Senior Program Officer (SPO)

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will play a crucial role in the Enterics Program, which aims to reduce childhood deaths from diarrheal diseases in low- and lower-middle-income countries and eliminate typhoid as a public health issue. The SPO will manage a portfolio of investments and partnerships focused on product development efforts that align with the program's priorities. This position requires a self-starter who can integrate diverse perspectives to build consensus and drive progress on complex topics. The SPO will provide leadership in product development, program management, strategy development, and communication regarding the EDGE team's priorities and partnerships. The role involves collaborating closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Enteric & Diarrheal Diseases to shape the strategic vision of the team and set overall goals. The SPO will lead investments in next-generation enteric vaccines and tools, emphasizing gut function, mucosal immunity, and mechanisms of protection, while ensuring that products meet the needs of children and populations most affected by enteric diseases.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPO will apply scientific, technical, and strategic business expertise to manage a focused portfolio of performance-based grants and contracts. Responsibilities include aligning internal and external stakeholders, reviewing grant proposals, and providing insightful analyses and recommendations for funding decisions. The SPO will partner with team leadership to implement the Enteric Program strategy, bring innovative ideas for rapid and cost-effective vaccine development, and actively seek new partnerships to advance global health programs. The role also involves managing grant portfolio information, documenting key activities, and preparing communication materials for foundation leadership. The SPO will consult with grantees and partners to maximize project impact, design epidemiological studies, and create integrated vaccine development plans. Additionally, the SPO will facilitate project management, stakeholder engagement, and follow-up on initiatives led by the Enterics Program, while representing the foundation in collaborations with global vaccine development experts and maintaining innovative approaches to vaccine development. This position requires travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD and/or MD with at least 15 years of experience in areas such as intestinal function, mucosal immunology, enteric diseases, and nutritional clinical research. Expertise in immune memory formation or mucosal immune architecture is desirable, along with an understanding of regulatory requirements for vaccine and biologics development. Experience working with partners in low- and middle-income settings is essential, as is the ability to navigate geography-specific contexts. Proven program and stakeholder management skills are required, including the ability to coordinate inputs from multiple sources, track progress, plan meetings, and communicate effectively. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility, efficiency, and enthusiasm in a fast-paced environment, as well as experience in scientific writing, data analysis, and advocacy.

Educational Background:
A PhD and/or MD is required for this position, reflecting the advanced level of expertise needed to fulfill the responsibilities associated with the role. The educational background should be in relevant fields such as immunology, public health, or related disciplines that provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of enteric diseases and vaccine development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, with a strong emphasis on expertise in intestinal function, mucosal immunology, and enteric diseases. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex programs and partnerships, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Experience in navigating regulatory requirements for vaccine development and the ability to synthesize technical information for strategic decision-making are also critical.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international scope of the role. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages spoken in low- and middle-income countries where the foundation operates.

Additional Notes:
The salary range for this role is between $238,400 and $369,400 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The organization aims to balance competitive pay with its mission-driven focus, typically placing new hires within the range minimum and midpoint based on their skills and experience. The role is full-time and may involve international travel. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and the organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices.