Senior Research Manager in Portland, Oregon at Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board

About the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB)

The Northwest Tribes have long recognized the need to exercise control over the design and development of health care delivery systems in their local communities. To this end, they formed the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (also referred to as NPAIHB or “the Board”) in 1972.

Guided by a vision of “Health and Wellness for the Seventh Generation,” NPAIHB is a 501(c)3 designated (non-profit) organization and Tribal organization, P.L. 93-638, under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) serving the 43 federally recognized Tribes in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington (Northwest Tribes). Tribes become voting members of the Board through resolutions passed by their governing body. Each member Tribe designates a delegate to serve on the NPAIHB Board of Directors.

Led by our Board of Directors, NPAIHB’s mission is to “eliminate health disparities and improve the quality of life of American Indians and Alaska Natives by supporting Northwest Tribes in their delivery of culturally appropriate, high-quality health programs and services.” We have a staff of over 120 professionals dedicated to advancing Tribal health for the 7th generation in the Pacific Northwest.

The NPAIHB’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 can be found here.

Job Title: Senior Research Manager

Reports to: Director of the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center

Initial Salary Range: $91,000 – $110,000 annually

Benefits: Health, Vision, & Dental Insurance, Retirement Contributions, PTO, and Paid Holidays

Funded Through: July 30th, 2027

Classification: Salaried, Exempt

Status: Full-Time (1.00 FTE), Regular w/ Benefits

Location: Portland, OR

JOB SUMMARY

Position Summary

The Senior Research Manager (SRM) manages day-to-day research coordination for the Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) program, which addresses overdose, substance use, mental health, and pain, and is housed within the Northwest Regional Research Center (NWRRC). The SRM is responsible for project tracking, award implementation, Tribal research support, training and event coordination, Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, data-quality support, grant reporting, and related research administration. The SRM serves as a central liaison among Principal Investigators (PIs), project staff, participating Tribes, community advisors, partner organizations, and funders to support timely, compliant, culturally responsive, and successful project outcomes.

Phase I of N CREW is funded through 2027. Phase II is projected following Phase I and NPAIHB will apply for Phase II funding. The N CREW Program is funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative, which is jointly managed by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). More information about N CREW can be found here.

The SRM must have advanced knowledge of research project and grant administration, protection of human subjects in research, Tribal research engagement, and data-governance principles. This position requires strong skills in project management, technical writing, research coordination, stakeholder communication, and independent problem-solving, including the ability to organize complex award activities and produce accurate, polished work under deadline.

The SRM coordinates day-to-day activities of the N CREW Team within the NWRRC, which supports community-engaged research addressing overdose, substance use, mental health, and pain. The team includes approximately four (4) staff, investigators, and affiliated partners.

The SRM reports to the Director of the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center. This scope of work is housed within the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center Division. This position is based at NPAIHB’s offices in Portland, Oregon and is expected to work on-site in accordance with applicable workplace and telework policies, including attendance at designated in-person meetings and activities. Local travel and overnight travel outside of the area are required. See “Travel Requirements” for more information.

Essential Functions

N CREW Research Excellence and Success

· Advances NPAIHB’s N CREW research activities in alignment with priorities established by member Tribes, the Strategic Plan, and applicable Tribal, federal, state, organizational, and/or funding priorities

· Actively promotes an organizational culture of professional excellence, integrity, rigor, service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

· Acts as a central liaison for N CREW research activities among PIs, project staff, participating Tribes, community advisors, partner organizations, and funding agencies to promote coordinated, timely, culturally responsive, and effective work

· Leads proactive planning, problem-solving, and continuous improvement efforts to identify needs, address barriers, and advance desired outcomes

· Monitors emerging needs, trends, risks, opportunities, and external developments affecting the N CREW program and communicates material information to appropriate staff and leadership

Research Project Management and Award Implementation

· Manages day-to-day N CREW award implementation in accordance with the Notice of Award, approved work plans, timelines, budgets, research protocols, organizational policies, and applicable requirements

