Associate Director, Project & Portfolio Management, Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access (CVIA)

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PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world's most pressing heath challenges.

Please include a cover letter with your CV/Resume describing your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications.

PATH is currently recruiting for an Associate Director (AD) responsible for managing key internal and external activities determining project success, such as leading development of integrated project plans, developing and tracking schedules and identifying and managing critical risks. While reporting through the Center for Vaccines Innovation and Access (CVIA) Project and Portfolio Management function (PPM), the Associate Director will play a key leadership role within the Project and Portfolio Management function of CVIA, serving as an integral member of both the Project Management Leadership Team, Policy Access and Introduction (PAI) Leadership Team, and the PAI Operations Team serving as a thought-partner on strategy, operations, and technical topics. The AD will work in close partnership with the PM Director and ensure effective portfolio and project management oversight across multiple disease and functional areas. This individual will lead and mentor a team of project managers and project assistants, fostering a strong project management culture and promoting excellence in execution.

The Associate Director will also be responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and maintenance of project management systems and tools, driving their consistent adoption across the organization. In collaboration with cross-functional partners, they will help align project milestones, deliverables, budgets, and timelines, while contributing to the assessment of resource needs within the division. Additionally, the Associate Director will provide direct project management support for key CVIA projects and business process initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment and operational success.

PATH's Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access spans every stage of the long and complex process of vaccine research, development, and introduction to make lifesaving vaccines widely available to women, children, and communities across the world. CVIA's current portfolio encompasses more than two dozen vaccines either in development or already in use to protect against 18 different diseases, including diarrheal disease, malaria, meningitis, pneumonia, and polio. We work in partnership with national health ministries, pharmaceutical manufacturers, donors, international financing and regulatory organizations, and many others. PATH has led numerous global partnerships, including the award-winningMeningitis Vaccine Projectand theMalaria Vaccine Initiative, which helped develop the first malaria vaccine candidate recommended for pilot implementation. PATH's work on vaccine development and introduction encompasses activities including discovery, preclinical development, clinical research and development, process development and manufacturing, regulatory and vaccine introduction. Over 25 candidates and vaccines are currently in our portfolio in the following disease areas-Malaria, Enteric and Diarrheal Diseases, Polio, Respiratory Tract Infections and Meningitis, HPV and Vector-borne viral diseases (e.g., Japanese Encephalitis)-and in the cross-cutting area of Maternal Immunization.

Key Responsibilities

• Project and Portfolio Leadership:
  Lead a portfolio of vaccine policy, introduction and access projects within the CVIA PAI program, overseeing multi-disciplinary teams to ensure achievement of project timelines, milestones, and deliverables. Identify and manage risks, develop and implement mitigation strategies, and drive evidence-based decision-making that aligns with program goals.

• Global and Cross-Cultural Collaboration:
  Work effectively in global, cross-cultural teams, integrating local and country-level contexts into project design and implementation. Build inclusive and responsive project plans that reflect the needs and priorities of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

• Product Development and Introduction:
  Provide hands-on leadership across the full product lifecycle-from research and development through introduction-preferably in the context of health products designed for LMIC settings. Collaborate with partners to ensure alignment between technical, regulatory, policy and access pathways.

• Matrix and Cross-Functional Management:
  Operate effectively in a matrixed organization, collaborating across research, development, policy, and vaccine introduction. Contribute technical and strategic expertise to advance integrated program goals and foster cross-functional collaboration.

• Team Leadership and Staff Development:
  Supervise and mentor project management staff, fostering a culture of inclusion, professional growth, and shared ownership. Adapt leadership approaches to develop staff, promote creativity and problem-solving, and strengthen organizational capacity and engagement.

• Business Development and Partnership Management:
  Support and lead business development initiatives, including preparation of grant proposals, engagement with donors and funding partners, and creation of tools, systems, and processes that enhance efficiency and improve funding outcomes. Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with partners and funders to achieve shared objectives.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making:
  Design and oversee both quantitative and qualitative analyses to guide strategic and operational management of human and financial resources. Synthesize and communicate results to inform decisions, strengthen accountability, and improve program impact.

• Project Management Systems and Tools:
  Apply advanced project management principles and tools (e.g., Smartsheet or similar platforms) to strengthen planning, implementation, and monitoring. Lead efforts to build and refine project management processes, tools, and systems that enhance organizational performance and learning.

• Strategic and Technical Partnership:
  Serve as a thought partner to technical experts in vaccine policy, access, and introduction, contributing to strategic discussions, problem-solving, and the design of innovative approaches to improve equitable access to health products.

• Strategic Planning and Execution:
  Combine strategic insight with operational precision to develop and execute plans that respond to dynamic funding and programmatic environments. Employ strong analytical and problem-solving skills to adapt and sustain progress toward mission-driven goals.

• Organizational Engagement and Leadership:
  Engage regularly with organizational leadership to provide strategic input, demonstrate political and organizational acumen, and advocate effectively for project teams. Champion PAI's mission, values, and commitment to equitable global health outcomes.

• PAI Program Leadership and Collaboration:
  In addition to managing PAI-funded projects, serve as a member of the PAI Leadership Team and PAI Operations Team. Contribute as a strategic thought partner on program direction, operations, and technical topics, shaping both organizational strategy and day-to-day implementation.

Required skills and experience:

• 10+ years of project management experience in vaccines or biotech, including leadership of complex, multi-disciplinary portfolios.

• Master's degree in a biological or related discipline, coupled with overseeing national or regional program introduction and scale-up efforts.

• Proven ability to manage risks, timelines, milestones, and deliverables while driving strategic decision-making.

• Experience leading global teams and integrating country-specific contexts into project planning and execution.

• Hands-on experience across the product lifecycle, from development through introduction, ideally for health products in LMICs.

• Skilled at working within matrixed, cross-functional environments, with expertise in research, development, policy, and vaccine introduction.

• 10+ years of leadership experience, including managing teams, fostering collaboration, and building inclusive, high-performing cultures.

• Proven experience in leading, mentoring, and developing junior team members to achieve high performance and professional growth.

• Strong background in business development, including grant proposal development, funder engagement, and partnership management.

• Demonstrated ability to use quantitative and qualitative data for resource management and decision support.

• Advanced proficiency in project management principles, tools, and systems (e.g., Smartsheet or equivalent).

• Proven experience in building and scaling project management functions, including process and system implementation.

• Ability to act as a strategic thought partner to technical experts in vaccine policy, access, and introduction.

• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to evolving funding and operational environments.

• Experienced in engaging senior leadership with political acumen, alignment to mission, and strong advocacy for teams.

PATH is a nonprofit organization that creates a culture of collaboration and partnership. Learn more about the impact you can make globallyhere.

For U.S. Based Candidates

We offer our employees a competitive salary and generous benefits. For candidates based in the U.S., the annual salary range for this position is $191,456 - $239,320. The final salary is based on a variety of objective factors.

PATH provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes 15 vacation, 10 holiday, 2 personal, and 12 sick days per year; medical and dental plans; life insurance; and disability and retirement benefits. For more details click here.

Hybrid Work
PATH operates within a hybrid workplace model unless otherwise noted. Hybrid employees must reside within commuting distance of one of our PATH offices. PATH's US offices are located in Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC.