Respiratory Protection Program Officer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Washington.

📋 Description

• Develop and guide our technical research portfolio by addressing the key question, “what do we need to investigate to further our objectives?”, and converting it into a strategic, impactful roadmap of research initiatives.

• Manage and oversee ongoing research grants. Facilitate collaborator meetings, analyze study designs, and eliminate obstacles to ensure projects progress smoothly and generate actionable data promptly.

• Conduct RFPs — take ownership of the process from concept creation through proposal evaluation to final recommendations.

• Attract the right researchers — identify and cultivate relationships with teams and individuals best suited to tackle our most urgent questions.

• Discover and assess new funding opportunities — gain an in-depth understanding of our mission, priorities, and the rationale behind them, then proactively seek opportunities with the highest potential for impact.

• Review potential proposals — conduct quick feasibility assessments, evaluate cost-effectiveness, and thoroughly identify potential risks to facilitate sound, data-driven funding decisions.

• Structure grants — collaborate with our Operations team to define the scope of funding, establish clear milestones, and outline reporting requirements.

• Oversee grantee progress — partner with other program officers to manage grant relationships and identify when to renew, expand, modify, or terminate funding.

• Contribute to Blueprint's publicly available research – influence research reports, strategic roadmaps, white papers, and other materials that inform governments (primarily in the U.S.), funders, and manufacturers regarding respiratory protection.

• Engage with and shape the field – represent Blueprint at conferences, workshops, and gatherings where relevant PPE priorities are established, exercising good judgment to navigate these environments independently.

• Cultivate strong relationships within the PPE ecosystem – build trusted connections with experts and stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and philanthropy.

• Develop extensive PPE expertise — maintain a comprehensive understanding of PPE, including innovation, production, regulation, stockpiles, and adoption, to become a go-to reference point.

⛳️ Requirements

• Generally, 4+ years of relevant professional experience, although we are open to candidates with non-traditional backgrounds who can demonstrate comparable judgment, ownership, and achievements.

• Exceptional research capabilities, including literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, technical analyses, and utilizing emerging research tools (e.g. LLMs) when suitable.

• Strong quantitative and analytical reasoning skills, with comfort in interpreting data, assessing evidence quality, and working with basic models.

• Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to convey technical and nuanced topics to diverse audiences.

• Enthusiastic about navigating complex systems and introducing new perspectives to systemic challenges.

• Proficient at building relationships with varied stakeholders to promote shared objectives.

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, recognizing what needs to be accomplished and driving it forward without waiting for complete guidance.

• Prioritize learning that leads to action and pursue insights likely to make a significant impact.

• Possess strong intellectual curiosity with the capability to critically evaluate ideas and respond to new evidence.

• Inspired and motivated by the goal of creating a more secure world, mitigating pandemic risks, and saving lives by enhancing access to highly protective PPE.

• Degree in a relevant scientific, engineering, or technical field; advanced degrees are advantageous but not mandatory.

• Previous experience in academia, industry, or government, including leading or scoping projects.

• Experience in managing grantees or external contractors.

• Domain expertise in a relevant technical field (e.g. aerosol science, occupational respirator use, or public health).

• Prior experience in grantmaking, philanthropy, impact evaluation, investment analysis, or related fields.

• A history of making and defending prioritization decisions among competing options.

• Experience in investigating opportunities and rigorously testing whether plans are viable, if budgets are realistic, and identifying potential pitfalls.

🏝️ Benefits

• Unlimited PTO + paid holidays.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) for you and your family.

• Fully compensated family leave.

• Annual 401(k) contributions equal to 10% of your base salary.

• $5,000 annually to support professional development and facilitate effective remote work.

• Access to multiple cutting-edge LLMs.