Project Specialist

About Us

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. PCORI is committed to continually seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work.

Position Summary: 

The Project Specialist provides high-level, administrative and project support for a wide variety of initiatives and activities led by PCORI Merit Review. This position directly advances the Director's goals by supporting critical functions that drive PCORI's strategic vision and mission. The Project Specialist must work independently, demonstrate initiative, and complete work and projects with urgency and exceptional attention to detail. The Project Specialist role requires strong collaboration, the ability to thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, and the flexibility to toggle effectively between a variety of tasks. The position also demands strong written and verbal communication, excellent administrative and organizational abilities, and consistent follow-through to ensure assignments are completed thoroughly and on time.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide high-level, comprehensive administrative support to the Director, including proactive calendar management, coordinating meeting and travel arrangements, and efficient handling of invitations.
• Assist with the preparation of routine deliverables for internal and external dissemination, including quality checks of documents and materials for formatting and accuracy.
• Independently manage and complete moderately complex Merit Review projects with minimal supervision, seeking guidance from the Senior Program Manager as appropriate. 
• Support virtual and in-person panel meetings, including panel manager duties, logistics coordination, technical support, and reimbursement processes as required. 
• Monitor and track internal and external stakeholder inquiries. Respond to requests in a timely and efficient manner.
• Assist with creating and organizing cycle folders on SharePoint ensuring compliance with Merit Review work processes.
• Monitor and update communication templates to ensure accurate data are reflected on internal and public-facing documents.
• Assist Sr. Program Manager with managing Procurement Request submissions and renewals to ensure compliance with the Office of Program Operations Chief and PCORI protocols. 
• Manage bi-weekly Merit Review internal and hosted meetings by preparing agendas, recording meeting minutes, and updating related documents on the MR SharePoint site.
• Monitor, organize, and maintain the Merit Review SharePoint page to ensure accuracy and accessibility of resources.
• Create and implement new hire onboarding process using Asana. 
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of PCORI and understanding of Merit Review processes and procedures. 
• Populate PCORI and Program Operations internal calendars with Merit Review Cycle dates. 
• Provide division-wide support in the areas of Human Resources projects, as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. 

Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 

Required Skills and Experience:  

• Excellent administrative and organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.  
• Excellent calendar management skills, including the coordination of managing team meetings and events.
• Ability to manage and work on multiple projects, and under tight timelines. 
• Maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and good judgment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Relationship builder who seeks team-oriented solutions, relates to people from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and experiences.
• Ability to self-direct, take initiative, and complete assignments quickly and effectively.
• Adept at maintaining composure and demonstrated flexibility and resourcefulness.
• High proficiency in the full Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) with the ability to create graphics, charts, and other data visualizations.
• 2-3 years of administrative, project coordination, or program support.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Advanced experience with MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Applicants with relevant experience working in health research, at a funding organization/agency, or interest in public health, a plus
• Works in an office environment.
• Sedentary work at a desk. 
• Possible travel for conferences or other work-related travel

Compensation and Benefits 

 Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000

The above range represents the salary range expected for the position; however, final offers are based on several factors such as the position's responsibilities; the candidate's experience, education, and skills; location; travel required; and current market conditions.  

Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, eligible employees may participate in PCORI-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents. 

Conflict of Interest.

PCORI wants to ensure that prospective employees are aware of its conflict-of-interest policies so that employment deliberations take into consideration this aspect of PCORI employment. PCORI requires all PCORI employees to disclose upon commencement of their employment and on an annual basis all individual and close relatives financial, business, and personal association with the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one's decisions relating to PCORI. All disclosures made by employees are made publicly available on PCORI's website. Disclosures must include all financial and business and personal associations with any health or healthcare-related organizations and include all associations with any other organizations that have the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one's decisions relating to PCORI, including but not limited to vendors or other third parties with whom PCORI has a contract or that PCORI has funded. For more information please visit PCORI-Conflict-of-Interest-Policies-Outside-Employment-

PCORI conducts reference and background checks on all applicants.