· Leads collaboration and compliance among projects, partners, and funding agencies to meet applicable goals, requirements, and NPAIHB Strategic Plan objectives and priorities

· Establishes and maintains internal grant and project tracking systems to monitor timelines, deliverables, Tribal requests, training and technical-assistance requests, interested Tribes, approvals, and required follow-up, including use of ClickUp or other project management software system

· Applies proactive project-management practices to organize complex work, manage competing priorities, and meet project goals, deliverables, reporting deadlines, and fiscal requirements

· Coordinates and participates in NPAIHB and national N CREW meetings, meetings with NIH, and other project discussions to organize activities, clarify responsibilities, resolve barriers, and maintain shared accountability

· Coordinates cross-functional work, including dependencies, approvals, contributions, deadlines, and required follow-up

· Tracks progress toward grant goals, objectives, milestones, budgets, and work plans, and collaborates with PIs to review evaluation findings, identify barriers, and support necessary adjustments

· Coordinates and oversees Community Advisory Board meetings, including quarterly meetings, ongoing planning sessions, materials, logistics, and resulting follow-up actions

· Manages and coordinates research-related trainings and events, including preparation of materials, participant communications, attendance tracking, and follow-up

Research Compliance, Data Governance, and Quality Assurance

· Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, funding requirements, research protocols, organizational policies, professional standards, and other requirements governing N CREW activities

· Coordinates IRB submissions, revisions, review feedback, continuing-review requirements, and other necessary actions for the Portland Area IRB and applicable Tribal IRBs or research review boards

· Ensures adherence to applicable human-subjects protections and Institutional Review Board requirements for clinical research, surveillance, and/or evaluation

· Conducts review of research documentation, project records, data processes, and work products for accuracy, quality, consistency, completeness, and compliance

· Supports quality assurance, quality control, risk management, and continuous quality-improvement practices for the collection, tracking, management, and analysis of Tribal data that respond to the needs and priorities of NPAIHB member Tribes and strengthen the quality and effectiveness of the N CREW program

· Coordinates the identification, assessment, communication, and resolution of compliance risks, quality concerns, process gaps, and necessary corrective actions

· Maintains appropriate data systems, protocols, documentation, confidentiality protections, and data-governance practices that uphold Tribal data sovereignty

Research, Evaluation, and Dissemination

· Coordinates and supports research, data collection, evaluation, and other data-informed activities related to N CREW

· Implements data-collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and quality-control processes in collaboration with PIs and other study-team members

· Supports analysis and interpretation of findings and uses results to guide project implementation, service improvement, decision-making, and the development of Tribally based best practices

· Prepares substantive reports, briefs, presentations, training materials, and other products that communicate research, evaluation, or project findings

· Supports presentation and dissemination of project information and findings in Tribal, community, regional, and national settings

Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Assistance

· Strengthens relationships with NPAIHB member Tribes, Tribal health programs, the Indian Health Service, government agencies, funders, community partners, consultants, and other stakeholders

· Represents the NPAIHB and its N CREW Project at meetings, conferences, events, committees, and workgroups

· Facilitates stakeholder engagement activities to gather input, promote participation, strengthen collaboration, and build collective understanding

· Implements capacity-building strategies based on the needs and priorities of NPAIHB member Tribes and other applicable stakeholders

· Provides training, instruction, educational facilitation, mentoring, presentations, resource sharing, and related learning or capacity-building activities for the NWRCC and Tribal Learner cohorts, including unique Tribal provider education within formal systems and Tribal training structures, as appropriate

· Leads technical assistance and consultation to member Tribes, and/or the N CREW network for the NWRRC

· Supports communication and collaboration across NPAIHB to reduce information silos and engage multidisciplinary teams in providing training and technical assistance that advances culturally appropriate prevention, treatment, and other Tribal health strategies

