Research Operations Coordinator

Title: Research Operations Coordinator

Report: Director of Research Engagement & Impact

Location: Washington, D.C., or remote

Travel: Approximately 5%

About the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS):

The National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) mission is to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome thrive. Founded in 1979, NDSS empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. The organization’s work is achieved through three key pillars: Advocacy & Policy, Research, and Community Access and Supports.

Position Summary

The Research Operations Coordinator will support community-facing and researcher-facing initiatives that support the overall goals of NDSS’ newly established Research pillar. This position reports to the Director of Research Engagement & Impact and will support a wide range of research outreach and engagement work, including the execution of a multi-year grantmaking initiative focused on advancing innovative and collaborative research in Down syndrome and supporting the activities of NDSS Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board (SciCAB).

In addition to their work with these initiatives, the Research Operations Coordinator will support the promotion of research information to the Down syndrome community and coordinate engagement with early- and late-stage researchers whose work addresses the needs of the community.

The Research Operations Coordinator is essential to supporting the expansion of research-related activities at NDSS, and the establishment of a high-impact, sustainable grantmaking program that advances innovative research, strengthens collaboration across the field, and drives meaningful progress in Down syndrome research.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to independently perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs:

• Provide administrative and logistical support for grantmaking planning activities including scheduling meetings, supporting Zoom and Teams meetings and webinars, and gathering and finalizing meeting materials.
• Coordinate and support systems for data collection, relationship tracking, program impact, and program reporting, including setting up spreadsheets or database systems to track data, entering data into tracking platforms, and creating reports.
• Serve as operations point person for the grantmaking program, including creating forms, updating grant platform information, and providing internal and external communications support.
• Coordinate activities for the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board through managing the clerical tasks of the review process, processing letters of support, and supporting meeting logistics.
• Coordinate the internal processes of sharing studies that have been approved by the SciCab.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for external project obligations such as compiling stakeholder input and supporting advisory board meetings and activities.
• Gather grant application materials and assist with needs related to discovery events and research-related cultivations.
• Provide administrative support for the development and dissemination of community resources related to research.
• Provide administrative support to research-related webinars, conferences, and presentations, including coordinating registrations for staff, supporting submissions of abstracts and exhibitor/sponsorship packets, arranging travel, and organizing the packing and printing for research-specific conference materials.
• Attend research-related events, as needed, to support exhibitor and sponsorship obligations of the Research team.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Experience and Qualifications

Education & Experience :

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in administrative or logistical support
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex programs or initiatives
• Experience working with academic researchers, scientific advisory groups, or healthcare/research organizations
• Experience in disability work a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Task management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple timelines and stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and project management platforms like Asana
• Strong administrative skills and experience tracking program impact
• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently

This position description does not imply that the stated requirements are the only expectations for the position. Incumbents are expected to perform any other duties that may be assigned. NDSS has the right to revise this position description at any time. NDSS is an “at-will” employer, and as such, neither this position description nor your signature constitutes any form of contractual agreement between you and NDSS.

NDSS Benefits

NDSS currently offers a fully competitive employee benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, LTD, STD, Group Life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a safe-harbor match, flexible time off, and paid holidays.

NDSS is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage individuals of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At NDSS, we’re committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences and know that a diverse team is a strength that drives our success.