Drawing from the largest portfolio of research available in the U.S. that involves patients, caregivers, clinicians and others as research partners, Engagement Officers serve in a unique role to collaboratively build an evidence base for the practice and science of patient and public engagement in clinical comparative effectiveness research to accelerate change in the culture of research in the U.S. and beyond.

Under the direction of the Senior Engagement Officer, Team Lead of Public and Patient Engagement, this position will develop engagement expertise in a diverse portfolio of studies across different funding opportunities, including studies focused on specific diseases/conditions; facilitate the conduct of PCOR by providing expert guidance on engagement approaches within PCORI-funded Research and other Awards and by building capacity within the organization to manage multi-partner research studies; develop tools and resources to support meaningful engagement in research; identify and disseminate promising engagement practices; and support PCORI’s organizational engagement efforts in engaging with diverse partner communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides thought leadership and expert guidance on the engagement of patients and partners within pragmatic research settings to PCORI-funded research teams, and PCORI staff; Collaborates with PCORI Science Program Officers, research teams, patients and other partners on engagement questions or challenges during the life cycle of research projects and facilitates communication among awardees around engagement challenges; Conducts systematic assessment of engagement activities within funded portfolio areas to identify what engagement activities are occurring, how they are occurring, and identifying the barriers and facilitators to meaningful and successful engagement; Plays a leadership role in developing and implementing engagement-focused training and capacity building approaches for internal staff; Translates engagement practices and theories to actionable and readily usable engagement resources to share with PCORI staff and research community; Actively engages in PCORI’s processes for reviewing and awarding Engagement Award applications received through the PCORI funding announcement process and collaborate on special projects as needed; Conceives and conducts in-person and virtual presentations and workshops, prepares abstracts and presentations for conferences, and develops manuscripts to share promising practices in engaged research to advance the science of engagement.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above.

Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; exceptional problem-solving abilities; collegial, energetic, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and others who contribute to program development and management; Demonstrated experience developing and implementing training and capacity-building approaches relevant to supporting partnerships in research; Experience in the development of tools and guidance to support multi-partner engagement in research; Understanding of the research process from generating a research question to dissemination; Broad knowledge and appreciation of patient and other partner engagement practices; Broad knowledge in health policy, healthcare systems organization and structures and payment policies; Detail-oriented with strong project management skills, including the ability to think independently, balance multiple priorities, meet deliverable timelines and work with minimal supervision; Ability to work collaboratively and productively in the context of a large organization with matrixed teams; Ability to exercise flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment along with a capacity to be proactive in an evolving area of work; Ability to work independently and to manage projects and people; Strong analytic skills and ability to synthesize complex information; Excellent editing, oral and written communications skills with an ability to translate complex material into clear and simple language and adapt for varied audiences; Ability to travel, as required, including site visits and representing PCORI at external meetings; Extensive experience with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other Microsoft Office Products; experience with Salesforce or other grants management software and project management software desirable. Required Experience

Master’s degree or higher required; Experience developing and implementing tailored training activities and materials strongly preferred; Knowledge of Comparative Effectiveness Research and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research preferred; Minimum of 7+ years of work experience, including 3-5 years relevant engagement experience that may include: Experience as a healthcare professional (nurses, physician assistant, or other front- line clinician) who has championed patient- and family-centered care and systems improvement Experience with management of or participation in a grant or contract award focused on engaging patients, clinicians, medical specialty organizations and/or health plans Involvement in efforts by medical specialty groups, patient or other partner advocacy organizations, or health policy organizations, to partner with or educate researchers on engagement Experience on patient and family advisory councils and skilled in working directly with clinicians, health systems and researchers Experience in patient engagement in meaningful use, data networks, patient- reported outcome development, development of quality metrics, data privacy issues and other data research infrastructure development Experience leading or managing engagement within a PCOR study, or other community- partnered research study