles and submits various financial and project reports as required by specific agencies in coordination with the Director of Finance, Research Consultant and PI.
• Ensures compliance with all granting agency guidelines and/or DOD policies and procedures including The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly called “Uniform Guidance”)
• Supports the activities of the ABA Burn Research Network (ABuRN), the Burn Science Advisory Panel (BSAP), and the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) to insure successful management of grants.
• Serves as project manager to move Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) from idea to development. Manages access to resources and the contracted librarian.

CODING & REIMBURSEMENT

• Manages all projects related to coding and reimbursement for burn care including the Coding Primer, newsletter, webinars, and member education.
• Works collaboratively with coding consultant on coding projects.
• Serves as the ABA staff liaison to the AMA RUC, monitoring issues and working with the Coding Committee and consultant to address relevant items. Attends RUC and CPT meetings with the ABA representatives.

JOURNAL

• Serves as staff liaison for Journal of Burn Care & Research (JBCR) to our publisher and manages and implements of initiatives.
• Works with the marketing team, the editor and publisher to develop and implement plans to publicize the journal.
• Meets regularly with our publisher and Editor in Chief to move journal initiatives forward, develop strategies for reviewer development and succession planning, and ensure journal processes in place, documented and running smoothly.
• Collaborate with ABA membership staff to ensure that new memberships, annual renewals, and terminations are processed effectively and ensures monthly subscriber list is sent to publisher.
• Works with the ABA marketing team to utilize house ads in the Journal to promote appropriate ABA programs.

GENERAL

• Budgetary – Manages the research and journal budgets. In coordination with the Director of Quality and Research Initiatives develops yearly budget for the journal and research.
• Strategic Alignment – implements the alignment of research and JBCR with ABA strategic goals.
• Cross-functional collaboration – Internal and external communication and collaboration; works with a wide variety of individuals both internal and external to the ABA.
• Leadership and Mentorship – Oversees research consultant activities and works closely with Quality Coordinator. Collaborates closely with Coding Consultant and library consultant.
• Project Management – Responsible for the management, implementation and reporting of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Performance Improvement – Identify areas for performance improvement. Implementation of best practices and streamlined workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

COMMITTEES

• Serves as staff liaison for the Research, Clinical Pathway Guideline (CPG) and Coding Committees.
• May serve as staff liaison to other committees as needed by the organization.
• Responsible for drafting meeting agendas in conjunction with committee chair, coordinating meetings and conference calls, draft and distribute meeting notes.
• Works with the committee chairs to assure the business of the committee is accurately recorded and placed on the agenda(s) of the appropriate oversight committee or the Board.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of the committee’s area of expertise and works effectively and cooperatively with volunteers.
• Other activities as assigned by Director or Executive Director.

Qualifications

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual that gets excited about program development and growth, has detailed knowledge and understanding of the clinical research space, and can manage multiple projects simultaneously.

The successful candidate will be a problem solver excited about working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. They should be highly detailed, organized, and collaborative while managing multiple projects simultaneously. They will see the big picture and embrace change to ensure they meet their goals and the goals of the ABA.

Specific requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in research, healthcare, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience leading and managing multiple projects.
• Experience implementing and growing research programs. The ability to implement projects from start to finish.
• Experience managing multiple research projects or programs within an organization.
• Understanding of governmental grant reporting requirements is beneficial.
• Previous Association experience or experience working with volunteers and/or volunteer committees is a plus.
• Knowledge of professional journal publication processes desirable.
• Familiarity with medical coding desirable.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as accuracy and attention to details.
• Self-motivation and ability to take initiative and take on new responsibilities as necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to details.
• Excellent project management skills. Familiarity with project management software (Jira or similar) preferred.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others both inside and outside of the office, to use a computer and to be able to move around in the office.
• Personal qualities of integrity, collaboration, innovation and compassion, and a commitment to and passion for the ABA’s mission.

SEARCH PROCESS

This search is being conducted by Tuft & Associates. To apply for this position, email a cover letter and resume to Tuft & Associates, cbabjak@tuftassoc.com.