Job Abstract

The Carol and Gene Ludwig Program for the Study of Neuroimmune Interactions in Dementia at Yale is a new initiative designed to support neuroinflammation research, with an emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases, through the cultivation of innovative research and related activities with the promise for translation in the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics. By fostering excellence in neuroinflammation research at Yale, the program aims to build a community of accomplished faculty across Yale as well as to support recruitment of new talent in this nascent field.

The Executive Director of the Carol and Gene Ludwig Program in Neuroinflammation reports to the Program Co-Directors and is responsible for overseeing the operations of the program. As the program’s administrative head, s/he will develop and implement strategic plans; design, run and evaluate programmatic activities, including the pilot grant programs; organize seminars and annual symposia; assist in the recruitment of world-class faculty and staff; and allocate and track affiliated resources. With proven and resourceful leadership, the Executive Director will coordinate the Program Advisory Committee of faculty leaders and external advisors, and the Program Award Committee of faculty leaders and external representatives. In coordination with the Program Co-Directors, the Executive Director will be the face of the program, representing the research and its societal impact through regular outreach to University constituencies, the local community, and the broader field. S/he will be responsible for regular reporting and oversight, including donor relations and stewardship. This position presents an outstanding opportunity for executive leadership of a new and priority program in the emerging field of neuroinflammation, aimed at tackling one of the most intractable medical challenges of our time.

Essential Duties: Partner with the Program Co-Directors to develop and execute strategic plans and goals. Develop and implement programs and activities related to the mission of the Program. Support the recruitment, onboarding, retention, and space needs of faculty, staff, and students. Work with Center Co-Directors on annual budgeting process, monitor revenue and major expenditures. Provide infrastructure for the research activities of the Program via space planning, budgeting, grant writing, and staffing. Coordinate with the Office of Communications to ensure appropriate representation and consistent messaging in the community, at scientific conferences, with donors and alumni, with government agencies and foundations, and in the media. Serve as a bridge between affiliated members, faculty leadership, department chairs, and other high-level administrators. Participate in fundraising efforts, donor relations, corporate interactions, grant writing, and stewardship reporting, in conjunction with the Program Co-Directors and Office of Development. Perform other duties related to the operations of the Program.
Demonstrated commitment to data-driven decision making and self-evaluation, including measuring programmatic outcomes and the Program’s impact and success using qualitative and quantitative feedback. 1. Oversees the advancement and growth of the program. Gives direction and leadership supporting the philosophy, mission, strategy, and annual goals and objectives. Assumes primary accountability for disseminating and publishing all program information to create public awareness and support of the program. 2. Plays a key role in strategic planning. Works closely with leadership, internal and external colleagues and community residents to develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization and implements long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the program. 3. Develops an annual budget and operating plan to support the program. Ensures program operates within approved budget. Monitors and approves all budgeted program expenditures. Manages all program and project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures.4. Builds and maintains a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of the program and to identify areas for improvement. Monitors the program activities on a regular basis and conducts an annual evaluation according to the program evaluation framework. Identifies and evaluates the risks associated with program activities and takes appropriate action to control the risks. Reports evaluation findings to appropriate stakeholders and recommends changes to enhance the program, as appropriate5. Ensures that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization and activities comply with all relevant legislation/regulatory requirements. 6. Identifies, solicits, and cultivates community partnerships and collaborations to assist in the development and growth of the program. Develops the metrics to identify and measure the success of the program. Responsible for measurements of grant success and related evaluation.7. Identifies and evaluates potential future funding sources, and contributes to the submission of grants and contracts supporting the program, including the annual submission and writing of all content areas and budgetary sections of grant applications. 8. Develops the administrative infrastructure of the program. Manages human resource and administrative functions of the program, including staffing and hiring, supervision, performance development, counseling and discipline, if warranted. Oversees and manages information systems, facilities, and space needs. 9. Investigates, identifies, implements, and oversees the maintenance of systems to gather, track, and report information to support the initiatives of the program. Tracks all program activities and regularly informs leadership of progress on each initiative. Recommends structural or programmatic adjustments, changes or additions based on full knowledge of missions, goals, and objectives. 10. Initiates, designs, and manages the compilation of program communications; identifying outreach potential, and promoting philanthropic and collaborative support of the program. Contributes to the development and assists in the management of content on the program’s website and monitors all changes and additions to the editorial content. 11. Performs other duties as assigned. Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Six years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.