Clinical Research Director (Remote) – NEA Creative Forces

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HJF is seeking a Clinical Research Director to support the NEA Creative Forces located at the HJF Home Office in Bethesda, MD. This is a 100% remote position.

The Creative Forces initiative to lead research efforts that will investigate how, to what extent, and under what conditions the creative arts therapies and various healing arts models developed and tested by the Creative Forces Network can improve the health and/or well-being of service members, veterans and their families. The incumbent will plan and support execution of the research strategic framework and manage implementation of clinical research protocols.

Research is a core aim of Creative Forces to demonstrate the impacts and mechanisms of action of creative arts therapies and arts engagement in improving the health and/or well-being of targeted populations. Currently, Creative Forces research activities are directed by the Research Strategic Framework and Five-Year Agenda ([Register to View] ) The three strategic objectives are as follows:

1. Develop a multi-tiered leadership/governance structure.
2. Build organizational capacity to support and drive research.
3. Expand existing research projects/processes.

Under this position, clinical research will complement existing evaluation efforts to inform changes in Creative Forces programming and to support targeted expansion of the Network as may be warranted. Further, the research findings will contribute to scholarly literature and public discourse about the effectiveness of creative arts therapies in helping to improve the health and/or well-being of military and veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers.

NOTE: All HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.

Responsibilities:

1. Working with the NEA’s Office of Research & Analysis, the Senior Innovation Advisor to the NEA Chair, and the Creative Forces Senior Military Medical Advisor, to advance Creative Forces’ clinical research. The incumbent will implement the final year of work outlined in Creative Forces’ Research Strategic Framework and Five-Year Agenda. As the strategic framework and agenda sunsets, the incumbent will advise on future research strategies. For example, it is expected that the incumbent will draft a new, multi-year strategic framework and/or agenda that aligns with the NEA’s Research Agenda for FY 2022-2026. Once the new framework and/or agenda is approved by the NEA, the Clinical Research Director will lead all efforts to execute this strategy.
2. Serves as the facilitator of the Technical Working Group, leveraging this group’s expertise as he/she coordinates and manages Creative Forces’ clinical research portfolio—including proposal development, execution of studies, and distribution of findings.
3. Works closely with the Military Medical Advisor, creative arts therapists, and National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) Clinical Informatics Team to support implementation of Creative Forces research, program evaluation, and performance measurement efforts—as well communications and logistics for research planning meetings and for briefings with other Creative Forces leadership, including appropriate NEA staff.
4. Interacts regularly with clinical investigators, clinical site coordinators, regulatory and safety monitoring staff, data analysts, biostatisticians, program managers, and administrative staff.
5. Coordinates with program managers and site-specific investigators to support their preparation of grant/funding applications, develop contracts with vendors, write progress reports for sponsors, and track various aspects of the program related to research administration (e.g. personnel management, development and oversight of project budgets, etc.). Contributes to the development and modifications of study budgets and is responsible for budget compliance and development/tracking of protocol performance metrics.
6. May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for the role.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Knowledge of DoD, federal and local regulations and policies pertinent to research involving human subjects. Demonstrated skill and experience in working with governance and advisory groups and in bringing together people with diverse skills sets, abilities, and personal and professional experiences to contribute to the successful planning and execution of large-scale research projects. Demonstrated strategic thinking, organizational skills, and keen analytical ability. Ability to synthesize knowledge from diverse sources (e.g., quantitative and qualitative) into compelling and insightful research presentations to executive leadership. Knowledge of clinical research methodologies, with demonstrated experience in formulating research questions and hypotheses, developing logic models and theories of change, and selecting appropriate study designs, data sources, and measurement techniques. Demonstrated experience in directing mixed-method studies, including conduct of literature reviews, development, pilot-testing, administration of data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, interview protocols, observation protocols, knowledge assessments), and analysis and reporting of quantitative and qualitative data. Demonstrated experience in reporting and presenting research concepts, results, and data clearly, accurately, and effectively, using a variety of formats (e.g., written reports, PowerPoint, research briefs) suitable for various stakeholder groups. Moderate to advanced statistical training and familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SAS, Stata, SPSS). Ability to synthesize knowledge from creative arts therapies research and how it intersects with a broad range of associated fields of knowledge and research, including medicine, psychology, and neuroscience.

Minimum Education: Doctoral Degree in a field of study associated with medicine, psychology, behavioral science, rehabilitative medicine, public health, creative arts therapies, or neuroscience.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements: A minimum of 10 years of clinical and research experience required. Direct experience with DoD, VA, research programs is required. Publication record in peer-reviewed journals is required.

Supervisory responsibilities: Director will hire and manage a small team of researchers.

Budget responsibilities: Assists in planning, forecasting and tracking Creative Forces clinical research budget activities.

Work Arrangement: 100% remote.

Work Environment: The work is performed from home or alternative location in support of Creative Forces Mission as directed by the Senior Military Medical Advisor.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.