Staff Assistant, III

The Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI) develops, designs, supports and manages innovative observational and interventional trials for neurological disorders. This fast-paced institute has an impressive record of efficiently organizing, overseeing, coordinating, and conducting small and large multi-center, international clinical trials. The mission of the NCRI is to accelerate translational research in neurological disorders through initiating and testing novel therapies. The NCRI also serves as a Coordinating Center for the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS), a non-profit, research consortium committed to the cooperative implementation, timely completion, analysis, and reporting of clinical trials and other research studies aimed at improving patient care and understanding of the disease process of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Under the supervision of the Director of Research Operations, the Communications & Outreach Coordinator will act as the "information hub" for the NIH funded Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials (NeuroNEXT) for all infrastructure related activities. The NeuroNEXT Network consists of 1 Clinical Coordinating Center (NCRI/MGH), 1 Data Coordinating Center (U Iowa), and 13 Clinical Study Sites that enroll participants in a variety of clinical trials funded by NINDS and conducted via the Network. The Communications & Outreach Specialist will provide operational support to (1) the NeuroNEXT Executive Committee (NEC), including but not limited to bi-weekly teleconferences and 2 - 3 in person meetings annually; (2) the NeuroNEXT Clinical and Data Coordination Center leadership team, including monthly calls with representative from NINDS and 1 - 2 in person meetings annually; (3) the NeuroNEXT pre-award team that meets weekly; and (4) various Network Committees that have meetings monthly. In addition, this person will be responsible for drafting and distributing bi-weekly newsletters to the Network, providing periodic updates to the NeuroNEXT Network website, and assisting with Network-wide webinars.

The position requires a high degree of flexibility, the ability to prioritize tasks, independence, and willingness to participate in multiple activities and provide support by working with the team.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for staying well-informed about NeuroNEXT Network activities and communicating updates to the Network and the general public. More specifically,

o Develops, coordinates, and maintains materials on the Network website (www.neuronext.org) relating to overall Network operations and specifically the CCC

o Develops, coordinates, finalizes, and distributes Network level newsletters monthly

• Provides administrative support for the Director including:

o Screens and manages issues as they are presented; Troubleshoots and provides effective solutions using sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality

o Manages travel and requests for reimbursement

• Attends and participates in NeuroNEXT meetings and committees to keep abreast of current activities of the Network

• Provides webinar and videoconference support for all Network infrastructure activities and training for other administrative staff on the use of equipment and service

• Assist with planning and execution of all aspects of the annual NeuroNEXT Network meeting, with 100+ attendees from across the US

• Manages operational aspects of in-person meeting planning and execution, to include:

o Overseeing all financial aspects (i.e., staying within budget, managing travel reimbursement requests, etc.) in collaboration with the Director and appropriate Grant Administrator

o Communicating and distributing meeting materials to all meeting participant

o Assists with the development of agendas and meeting materials (name badges, registration materials, handouts, slide presentations, etc.)

o Managing on-site registration, audiovisual requirements/needs, and any venue-related issues as they arise

o Preparing, finalizing, and distributing meeting minutes to all attendee

• Provides operational support to the NeuroNEXT leadership team, pre-award team, and various Network committees, including:

o Scheduling and distributing materials for all teleconferences, webinars, and video conference

o Works with meeting leaders to preparing, finalize, and distribute meeting agendas and minute

o Assisting the Conflict-of-Interest Committee to request and collect annual updates on network-related conflicts from members of the Coordinating Centers and Clinical Study Site

o Assists the Education Committee in conducting various educational webinars and the logistics of sharing recorded training via the NeuroNEXT website

o Assists with compiling materials (site interest, NIH bio sketches, enrollment projection tables, etc.) for NeuroNEXT grant applications with a high level of proficiency

• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the role

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent level of experience required

• 1 - 2 years related experience

• Superior research and writing skills. Strong technical skills.

• Superior interpersonal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with a variety of persons with different backgrounds and knowledge set

• Previous experience in a clinical research setting is preferred, but not required.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent organizational and management skill

• Strong analytical and computer (MS Office) skill

• Independent judgment and problem-solving skill

• Careful attention to detail

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skill

• Ability to work with outside vendors to plan and operationally manage administrative aspects of the NeuroNEXT annual meeting and other Network infrastructure-related meetings (NEC, Network leadership, etc.)

• Ability to understand and assist with budgetary aspects of meeting planning, including management of travel reimbursements for attendee

• Ability to work well under pressure and under a deadline

• Ability to handle sensitive information

• Ability to work independently and flexibly, but as part of a team

• Strong professionalism

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Will include travel, approximately 2-4 times per year

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works closely with Director and Grant Administrator to stay within budget of meeting planning; managing travel reimbursements; manages all travel reimbursements and reconciliation of "My Wallet" transactions for Director

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.