The mission of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is to provide the highest-quality education programs in the health sciences to those selected individuals who demonstrate dedication to a career in the health professions in the Uniformed Services. USU is authorized to grant appropriate advanced academic degrees and has established postdoctoral, postgraduate, and technological institutes. Programs in continuing education for military members of the health professions have been established so that the highest standard of health care may be maintained within the military medical departments. USU must be responsive to the overall educational needs of the Military Departments relating specifically to the preparation of individuals for careers in the health professions. USU is developing programs designed to recruit and retain superior health science professionals as faculty and researchers, and to ensure maximum utilization of the health science labor force, facilities, and equipment available within military medical departments worldwide.

In 2009, USU expanded its Human Performance Optimization (HPO) paradigm into the concept of Total Force Fitness (TFF) – a holistic and adaptable framework for HPO promulgated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which is now the centerpiece for readiness in individuals, units and leaders throughout the force. The Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) was chartered in 2012. It grew out of existing programs, and since has emerged as a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Center of Excellence (CoE). It is focused on enhancing the readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces and optimizing the human weapon system as a critical component of national security. Since its inception, CHAMP has been dedicated to improving all aspects of human performance for warfighters and their families and is now recognized as the DoD’s primary source for HPO expertise. Through education, research, and service, CHAMP quickly added significant value to the Military Health System (MHS) and operational military units by promoting readiness through clinical, educational, and research activities.

This position is located in the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine (MEM), F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine (SoM), USU. The incumbent will serve as the Executive Director of the Consortium for Health and Military Performance and is responsible for executing the mission of CHAMP, as well as overseeing all aspects of center operations to ensure it efficiently and effectively meets operational and strategic goals.

The incumbent will also hold a faculty appointment in the University in addition to overseeing CHAMP’s multiple activities in these areas. 

MAJOR DUTIES:

The Incumbent will serve as an Associate or Full Professor. The individual will be responsible for establishing, planning, directing, and overseeing all aspects of CHAMP operations, ensuring the Center efficiently and effectively meets operational and strategic goals. The Executive Director ensures that staff members are aligned with the Center’s mission and vision and work cohesively to successfully achieve stated objectives. The responsibilities of the Executive Director specifically include oversight of administration and hiring of contractors; oversight of financial activities and budgeting; supervision of educational initiatives, research execution, scholarly productivity, leadership in the field, and service to the DoD; promoting CHAMP and USU values; and setting the culture and climate of the work environment.

Develops short- and long-range plans for HPO/TFF programs or objectives to include determination of required resources for the overall budget. Oversees financial information and data coming into CHAMP. Approves costs and pricing data submitted by the contract centers on projects. Develops CHAMP resource plans and assist in the matching and validating capabilities and requirements. Oversees and approves Program Objective Memorandum (POM) submissions.

Ensures compliance with USU and DoD higher-level policies and inclusion of all relevant information required for reaching decisions that have broad and significant impact on CHAMP or DoD programs and activities. Sets CHAMP priorities according to latest environmental scans of the DoD population needs.

Oversees strategic planning, program planning, organizational performance evaluation, and other staff functions required for overall operations across CHAMP. Approves multi-year and other long-range work plans developed by the staff and management officials. Oversees development and revision of policies in response to external and internal influences, including changes in appropriations, missions or legislation. Oversees and directs organizational changes to ensure continuous effective and efficient mission performance.

Develops, disseminates, and periodically reviews CHAMP policies, procedures, and instructions in accordance with University, DoD and Federal regulations, policies, programs, and strategies in support of CHAMP, USU, and DoD missions.

Ensures CHAMP operations and programs meet established USU and DoD missions, goals, and requirements. Oversees business operations and organizational data on manpower utilization, space utilization, workflow, procedures, and programs for effectiveness. Works closely with the CHAMP Chief Finance Officer to ensure efficient and appropriate use of funds and with the Chief Operations Officer to continuously improve effectiveness and efficiencies of internal processes, maintain currency of foundational documents, optimize workflow of product development for CHAMP strategic pillars, and help advocate for an efficient IT infrastructure to collect metric data.

