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 established priorities are: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Health Systems Improvement, Resilience and Capacity; and Science Innovation. Diversity is a core value at AcademyHealth. 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 kind, self-motivated, curious, highly organized, flexible, a strong writer, experience in and/or passion for health care policy, 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 work with state health policymakers participating in our Evidence-Informed State Heath Policy Institute’s (ESHPI) portfolio of Medicaid-related projects and Networks (e.g., Medicaid Medical Director Network, State-University Partnership Learning Network), 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 network-related activities and projects, coordinating research and engagement activities, meetings, tasks and communications essential for the project’s progress.

  • Conduct and summarize research related to Medicaid programs, health system design, quality improvement initiatives, maternal health, social determinants of health, health equity, community health, and other topics.
  • Contribute to qualitative research, analysis and synthesis, implementation, and dissemination activities and products, such as environmental scans, literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, surveys, and data visualizations. 
  • Assist and 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, and format program deliverables for submission.
  • Assist in the development of new programs and projects, including drafting proposals, and help to cultivate relationships with potential funders and subcontractors.
  • Conduct agenda development, presenter coordination, and materials preparation for small and large meetings, briefings, conference calls, and webinars.
  • Ensure quality control of all deliverables.
  • Create and format tables, charts, presentations, and other graphics.
  • Maintain and update program and project websites, online tools, and databases.
  • Draft online newsletters, blogs, and other Web content. 
  • Contribute to strategic growth of ESHPI, as defined by elevating visibility and collaboration with peer organizations and policy stakeholders.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 3 years of substantive professional experience in 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.
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including drafting of interview guides, conducting literature review and interviews, and producing key summaries and syntheses.
  • