Careers

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch), home of three Nobel laureates, is an independent, nonprofit research institution dedicated to the development and advancement of biomedical research to eliminate cancer and other potentially fatal diseases. Recognized internationally for its pioneering work in bone-marrow transplantation, the Center’s five scientific divisions collaborate to form a unique environment for conducting basic and applied science. The Center, in collaboration with its clinical and research partners, the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Pacific Northwest.

The HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) is the world’s largest publicly funded multi-disciplinary international collaboration facilitating the development of vaccines to prevent HIV/AIDS. Most recently, the COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN) was formed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the US National Institutes of Health to respond to the global pandemic. Using the infectious disease expertise of their existing research networks and global partners, NIAID has directed the HVTN to utilize their experience and expertise to address the pressing need for vaccines and antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The mission of CoVPN is to conduct Phase 3 Efficacy Trials to prevent infection and COVID-19 disease. CoVPN will work to develop and conduct studies to ensure rapid and thorough evaluation of United States government-sponsored COVID-19 vaccines and antibodies for the prevention of COVID-19 disease.

The External Relations Project Manager will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of external relations strategies that advance the mission of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network globally. The incumbent provides support and technical assistance to HIV Vaccine Trials Network programs to ensure programs are designed to foster positive stakeholder relations and optimize participation of traditionally underserved populations. These populations include key persons at increased risk for and those most affected by HIV, COVID-19, and other diseases being investigated by the Network (such as TB). The External Relations Project Manager will promote the work of the HVTN and CoVPN, supporting the solicitation and collection of input of stakeholder concerns into the research agenda, manages stakeholder education, and supports the protection of human subjects and community mobilization. Manages additional projects as directed by the Director of External Relations, HVTN.

 

Under the direction of the Director of External Relations, the External Relations Project Manager provides support to the HVTN Communications Unit and Social and Behavioral Sciences and Community Engagement Units on serving special populations. The key focus of the incumbent is to support the deployment of public information to increase the ability to recruit and retain clinical trial volunteers, build and nurture external stakeholder relationships, and participants in activities and programs that support stakeholder engagement in HVTN and CoVPN research.

The HVTN External Relations Project Manager works with moderate supervision in carrying out responsibilities within the framework of HVTN policies and procedures. The incumbent represents the HVTN at meetings, workshops, conferences and symposia and builds and maintains internal and external communications and relationships that foster the scientific aims and support the mission of the HVTN. The incumbent serves as liaison with Fred Hutch staff involved in external relations such as communications or government relations as it impacts HVTN clinical trial conduct

1. Participates in the design and implementation of a stakeholder engagement strategy in consultation and collaboration with HVTN units and external partners and communities.
2. Builds and nurtures relationships with organizational leaders and staff from the public, private and non-profit sectors.
3. Advises and participates in scientific information and program planning of the HVTN research agenda with an emphasis on stakeholder participation in the development of an HIV vaccine.
4. Supports cross-NIAID opportunities for increased diversity of study participants by building stakeholder relations with other researchers for population-specific, theory-based interventions that focus upon individual risk, community norms, organizational and sociocultural factors, as well as biological susceptibility.
5. Participates in strategic communications including development of a comprehensive plan to coordinate a broad, international community engagement effort building consensus on goals, audiences, messages, materials, tactics and channels.
6. Works with Communications and Social and Behavioral Research and Community Engagement Units to guide HIV Vaccine Trial Units in identification of facilitators and barriers to HIV vaccine research participation. Plans and develops mechanisms and interventions in conjunction with HVTN Core staff that will facilitate the recruitment and retention of key populations in research trials.
7. Identifies community constituents who may be roadblocks or advocates for HIV clinical research studies and engages with these constituents to resolve conflicts, build trust and encourage community mobilization activities.
8. Engages with key leaders and influencers in communities historically underrepresented in HIV clinical research.
9. Attends meetings, workshops, conferences and symposia to represent the network and help others stay abreast of developments relevant to serving target populations and foster the aims of the HVTN.
10. Travel required to accomplish goals.
11. Perform other responsibilities as assigned.