Project Manager, Research

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $58k-$67K

Project Manager, Research

JOB SUMMARY:The Project Manager, Research leads the planning, coordination, and execution of participant recruitment, community engagement, and dissemination strategies in support of CSCs research initiatives, including both CSCs Cancer Experience Registry (CER) and mixed-methods Research Studies. This role requires a strategic and detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, a deep understanding of inclusive outreach practices, and experience with participant recruitment in diverse communities. The manager plays a critical role in ensuring the effective implementation and visibility of all activities across CSCs research portfolio.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Manage Internal Systems and Processes to Support Recruitment for CSCs CER and mixed-methods Research Studies:

• Develop tailored recruitment strategies that align with the goals, populations, and protocols of CSCs research studies.
• Maintain and update participant and recruitment partner databases to ensure accurate tracking and reporting across all study types, including mixed-methods research.
• Oversee the functionality and security of digital platforms (e.g., URLs for screening, enrollment, and data collection), ensuring accessibility and data protection.
• Collaborate on the design and review of recruitment and outreach materials to ensure clarity, consistency, and cultural relevance across all research initiatives.
• Conduct regular quality assurance checks on recruitment workflows to ensure adherence to research protocols and compliance standards.
• Coordinate communications and manage compensation processes for participants and recruitment partners, supporting timely engagement and delivery.
• Lead the development and review of promotional content, ensuring inclusive, plain-language messaging across all platforms and materials.
• Assist Director in documenting and executing CSC-wide SOPs for best practices in participant recruitment

Cultivate and Manage External Relationships to Support Outreach and Recruitment:

• Build and sustain collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholdersincluding CSC HQ departments, Network Partners, advocacy organizations, and community groupsto strengthen recruitment efforts for all research studies.
• Serve as the primary liaison for participants and recruitment partners, ensuring timely, clear, and culturally sensitive communication.
• Manage compensation processes for participants and recruitment partners, including gift card distribution and adherence to SOPs.
• Coordinate outreach efforts (e.g., newsletters, presentations, community events) to promote ongoing and upcoming research participation opportunities.
• Partner with internal CSC teams (e.g., Communications, Digital, Program Delivery, Partner Relations) to disseminate recruitment messaging across aligned communication channels.
• Assist Director in cross-department oversight of CSC-wide participant and advisory board recruitment, communication, and stewardship.

Dissemination of Research Findings for Participants and Community Audiences:

• Translate study findings into plain-language summaries, infographics, community newsletters, and other formats appropriate for participants and lay audiences.
• Coordinate the timing and delivery of findings to participants, partners, and community groups, ensuring transparency, relevance, and accessibility.
• Coordinate with internal departments to promote findings across CSC's communication channels, including the website, social media, internal bulletins, and community-facing platforms.
• Represent CSC Research at public forums, community events, and conferences to share findings and strengthen visibility among diverse audiences.
• Assist Director in documenting, developing, and implementing SOPs for best dissemination practices.

Internal Coordination and Dissemination:

• Manage the promotion of research findings for academic and professional venues, including abstracts, posters, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Serve as the internal point of coordination across CSC departments for all outreach, recruitment, and dissemination activities.
• Collaborate closely with internal teamsincluding Communications, Graphic Design, IT, Program staffto ensure cohesive and strategic promotion of research activities.
• Create, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for dissemination and promotion efforts, including processes related to the BHN platform, conference submissions, dissemination, and internal workflows.
• Implement SOPs to monitor and evaluate the reach, engagement, and impact of dissemination activities to support continuous improvement and fulfill reporting requirements.

Performs other duties as requested by management

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Exceptional project management skills with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional efforts and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep understanding of culturally competent and inclusive outreach practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing plain-language materials, infographics, and community-facing content.
• Proficiency in managing participant databases, digital engagement tools, and tracking systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance and data integrity.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and relationship management across diverse sectors, including community organizations, healthcare partners, and research teams.
• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently while effectively prioritizing competing tasks and responsibilities.
• Comfortable coordinating events, presentations, and dissemination activities at local and national levels.

Personal Attributes:

• Self-motivated, proactive, and resourceful, with the ability to take initiative and drive work forward with minimal supervision.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Highly collaborative, adaptable, and able to build trust with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Deep commitment to health equity, community-centered research, and the meaningful inclusion of underserved populations.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), project management software (e.g., Smartsheet, Monday, Asana), and cloud collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, SharePoint).
• Familiarity with digital recruitment platforms such as Qualtrics, Voxco, or similar tools for screening, enrollment, and survey data collection.
• Basic knowledge of data analysis tools such as SPSS and NVivo.
  • Knowledge of data privacy standards, including HIPAA and GDPR, especially as they relate to digital tools and participant engagement.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelors degree in Public Health, Communications, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related field required; Masters degree preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Additional certifications in community engagement, health equity, or clinical research (e.g., CITI, SOCRA) are a plus.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in outreach, recruitment, and community engagement, with at least 3 years managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects from planning to execution, including timeline development, milestone tracking, and stakeholder coordination.
• Experience developing, documenting, and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support program or research operations.
• Experience working with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, or networks to support outreach and participant engagement.
• Proven experience designing and implementing participant recruitment strategies in both quantitative and qualitative studies.
• Demonstrated success working with diverse populations and communities, particularly those underrepresented in research.
• Strong knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, including experience preparing submissions, amendments, and ensuring recruitment and outreach materials meet ethical and regulatory standards.
• Experience developing and managing dissemination strategies for lay and professional audiences.
• Prior experience working in nonprofit, research, healthcare, or academic environments is strongly preferred.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES/REGISTRATIONS:

• CITI training certificate, or completion of CITI training within 3 months of hire,required.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Additional certifications in community engagement, health equity, or clinical research (e.g., CITI, SOCRA) are a plus.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Dependent on experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer statutory benefits required by law.

WORK LOCATION

CSC has offices located in Washington D.C. and offers in-person, hybrid, or fully remote work for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an original cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please tell us why you are interested in this opportunity and include your qualifications and potential start date.

*Applications are accepted and considered on a rolling basis.

*Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

ABOUT CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

The Cancer Support Community is a global nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer. We are dedicated to fostering a community where people find connection, compassion, and knowledge. We provide professionally led support and navigation services, along with social connections and award-winning education when, where and how impacted individuals prefer throughout their cancer experience. These resources are available at over 200 Cancer Support Community, Gildas Club, and healthcare partner locations as well as online and over the phone all at no cost. We amplify the voices of those impacted by cancer through research and advocacy and create solutions that break down barriers to care and close the healthcare gap for communities whose members are disproportionately affected by cancer. For more information, visit www.CancerSupportCommunity.org.

Cancer Support Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer

remote work