Project Manager, International Family Study

Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in expert cleft surgery and care. We provide medical expertise, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems and supported by our generous donors. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak, and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Our training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives.  

General Description: 

The Project Manager will play a pivotal role in the management and execution of an international study investigating environmental, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors for cleft disease in low- and middle-income countries. The successful candidate will work closely with a diverse range of international teams, ensuring smooth planning, implementation, data management, and coordination of research activities. Additionally, this individual will conduct their own research using the study data. This is a dynamic and impactful opportunity to contribute to global health initiatives, with responsibilities spanning study design, budgeting, data oversight, conducting research, and dissemination of research findings. 

Essential Functions: 

Project Coordination & Planning: 

• Work with international research teams to ensure the successful planning and execution of the study across multiple sites.
• Coordinate data collection efforts, logistics, and other operational tasks across sites.
• Ensure compliance with guidelines, protocols, and reporting requirements throughout all phases of the study and other supportive tasks required for project management.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the study budget, ensuring efficient and appropriate allocation of resources.

Data Management Oversight: 

• Directly oversee data entry, data storage, and processing activities to ensure adherence to best practices in data management.
• Manage and maintain a comprehensive environmental database and genetic repository, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Ensure proper implementation of all study standardized operating procedures for all study processes, ensuring consistency and quality across sites and in alignment with local and international standards.

Research & Analysis: 

• Conduct research including environmental, lifestyle, and/ or genetic data analyses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on data analysis and participate in manuscript preparation and scientific writing.
• Assist with grant report preparation and reporting
• Ensure high-quality standards in the analysis and presentation of research findings.
• Support research efforts outside of this project including data management, analysis, and manuscript writing where possible.  

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Effectively communicate study progress, findings, and challenges to internal stakeholders, including financial teams, operational teams, grantors, and academic partners.
• Assist with the preparation and presentation of research findings at academic conferences, workshops, and other relevant forums.
• Develop reports, presentations, and updates for both internal and external audiences.
• Facilitate regular communication with study team members and consultants through weekly and bi-weekly status meetings. 

Travel & Field Operations: 

• Coordinate and manage international travel for study site visits, data collection, and operational support.
• Provide on-site support to study teams, ensuring the proper implementation of study protocols and timely completion of tasks. 

Experience Required (education/work): 

• A master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, genetics, or a related field is required. A PhD is a plus. 
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience managing international research projects, preferably in global health, genetics, biostatistics, or epidemiology. 
• Proven experience in database management, data analysis, and working with cross-functional teams across multiple countries. 
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required. Proficiency in additional languages (e.g., Spanish, French, or other relevant languages) is a plus. 
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the year. 

Competencies: 

• Analytical Skills - Ability to parse and interpret data or information to develop creative, rational solutions. 
• Project Management - The ability to plan, organize, execute, and oversee projects from inception to completion. Defining project goals, creating detailed plans, managing resources, budgets, and timelines, and ensuring that tasks are completed to meet objectives and deliverables. 
• Cultural Competence - The ability to understand, appreciate, interact with, and form meaningful relationships with people from cultures or belief systems different from one's own. 
• Organization - Sets priorities, creates goals and timetables to complete required tasks or projects. Tracks progress and makes necessary adjustments to efficiently complete work. 

Why Operation Smile?

Meaningful Work - At Operation Smile, you will engage in meaningful work that transforms lives, providing essential medical care to children and contributing to global health and well-being. 

A Brighter Future - Make saving for the future easy with Operation Smile’s 401(k) plan, featuring Safe Harbor and employer matching. Cha-ching!

Happy and Healthy - Kick back and relax with Operation Smile's all-in-one health plans! We've got your health, pharmacy, dental, and vision needs covered for you and your loved ones. No worries, just smiles!

Worry-Free Insurance - Enjoy true peace of mind with 100% paid premiums for life and AD&D insurances. We've got you covered, no matter what!

Take Your Time (Off) - Start with 15 days of paid time off in your first year plus celebrate with company-paid holidays! More time for fun and relaxation

Work it, Flex it - Enjoy flexible work arrangements that fit your lifestyle, with remote, on-site, and hybrid work arrangements.

Travel Minus Stress - See the world through our unique employee programs, which offer opportunities to participate in international medical trips, community outreach, and global health initiatives. 

Compensation: 

Intended salary range - $69,520 to $86,900

This is a full-time salaried position, the compensation for this position will be determined based on several factors. We strive to offer competitive salaries that reflect the value and expertise of our team members, and consider location, qualifications, and other factors when determining the final compensation package.