Strategic Initiatives Manager

Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance (PLSA) is dedicated to making greater Pittsburgh a global life sciences leader and economic engine at the intersection of the region’s unique clinical, research, manufacturing, and technology strengths. PLSA is seeking a visionary Strategic Initiatives Manager to drive innovative projects, foster collaboration, and accelerate the growth of the life sciences ecosystem in Pittsburgh.
Job Purpose:
The Strategic Initiatives Manager will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and impact of PLSA. This position is responsible for identifying, developing, and executing innovative regional projects and initiatives that will advance southwest PA as a leader in the life sciences industry. Under the direction of the CEO, the Strategic Initiatives Manager will identify opportunities, recommend solutions, develop project proposals, and implement new initiatives. This position requires a strategic thinker with a passion for human health innovation, strong project management skills, and ideally strong experience with AI and data analytics.
Principal (Essential) Duties:
Prospective Project Research and Innovation:

• Conduct in-depth research on a variety of topics to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the life sciences industry, with a specific focus on data-driven healthcare (e.g. computational biology, connected devices, and health informatics).
• Consult with internal and external stakeholders, including partner organizations, to gain insights into needs and challenges.
• Research, assemble and assess critical project information including relevant sector data, institutional and entrepreneurial capabilities, pertinent market data, and prospective participating stakeholder assets and aspirations.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and their potential applications in the life sciences and healthcare industry, such as AI, machine learning, and data science.

Initiative Development:

• Identify areas for collaborative regional initiatives that further human health innovation and drive economic growth. 
• Develop comprehensive business cases for proposed initiatives, including platform structure, deliverables, competitive analysis, financial projections and return on investment (ROI) analysis.
• Collaborate with leadership to evaluate and prioritize strategic initiatives based on their potential impact and alignment with PLSA's strategic goal.
• Build comprehensive project plans for strategic initiatives, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Present business cases to key stakeholders, including the CEO, board members, and key industry stakeholders; incorporate feedback and refine strategic initiatives as needed.

Project Management and Execution:

• Lead and manage the full lifecycle of strategic initiatives (plan, execute, monitor, and evaluate), from inception to completion or proof of concept.
• Utilize project management tools to document and track progress, and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Coordinate the delivery of these projects, monitoring and collaborating as necessary with internal and external stakeholders. Drive strategic initiatives to completion, which may include a range of tasks, depending on the project, from conducting data analysis to delivering presentations.

Partnership Development:

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations, technology companies, and academic institutions. Network with industry contacts to gather and identify competitive insights and best practices.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Represent PLSA at industry conferences and events to promote data-driven initiatives.
• Act as a strategic advisor on emerging trends, policy matters, potential partnerships, and community engagement opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate options, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks.
• Strong understanding of the life sciences and/or healthcare sector and familiarity with emerging trends and key stakeholders in the field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, engage stakeholders, and build consensus around shared goals and objectives.
• Strong understanding of AI, machine learning, and data science.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Experience / Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, life sciences, computer science, data science, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in strategic planning, program management, or management consulting.
• Proven track record of success in managing multiple and complex projects and initiatives.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others, create alignment, generate commitment to goals and inspire others to action

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands:

• Travel up to 25% to sites beyond the Pittsburgh area.
• Perform light work - exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to see, hear, talk and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity and visual acuity; sit, stand, walk and other similar tasks requiring physical activity.
• Ability to operate standard office/computer equipment.