Project Manager, Medicines for All Institute

The Medicines for All Institute (M4ALL) at Virginia Commonwealth University is dramatically improving global access to lifesaving medicines. We achieve this mission using an innovative approach to synthesizing drugs and manufacturing pharmaceuticals to enhance production worldwide by reducing costs and waste. We are seeking a Project Manager with strong interpersonal and organizational skills to support the operational excellence of our project management function.

Since our inception in 2017, M4ALL has received over $70 million in funding from federal and state governments, industry partners, foundations and nonprofits. Our team of scientists are reimagining every step of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. The Project Manager will work collaboratively with a highly experienced team of scientists and business professionals to support the day-to-day management of our current and future projects.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Support internal processes for robust project management and communications in accordance with agreed phase-gate process and phase gate deliverables.
• Contribute to a team-based, collaborative approach with M4ALL’s technical, financial, portfolio management/sponsor relations and market engagement functions to ensure the execution of M4ALL projects is of highest quality and meets expectations for deliverables, deadlines, scheduling, and reporting. Some of the team members this position will engage with include the following:
  Technical team and external experts : Communicate expectations regarding project execution plans and deadlines. Provide necessary resources and support for the timely completion of paper studies and other reports for all new projects or as requested by sponsors.
  Finance : Work closely to align budgets and project work as required, assist with monitoring budgets, and collaborate on change requests and reporting as needed.
  Portfolio Management & Sponsor Relations : Serve as a resource in managing and enhancing the relationship with our sponsors.
  Market Engagement : Interface with the market engagement function to provide project updates and information.
  
• Monitor project progress and deliverables in accordance with sponsor requirements and preferences; Propose process improvements and best practices for project planning and execution. When appropriate, assist with implementing those process improvements and best practices.
• Assist with market and database research on potential funding sources to identify new opportunities available that expand on our current sponsored projects as may be requested
• Coordinate grant proposals, resource allocations, budgets, and scenario planning.
• Manage the administrative and logistical components surrounding project management such as organizing meetings and calendar management, documenting meeting minutes, preparing slide decks and other supporting materials, writing, editing, and proofreading reports.
• Other duties as required to support M4ALL's sponsor relationships.

In order to be successful in this role, you must possess the following:
• Knowledge of project management principles, best practices and processes to include relevant software; Ability to train others in those practices.
• At least three (3) years of experience in a role requiring significant project management responsibilities
• Proven success overseeing all phases of a project or program
• Degree in a business discipline
• Effective verbal, written, and listening skills, including the ability to interact effectively across the organization in situations that may require instruction, persuasion, negotiation, and resolution of conflict; Comfort with speaking in public to broad audiences
• Motivated, self-starter possessing a keen attention to schedules, deadlines and details
• Ability to be agile and embrace spontaneity while working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment with engagement with all levels of the organization and the university
• Collegial, collaborative work style adept at working effectively in teams to troubleshoot and problem solve
• Efficient organizational skills that create structure, boost productivity and prioritize assignments
• Ability to influence and inspire a culture of high performance with the professional acumen to hold others accountable for project outcomes
• Commitment to valuing diversity, inclusion, and belonging in a multicultural work environment. M4ALL supports a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment. The candidate must demonstrate experience that shows their commitment to fostering such an environment
• Detail-oriented but also able to envision the “big picture” to anticipate and mitigate risks
• Strong computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite

We'd really like it if you had... (Preferred Qualifications):
• Strong relationship management skills with grantors to universities and non-profit organizations
• Experience working in healthcare, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries
• Ability to communicate complex technical and project subject matter in a thorough, accurate, and concise manner to a wide range of stakeholders, including both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• It will be important for the successful candidate to take the initiative to develop an understanding and familiarity with chemistry terms and processes

The Benefits & Perks...
• VCU offers a competitive package that includes an expansive array of benefits options including group health, dental, life and disability insurance, flexible reimbursement accounts, retirement plans, as well as paid time off.
• Salary Range: Competitive that will be commensurate based on experience, qualifications, and competencies.
• The chance to be a part of a rapidly growing organization that has significant impact around the globe.
• The opportunity to work alongside brilliant minds from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Flexible working arrangements that include hybrid schedule. The successful candidate should be able to work onsite as needed.

The specifics…
Department: Medicines for All Institute, College of Engineering
Employment Type: Full-time (UF – University Employee)
Restricted Status: Yes, this position is 100% grant funded. M4ALL's research portfolio represents diversified support from federal, state, industry, and private funding agencies.
Exemption Status: Exempt
Optional Retirement Program (ORP) Eligible: No

To learn more about the great working being done at M4ALL, please visit: https://www.vcu.edu/medicines4all/