Oversees and manages staff activities to ensure efficient and effective program operations. Works closely with the CHAMP Chief Operations Officer to ensure daily tasks and milestones are being met on projects with adequate staffing and resources. The incumbent is the government official in hiring contractors and is responsible for compliance of equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies and agency internal control program regulations and requirements.

Oversees the preparation of and reviews all formal agreements such as memoranda of understanding between CHAMP and U.S. and international organizations. Ensures timely completion of all deliverables to diverse customers and stakeholders.

Maintains professional contacts with other academic centers throughout the country and advantageous working relationships with members of professional organizations and other universities to stay aware of new developments and trends in HPO/TFF.

Represents CHAMP, MEM, SOM, and USU at scientific and other professional conferences to educate others on CHAMP contributions to various communities and to the public good.

Represents CHAMP, MEM, SOM, and USU at meetings with high-level officials within USU, DoD, other Federal agencies and in the private sector to educate on CHAMP’s mission and vision.

Incumbent works closely with the CHAMP Chief Science Officer (CSO) to envision, develop, and direct all research and scholarship activities. Works closely with the CHAMP Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to ensure all medical issues and CHAMP clinical operations and activities are compliant with regulations.

Ability to participate in investigational, research and developmental projects, direct experimental activities, evaluate data, draw conclusions, and publish results. Assists Chief Science Officer in reviewing and critiquing research and developmental areas, and oversees/facilitates contractual research and development arrangements. Opportunities to serve as research advisor to graduate students in field of expertise, assists in planning programs, setting objectives, evaluating progress, etc.

Writes for publication, texts, articles, monographs and other materials for use in the source of study and for research purposes.

The incumbent teaches in USU classes and courses within field(s) of expertise as directed by the Chair, Department of Military & Emergency Medicine.

Incumbent will serve on major standing committees, and may be required to prepare staff reports. Represents the University at professional gatherings, delivers lectures, and participates in meetings and panel discussions at other institutions. Maintains professional contacts with other medical schools and professional organizations throughout the country to locate and exchange information of mutual interest.

The individual selected work under the general direction of the MEM Department Chair, who evaluates the incumbent’s work activities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Requires a minimum of an MD, PhD, DrPH, or equivalent degree required in a health or performance related field and at least 15 years of leadership experience. Other desirable experiences include scientific publications in critically reviewed scientific journals, active membership in scholarly societies appropriate to the MEM, and ability to navigate at the senior levels of DoD or other government agencies. Background in public health or performance-related disciplines (e.g., psychology, nutrition, physiology, sports medicine, human factors,) or organizational psychology is desired. Experience working in or collaborating with the DoD is highly desirable.

The position requires: substantial knowledge and research or leadership expertise in at least one of the HPO domains across health maintenance, scientific inquiry, or education curriculum; finance and project management; exceptional leadership qualifications as a thought leader, a manager and administrator as evidenced by extensive managerial/leadership experience in the successful operation of a public health or military institution and/or program; analytical skills in evaluating and developing organizational policies, programs, and objectives; demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans and short- and long-term policy, programs, and strategies to strengthen relationships with scientific, professional, and academic organizations and other Federal or private sector organizations; and, exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills to prepare presentations and represent the University at the highest level of government as well as the ability to develop consensus decisions.

Qualification for faculty appointment at the Associate Professor level or higher is required. Assistant Professors and Instructors will not be considered.

U.S. citizenship is required.


Appointment is tenure-eligible track.

Candidates will be subject to pre-employment drug testing, and ongoing random drug testing if selected.

Candidates will be required to successfully complete a security background investigation. The incumbent must be eligible for obtaining and maintaining a security clearance at the SECRET level. Failure to meet the background investigation or security clearance requirements will result in the withdrawal of the position offer or removal from the position.

Relocation expenses as described in 5 U.S.C. 5753 may be authorized in accordance with applicable travel regulations, command policy, and available funding.

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:

Review of applications will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest along with a curriculum vitae and the names of three individuals who can be contacted to provide references to:

Major Ricardo Aldahondo
Director of Finance and Administration
Department of Military and Emergency Medicine (MEM)
Uniformed Services University (USU)
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda MD 20814-4799
(301) 295-3020
ricardo.aldahondo@usuhs.edu

The Uniformed Services University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors. USUHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity.