Global Lessons and Medical Readiness Support Program Lead

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 127,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) seeks a Global Lessons and Medical Readiness Support (GLMRS) Program Lead to provide senior leadership, strategic expertise, and program oversight for large military health initiatives.

This role supports USU and NIDHC, guiding two DoW-funded research programs and aligning efforts with national readiness priorities. The Director will supervise a cross-functional team, design and implement governance, risk

Qualifications

• Master's degree required (Public Health, Health Policy, Education, Security Studies, or related field); Doctoral Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in military, operational, research and/or public health leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee portfolio strategy for GMLRS and NIDHC support to PMRP.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams across programs and research initiatives.
• Provide authoritative guidance on governance, risk mitigation and alignment with DoW priorities.
• Manage program elements to ensure on-schedule, quality-compliant delivery.
• Advise NIDHC leadership on strategy, priorities, and operations.
• Produce briefing materials, reports, and policy options for senior leadership.
• Engage DoW partners, allied governments, universities, and contractors.
• Serve as a high-level liaison between USU, NIDHC, DoW and interagency partners.
• Develop executive-level briefings translating complex data into actionable policy.

Skills

Multidisciplinary leadership

Strategic program management

Policy translation

Executive communication

Relationship building

Education

Master's degree (Public Health/Health Policy/Education/Security Studies)

Doctoral degree preferred

10+ years of leadership experience

Tools

Project management certification

Job description

Join the HJF Team!

Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is seeking a Global Lessons and Medical Readiness Support (GLMRS) Program Lead to provide senior-level management and strategic subject matter expertise in support of large, complex military health programs. This senior leadership role provides scientific rigor, strategic guidance, and program implementation oversight.

This position supports the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and its National Institute for Defense Health Cooperation (NIDHC). The mission of NIDHC is to support military and civilian health operational readiness for crisis and conflict. NIDHC serves as a central coordination and support hub for health operational readiness across the U.S. government and collaborates with multiple federal departments including the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and interagency partners.

The GMLRS Program Lead is responsible for the end-to-end implementation and technical oversight of two DoW-funded research programs supported by NIDHC. NIDHC supports US Pacific Command's (US PACOM) implementation of the Pacific Medical Readiness Program pursuant to the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 735. This role directs the NIDHC-based team supporting the PMRP effort, ensuring programmatic best practices are operationalized and aligned with DoW, and specifically US PACOM strategic priorities. The Director will also design, inform, and direct the Global Lessons from Combat Health Support program, which will capture lessons learned from modern conflicts and crises and translate them to increased readiness of the U.S. and allies and partners to provide health support during contingencies. The Global Lessons program will leverage collaborative research, symposia, and partnerships in multinational training and exercises to increase whole-of-nation readiness.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Portfolio Design: Lead the strategic design and development of GMLRS Program portfolio including the Global Lessons and NIDHC support to the PMRP.
• Lead Team: Supervise, mentor, and manage multidisciplinary research and training program teams aligned to the Global Lessons and PMRP, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Strategic Governance & Risk Mitigation: Provide authoritative guidance on program direction, risk mitigation, and the alignment of program efforts with DoW priorities.
• Oversee Program Execution: Manages key program elements for the Global Lessons and PMRP, ensuring program initiatives are delivered on schedule, meet quality standards, and align with strategic objectives.
• Provide Strategic Advice: Advise NIDHC leadership on programmatic strategy, emerging priorities, and operational challenges.
• Develop Reports: Produce high-impact briefing materials, reports, and policy options for NIDHC senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Engage Stakeholders: Build and sustain relationships with DoW partners including Combatant Commands, U.S. and allied and partner nation government officials, academic institutions, and contractors.
• Strategic Liaison: Act as a high-level liaison between USU, NIDHC, DoW, and interagency partners.
• Executive Communication: Develop and deliver executive-level briefings and other communication products that translate complex scientific data into actionable policy recommendations for senior government and military leadership.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree required (Public Health, Health Policy, Education, Security Studies, or related field); Doctoral Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 or more years of progressive experience in military, operational, research and/or public health leadership roles required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams in complex health security, public health, or defense programs.
• Project management certification preferred with progressive experience demonstrating simultaneous project management within a portfolio, comprising a program.
• Ability to interpret and translate military doctrine and government policy into program action plans.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Comprehensive understanding of military and international health systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with senior stakeholders, military officers, and federal civilians.
• Experience developing and implementing complex research programs.
• Ability to maintain technical rigor and program momentum in high-visibility, detail-oriented environments with evolving priorities.
• Ability to synthesize complex policy and operational information into clear courses of action.
• Ability to work effectively with senior military officers, federal civilians, scientists, and contractors.
• May require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain T3/Secret Clearance.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $127,000 - $225,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.