Funding Development and Award Administration

· Supports PIs and other project leaders in preparing grant reports, continuation materials, future grant applications, and related funding documents

· Coordinates contributions, documentation, approvals, timelines, and required follow-up for funding-agency submissions

· Supports tracking of research budgets, expenditures, fiscal requirements, and related documentation in coordination with PIs and appropriate fiscal and grants staff

Budget and Fiscal Management

· Manages assigned budgets in collaboration with Finance staff

· Supports review of financial information and identifies actual or anticipated variances, risks, and necessary actions

· Assists with monitoring expenditures and financial information to identify variances, maintain alignment with approved budgets, and comply with applicable organizational and funding requirements

Administrative and Reporting Functions

· Maintains complete, accurate, and well-organized N CREW files and supporting records in compliance with NPAIHB and applicable external requirements, including securely archiving records as appropriate

· Maintains calendars, project-management systems, tracking spreadsheets, databases, and other tools with current information regarding activities, deliverables, deadlines, requirements, approvals, and required follow-up

· Tracks monthly activity reports to ensure grant activities are documented and available for semiannual reporting and recurring meetings with NIH

· Provides timely updates regarding assigned activities, deadlines, risks, barriers, and required actions to relevant staff and leadership

· Coordinates and prepares internal, project, funding agency, and other reports and materials as needed

· Documents significant activities, decisions, approvals, communications, and follow-up actions as required

· Submits an electronic Monthly Activity Report (eMAR) to the Director of the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center at the end of each month and completes other assigned administrative reporting activities as needed

Other Duties

· Supports special research, evaluation, or related projects as assigned

· Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center, PIs, and/or Executive Director or designee

Standards of Conduct

· Act in service to the Tribes and Tribal communities we serve

· Uphold the Mission, Values, and Vision of the NPAIHB

· Maintain the highest level of confidentiality with all NPAIHB information and documentation

· Consistently exhibit professional behavior and a high degree of personal and professional integrity and impartiality appropriate to the responsible and confidential nature of the position

· Exercise good judgment and initiative in performance of duties and responsibilities

· Demonstrate self-awareness, sound interpersonal judgment, and constructive communication in the performance of all duties and responsibilities

· Demonstrate a commitment to learning, innovation, service, knowledge sharing, and the professional development of others, as appropriate to the position

· Help cultivate an organizational culture that centers NPAIHB’s service to Tribes, promotes professional excellence, and builds an environment where employees grow and thrive

· Contribute to building an inclusive workplace across a range of identities and experiences, including but not limited to geography, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, class, language, disability, religion, spiritual practices, and immigration status

· Recognize diversity as a strength, and equity as a baseline

· Work in a cooperative manner with all levels of management and with all NPAIHB staff

· Effectively plan, organize workload, and schedule time to meet workload demands

· Use reasonable judgment to consistently display professional work attire during normal business hours, and/or dress appropriately for the workday, space, or event in lieu of a formal dress code

· Be present, available, and responsive for meetings and calls during regular working hours

· Participate actively in virtual meetings and use video when reasonably expected and appropriate, subject to approved accommodations or exceptions

· Show consideration by communicating effectively and building collective understanding

· Recognize that relationships are the cornerstone of NPAIHB’s work by treating all NPAIHB Tribal Delegates and Alternates, partners, staff, and American Indian/Alaska Native people with dignity and respect

· Participate in required NPAIHB meetings, trainings, and organizational activities

Qualifications

Education

Minimum education required:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Behavioral Health, Social Sciences, Research Administration or a closely related field

o In lieu of the minimum educational requirement, at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in public health research, research administration, research project management, or a closely related field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position may serve as an acceptable substitute for the minimum education requirement.*

* Note: the substitute-experience requirement is the total experience threshold, and is not added to the shorter minimum requirement listed in the Experience section below. All other distinct education, credential, and experience requirements remain applicable.

