NHLBI Scientific Program Manager

Are you a seasoned scientific program manager ready to lead complex, multidisciplinary health research initiatives? Are you passionate about improving public health through strategic program execution and scientific collaboration?

Ripple Effect is looking for a Scientific Program Manager with at least 15 years of experience to support our client's mission. This role will serve as a key member of the NHLBI’s Program Management Support Services (PMSS) team, providing advanced-level portfolio, program, and project management leadership for complex scientific initiatives. This role demands a strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities, adept at managing multidisciplinary projects and translating scientific and technical information for diverse audiences. The Scientific Program Manager will work collaboratively with NHLBI staff, other PMSS vendors, and stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of high-priority, science-driven programs.

If this position sounds of interest, there’s a place for you here at Ripple Effect! We offer a diverse and engaging work environment, with a multitude of incentives and flexible work options that work for you and your lifestyle. 

General Information 

• Job Code: SHR-AM-05M
• Location: NIH, Bethesda, MD
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular  
  (Ask our recruiters about flexible work arrangements) 
• Telework: Partial
• Travel Required: Some travel to client site for occasional in-person meetings
• Clearance: Public Trust
• Citizenship: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Manager: Yes
• Number of Openings: 1
• Salary Range: $107,844.00 - $124,020.00 per year
  (how we pay and promote) 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the design and implementation of programs and initiatives including developing objectives, drafting strategic & implementation plans and developing new workflows. 
• Ensures projects are delivered on-time, within scope, and within budget and are technically sound and accurate, and meet stakeholder expectations. 
• Coordinate daily activities and deliverables of assigned scientific programs.
• Manage relationships with scientific program leads and key stakeholders.
• Support senior-level working groups and meetings, including agenda setting, logistics, minute capture, and action item tracking.
• Develop and maintain project charters, plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Monitor program performance metrics and generate monthly status reports with analysis to support decision-making.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Provide strategic input and innovative solutions to program challenges.
• Ensure alignment with NHLBI’s governance structures, policies, and SOPs.
• Support cross-functional integration across NHLBI and NIH work groups.
• Maintain shared document repositories and knowledge management systems.
• Perform responsibilities of Project Manager and Project Coordinator as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related or public health-related field is required
• Master's or Doctorate degree is preferred
• 15 years of demonstratable experience managing and executing scientific projects across the full lifecycle 
• 8+ years developing project management processes, tools, and templates
• 5+ years serving as a team lead or project lead

Basic Requirements

• Must have an active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Proven ability to manage complex scientific and technical projects
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize information from multiple sources
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate scientific concepts for non-scientific audiences
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project Server, MS Teams, Smartsheet, JIRA, SharePoint)
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook 
• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and adaptability in a multi-vendor environment
• Demonstrated experience in project and people management, including budgeting, resourcing, planning, tasking and risk management 
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage competing priorities
• Must be eligible for background investigation and issuance of a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card

To be successful at Ripple Effect, you must be able to pay attention to details, clearly communicate, work independently, and have an eagerness to learn. Learn more about what makes Ripple so great by checking out our capabilities!

Skills that Set You Apart

• Advanced education (Master's or Doctorate degree)
• Experience in operational program/project management for a federal agency is strongly preferred
• Previous government contracting experience
• Experience with Working Groups and Other Transactional Authorities (OTAs)

Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences. 

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Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know by contacting our HR department at [email protected] or your recruiter. Eligibility for employment will be verified using E-verify.