The Research Operations Coordinator will support the Research pillar by managing grantmaking initiatives, coordinating advisory board activities, and facilitating research outreach. They will also provide administrative support for research-related events, data tracking, and the dissemination of community resources.
Job DetailsJob Location: NDSS Washington D.C. - Washington, DC 20005Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 Salary/yearJob Category: ResearchTo apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in working for NDSS and how your experience qualifies you for this role.
Title: Research Operations Coordinator
Report: Director of Research Engagement & Impact
Location: Washington, D.C., or remote
Travel: Approximately 5%
About the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS):
The National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) mission is to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome thrive. Founded in 1979, NDSS empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. The organization’s work is achieved through three key pillars: Advocacy & Policy, Research, and Community Access and Supports.
Position Summary
The Research Operations Coordinator will support community-facing and researcher-facing initiatives that support the overall goals of NDSS’ newly established Research pillar. This position reports to the Director of Research Engagement & Impact and will support a wide range of research outreach and engagement work, including the execution of a multi-year grantmaking initiative focused on advancing innovative and collaborative research in Down syndrome and supporting the activities of NDSS Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board (SciCAB).
In addition to their work with these initiatives, the Research Operations Coordinator will support the promotion of research information to the Down syndrome community and coordinate engagement with early- and late-stage researchers whose work addresses the needs of the community.
The Research Operations Coordinator is essential to supporting the expansion of research-related activities at NDSS, and the establishment of a high-impact, sustainable grantmaking program that advances innovative research, strengthens collaboration across the field, and drives meaningful progress in Down syndrome research.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to independently perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs:
Provide administrative and logistical support for grantmaking planning activities including scheduling meetings, supporting Zoom and Teams meetings and webinars, and gathering and finalizing meeting materials.
Coordinate and support systems for data collection, relationship tracking, program impact, and program reporting, including setting up spreadsheets or database systems to track data, entering data into tracking platforms, and creating reports.
Serve as operations point person for the grantmaking program, including creating forms, updating grant platform information, and providing internal and external communications support.
Coordinate activities for the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board through managing the clerical tasks of the review process, processing letters of support, and supporting meeting logistics.
Coordinate the internal processes of sharing studies that have been approved by the SciCab.
Provide administrative and logistical support for external project obligations such as compiling stakeholder input and supporting advisory board meetings and activities.
Gather grant application materials and assist with needs related to discovery events and research-related cultivations.
Provide administrative support for the development and dissemination of community resources related to research.
Provide administrative support to research-related webinars, conferences, and presentations, including coordinating registrations for staff, supporting submissions of abstracts and exhibitor/sponsorship packets, arranging travel, and organizing the packing and printing for research-specific conference materials.
Attend research-related events, as needed, to support exhibitor and sponsorship obligations of the Research team.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Experience and QualificationsEducation & Experience:
Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
Minimum of 2 years of experience in administrative or logistical support
Demonstrated experience supporting complex programs or initiatives
Experience working with academic researchers, scientific advisory groups, or healthcare/research organizations
Experience in disability work a plus
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Task management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple timelines and stakeholders
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and project management platforms like Asana
Strong administrative skills and experience tracking program impact
Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently
This position description does not imply that the stated requirements are the only expectations for the position. Incumbents are expected to perform any other duties that may be assigned. NDSS has the right to revise this position description at any time. NDSS is an “at-will” employer, and as such, neither this position description nor your signature constitutes any form of contractual agreement between you and NDSS.
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