Additional education preferred:

· Master’s Degree in Public Health, Behavioral Health, Social Sciences, Research Administration or a closely related field

Credentials

Additional credentials preferred:

· Certified in Public Health (CPH) or equivalent professional certification

Experience

Minimum experience required:

· At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public health research, research administration, research project management, or a closely related field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position*

· At least three (3) years of professional experience working with Tribes, Tribal organizations, Tribal communities, or Tribal health clinics

· At least two (2) years of experience managing or coordinating grant-funded programs

· Demonstrated experience tracking research or project budgets

· Demonstrated experience preparing written reports, grant reports, or other technical products

Additional experience preferred:

· At least five (5) years of professional experience working with Tribes, Tribal organizations, Tribal communities, or Tribal health clinics

· Direct experience working with Northwest Tribes

· Experience planning, organizing, implementing, and tracking NIH awards

· Experience coordinating IRB submissions, Tribal research review, and/or community-engaged research

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Advanced knowledge of research project management, grant administration, and federal award requirements, including requirements applicable to NIH-funded research

· Advanced knowledge of Tribal Data Sovereignty, research confidentiality, data governance, and culturally responsive research practices

· Working knowledge of human-subjects protections, Institutional Review Board processes, and Tribal research review requirements

· Familiarity with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and other relevant legislation

· Advanced proficiency with common workplace software programs (including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint, as well as Adobe Acrobat)

· Intermediate proficiency with project-management and grant-tracking platforms, including ClickUp or an equivalent system

· Strong technical writing skills, including a strong command of spelling, grammar, and proofreading, and the ability to produce polished writing under a deadline

· Strong research and analysis skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills

· Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to work effectively across cultural contexts

· Ability to exercise discretion, tact, and judgment

· Ability to work effectively with federal, Tribal, and other professionals

· Ability to facilitate participation and partnership across N CREW activities

· Ability to make professional oral presentations in national, regional, community, and Tribal settings

· Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision

· Ability to exercise initiative and make independent decisions and recommendations

· Ability to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner

Probationary Period

External applicants must agree to serve a minimum six-month probationary period during which time their employment can be terminated at will. For the purpose of evaluating job performance, internal applicants must agree to serve a minimum six-month probationary period when job duties change significantly.

Work Conditions

Physical Demands

This position primarily involves sedentary work, including lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time, and occasionally lifting or carrying small articles such as files, supplies, or small tools. The work is primarily performed while seated but may require occasional standing and walking.

Physical Requirements

Standard office requirements include:

· Frequently requires sitting for sustained periods

· Frequently requires keyboarding, fine-finger dexterity, and repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and fingers

· Occasionally requires standing, walking, and ascending or descending stairs or ramps

· Infrequently requires stooping or crouching

Travel and field-work requirements include:

· Requires prolonged sitting during automobile or air travel

· Requires walking and standing at meeting, event, inspection, or field locations

· Requires navigating airports, hotels, Tribal facilities, restaurants, clinics, government offices, and other work locations

· Requires lifting or carrying luggage, presentation materials, inspection materials, or other work supplies weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds

· May require exposure to outdoor weather, variable temperatures, food-service environments, construction areas, or other applicable field conditions

Travel Requirements

Local travel is required approximately 15% of the time. Overnight travel outside of the area is infrequently required. Attendance at quarterly NPAIHB Board Meetings is occasionally required. These meetings are held both locally and hosted by our member Tribes on a rotating basis, taking place during the third or fourth weeks of January, April, July, and October, and typically require a minimum stay of two overnights per meeting.

Disclaimer

The individual must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately and without posing a significant safety threat to self or others. The statements in this position description describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.

Except as provided by Title 25, U.S.C. § 450e(b), which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the NPAIHB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, politics, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, genetic information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law.

Apply online at: https://ats.rippling.com/npaihb/jobs

or

SEND RESUME AND APPLICATION TO:

NPAIHB Human Resources Department

920 NW 17th Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97209

FAX: (503) 228-8182

Email: HR@npaihb.org