Program Officer

Health Resources in Action Inc•Boston, MA

1d•$65,000 - $72,000•Remote

About The Position

The Program Officer, Biomedical Research Grantmaking, works as part of a team to create, manage, and evaluate grant programs supporting biomedical research. This project-management role covers development, execution, management, and evaluation of competitive award programs and related activities. The Program Officer builds and maintains relationships with awardees, scientific advisory committees, colleagues, clients, biomedical societies, and institutions, and occasionally travels on behalf of HRiA. Drawing on scientific training or experience, the Program Officer supports strategic research-program oversight and translates biomedical research—including datasets, primary research articles, and reviews—for diverse audiences. The role contributes to landscape scans, program evaluations, meeting documentation, and approaches that advance health equity across life-sciences funding initiatives. The Program Officer works with colleagues across Biomedical Research Grantmaking and Community Health Grantmaking, including leadership, directors, grants officers, scientific officers, associates, and coordinators. This is a full-time, exempt, fully remote position. It requires travel for programmatic activities, including regular Massachusetts-based events. The stated salary range is $65,000–$72,000, commensurate with experience and credentials.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in a related field, such as philanthropy, development, or biomedical research.
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to operationalizing health and racial equity principles in grantmaking practices and/or biomedical research approaches.
Commitment to valuing diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Commitment to a growth mindset, flexibility, iteration, and learning when solving problems.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work both as part of a team and as a self-starter.
Ability to use or learn software including Asana, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Suite (including Excel), SmartSimple grants management software, WordPress, and video conferencing/calling tools.
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
Excellent organizational, critical-thinking, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a biomedical-related field, such as biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or genetics, is preferred.
A PhD in biomedical research and/or prior grants-management experience is advantageous but not required.

Responsibilities

Manage multiple projects in the Grantmaking portfolio, including project timelines, workplans, deliverables, peer review, and pre- and post-award activities.
Track project progress, schedule meetings, prioritize activities, and maintain project materials.
Coordinate communications among project teams, clients, and external stakeholders; provide timely and professional responses to inquiries.
Provide programmatic or project oversight of Grants Coordinators and Associates as needed.
Assist with project-budget oversight and liaise with vendors for events, video production, catering, and related needs.
Develop and implement tools and materials for biomedical research funding opportunities, evaluations, and landscape scans.
Curate scientific content for requests for applications, application guidelines, reviewer guidance, funding-opportunity marketing, and awardee announcements.
Conduct literature reviews, key informant interviews, and survey development for research landscape and funding scans.
Identify potential scientific reviewers and support reports and external-facing materials, including blogs, publications, and lay summaries.
Conduct due diligence and first-tier review of grant applications, and review grantee progress and final reports.
Co-facilitate office hours, scientific peer-review meetings, and strategic discussions.
Serve as a liaison to applicants, awardees, and reviewers, providing technical assistance, guidance, and problem resolution.
Maintain clear, accurate client communications and relationships with organizations in overlapping professional networks.
Contribute to internal committees and staff meetings as appropriate.
Research prospective clients and projects and support proposal development, including scopes of work and associated budgets for new and existing projects.
Keep abreast of biomedical research advances, share trends with the Grantmaking team, and participate in relevant professional networks and development activities.
Support website content or grantmaking workgroups as requested.