Us: The professional home and leading national organization for health services researchers (HSR), policymakers, and health care practitioners and stakeholders. AcademyHealth – together with its members and partners – increases the understanding of methods and data used in the field, enhances the professional skills of a vibrant and diverse community of researchers and research users, supports the implementation of evidence to improve policy and practice, and advocates for the use of evidence to improve health and health care for all. Our core priorities include supporting the people (through trainings and resources), strengthening the systems (through capacity building and advocacy), and ensuring evidence gets used (through policy and practice implementation). We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all and transforming our field to achieve higher impact, more equitable research. 

You: An early-to-mid-career professional who is collaborative, self-motivated, innovative, highly organized, flexible, a strong writer, experience in and/or passion for health systems improvement, and capable of managing external stakeholder relationships and day-to-day project activities

We believe that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. As such, you do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position – applications are welcomed from a broad range of applicants. 

How you’ll contribute: 
The Senior Research Associate will provide substantive content, analytic, and administrative project management support for AcademyHealth’s Accelerating Innovation Adoption Center and other program portfolios that advance the use of evidence-based research and promote health equity in health policy and practice. Specifically, this role will provide day-to-day management of select project-related activities, including research and engagement activities, toolkit and practical resource design, meetings, tasks and communications essential for the project’s progress.

•    Conduct and summarize research related to health ecosystem transformation, quality improvement initiatives, Medicaid programs, social determinants of health, health equity, community health, and other topics. 
•    Contribute to qualitative and mixed methods research, analysis and synthesis, implementation, and dissemination activities and products, such as environmental scans, literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, surveys, and practical toolkit development.
•    Provide research, technical assistance, and logistics support to stakeholder communities and learning networks.
•    Lead project management efforts including tracking and managing work plan activities, timelines, and deliverables. 
•    Oversee coordination of logistical and administrative support project tasks related to scheduling project stakeholder meetings, maintaining organized files and records, including oversight of shared file platform, and preparing and disseminating materials.
•    Cultivate and maintain relationships with diverse and representative partners and stakeholders. 
•    Develop, organize, format and ensure quality control of program deliverables.
•    Support business development by assisting with proposal writing and cultivating relationships with potential funders and subcontractors.
•    Plan and support meetings, webinars, and briefings (agenda development, presenter coordination, and materials preparation).
•    Create and format tables, charts, presentations, and other visual materials.
•    Maintain and update program and project websites, online tools, and databases; draft newsletters, blogs, and other web content. Contribute to strategic growth and visibility of the Accelerating Innovation Adoption Center, through collaboration with peer organizations and key stakeholders.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • 3-5 years of substantive professional experience in implementation science, health policy, and/or health services research.  
  • Masters degree in health policy, public policy, public health or related field from accredited college or university, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience with quality improvement in health systems, learning health systems, or similar; familiarity with collective impact and/or Medicaid policy and delivery system reform is a plus.
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including literature reviews, interview or focus group guide development, data collection,  and producing key summaries and syntheses.
  • Demonstrated project management experience, with the ability to efficiently plan, organize, and manage complex, multiple projects independently and under tight deadlines.
  • Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to inclusive working and/or learning environments.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.
  • Strong analytic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Highly organized and detailed oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and strong working knowledge of virtual collaboration and survey tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, SurveyMonkey, Slido, Miro).
  • Flexible, collaborative, and willing to pitch in as needed to deliver high-quality work.
  • A sense of humor is a must.

What you should know:

  • We are a hybrid work environment with options for remote and in-office work.
  • Applicants outside of the metropolitan DC area are encouraged to apply.
  • Hiring process is conducted virtually, with interviews via phone or video; selected candidates will receive required instructions for interviews.
  • A limited amount of travel to meetings is expected.


The salary range is $75,000- $80,000 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Applications:
Qualified applicants should submit a resume and analytic writing sample to Human Resources via email: [email protected]. For more information, please go to www.academyhealth.org.

AcademyHealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer: AcademyHealth will provide all applicants for employment and all employees with an equal opportunity regardless of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, or place of business or residence.

Diversity is an integral part of our organizational culture.  For that reason, we seek to maintain staff diversity at all levels; and to provide an inclusive environment that embraces and values diverse ideas, talents and experiences.  We will demonstrate sensitivity to, and respect for, the differences within our personal, professional, and business relationships on behalf of AcademyHealth.