Director, Scientific Program

About the role

The Director, Scientific Program serves as the strategic leader responsible for the vision, development, execution, and continuous improvement of the scientific programming portfolio for IDSA's premier educational meetings, including IDWeek, IMARI, and other scientific meetings as needed. The position is accountable for leading the scientific program content and strategy, ensuring alignment with IDSA's mission, strategic priorities, and the evolving needs of the infectious diseases' community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of data collection methodologies, analyze program outcomes, and ensure timely dissemination of actionable findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the development and utilization of needs assessments, post-event evaluations, and other performance metrics to benchmark scientific program effectiveness, measure key performance indicators (KPIs), identify trends, and inform data-driven programmatic decisions and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that speaker selection and Program Committee composition reflect IDSA's Inclusion, Diversity, Access, and Equity (IDA&E) strategic initiatives by establishing measurable goals, monitoring demographic and professional diversity, and incorporating findings into ongoing program planning.
• Develop and monitor long-term performance metrics that demonstrate the effectiveness, impact, and strategic value of IDSA's scientific programming while supporting the Society's educational mission and organizational priorities.

Requirements

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience leading the development and execution of scientific or medical education programs for large-scale global medical meetings, preferably within a professional medical association, healthcare organization, academic medical center, or related scientific environment.
• Bachelor's degree in education, life sciences, healthcare administration, public health, adult learning, or a related field. Specialized training in adult learning, instructional design, medical education, or related discipline is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, results-oriented team environment.
• Significant experience partnering with physician volunteer leaders, scientific committees, and multidisciplinary stakeholders to develop high-quality scientific educational programming for national/international meetings.
• Thorough knowledge of the CME/CE environment, including the application of ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, relevant FDA guidance, the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Health Care Professionals, and other applicable industry regulations and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated experience using data, needs assessments, educational outcomes, and performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience overseeing scientific program vendors and familiarity with abstract management, speaker management, mobile app, conflict-of-interest and conference technology platforms (e.g., Cadmium or similar systems) is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships, influence without direct authority, and facilitate consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Experience developing and executing long-term strategic plans for scientific programming by identifying priorities, establishing measurable objectives, evaluating outcomes, and aligning initiatives with organizational goals.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to coach, mentor, develop, and inspire high-performing teams while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and accountable work environment.
• Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and the thoughtful application of emerging technologies and best practices to enhance scientific programming and the attendee experience.
• Ability to adapt leadership and communication styles to effectively engage diverse audiences, cultivate an inclusive learning environment, and support IDSA's Inclusion, Diversity, Access, and Equity (IDA&E) strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Preference will be given to qualified candidates in the DMV area; remote considered for highly qualified candidates.

Skills

• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and program evaluation.
• Experience with scientific and medical education.
• Familiarity with CME/CE environments and compliance standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

Based in Washington, D.C., the organization offers a professional work environment with a competitive pay, compensation and benefits package. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Varies based on project requirements.