Project Director - Childhood Obesity Prevention

The Altarum Institute, a leading non-profit organization conducting research and consulting services for better health, is seeking a dynamic individual to lead one of several new Altarum-funded Mission Projects conducted in collaboration with external stakeholders to address pressing health needs. Childhood Obesity Prevention Mission Project The epidemic of childhood obesity is recognized as one of the leading public health threats of the 21st Century. It is likely to shorten and diminish the quality of millions of American lives, and lead to unsustainable burdens being placed on an already strained health and healthcare system. The epidemic is not medical in nature, or simply the end result of poor decisions and unhealthy behaviors at the individual level: it is a symptom of a number of broken systems and increasingly unhealthy societal norms. The goal of Altarum’s Childhood Obesity Prevention Mission Project (MP) is to develop and pilot effective systems-change models to confront this epidemic. Over two years, Altarum will work towards this goal by convening internal Altarum teams and external partnerships to prioritize and implement system-changing pilot projects, evaluate the process and outcomes of these efforts, and integrate and disseminate their findings. Through the MP, we will work towards making changes in socio-environmental conditions affecting obesity prevention and treatment efforts. Synergistic pilot projects, conducted in multiple sectors, will be implemented, and our model of integrating these efforts will inform others in the field of childhood obesity prevention. To achieve our goal, we will: 1) Organize resources and partnerships to implement effective systems-based approaches, and 2) Establish an internal team with an external reputation allowing for strong partnerships with leading talent and organizations in the field. The Project Director is the “face” of this project, both at Altarum and to the field. The PD will lead the effort to achieve the overarching MP goal, and have ultimate responsibility for its success. The PD will be supported by a Project Team made up of a Project Manager and Project Assistant. The Team will oversee the functioning of 4 workgroups and a Collaborative Leadership Group (CLG) that is comprised of internal and external workgroup chairpersons. The PD will also be supported by a nationally recognized childhood obesity prevention expert, Matt Longjohn, MD, MPH. This position is up to full time. Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 1. Work closely with the CEO, Community Health Systems Group Director, and project partners to promote the mission of the project both internally and externally; 2. Ensure project is on track and on budget; 3. Select and supervise key staff; 4. Direct the activities of the Project Team and the CLG; 5. Lead implementation and appropriate refinement of Mission Project Plan, in cooperation with Altarum Institute leadership and project team as required; 6. Lead needs assessment and strategic planning activities to establish core research functions and agenda; 7. Represent the Institute with stakeholders; communicate and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders of interest to the success of the project; 8. Write clear, concise project status reports, articles for publication, and presentations to give at professional meetings such as briefings for partners, funders, or Altarum’s board of directors; 9. Contribute to the development and writing of collaborative proposals for submission to federal, state and city agencies, foundations and other funding sources; 10. Work closely with the Cognizant Officer of the Institute, and ensures that all policies and procedures of the Institute are followed regarding staff recruitment, development, corrective action, and retention. The successful candidate should possess: • Substantive knowledge of and work experience in the area of health promotion, including programming and/or policy experience. Direct experience in obesity and health disparities efforts preferred. Some work experience in a community setting required; • A track record of presentations at professional conferences and publications in peer reviewed journals preferred, but not required. • Management and administrative experience in public health or related field; • A successful history of federal and foundation contract or grant funding and management; • Budget development and management for portfolios of at least $1 million; • Demonstrated skills in team leadership, staff supervision, and staff training; • Excellent writing and communication skills; • Ability to identify and contribute to (or lead) new business opportunities. Education & Experience • A minimum of a Masters degree (those with PhDs encouraged to apply) in Public Health, Social Work, Nutrition or other health related field, with a background and experience in any or all of the following areas: obesity, public health, health systems research, child development, nutrition, or health promotion/health behavior; • Seven to ten years of sustained experience with project, budget and staff management. About Altarum Altarum Institute is a nonprofit research and innovation institution with nearly 60 years of success in serving the public good by solving complex systems problems to improve human health - integrating research, technology, analysis and consulting skills. Altarum's dynamic work environment emphasizes integrity, personal commitment, and teamwork. In addition to the meaningful and challenging work, Altarum offers an outstanding benefits program that includes paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 401k (5% employer contribution and immediate vesting), a flexible work environment, and much more. We invite you to explore exciting and rewarding career opportunities with us. Altarum is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V. If interested, please apply online at http://track.jobviper.com/ViewJob.asp?id=557324-3-63     Company: Altarum Location: Any Altarum Location Job Category: Medical/Health Career Level: Executive (SVP, VP, Department Head, etc) Occupations: Social Service Industry: Nonprofit Charitable Organizations Company: Altarum Reference Code: 1655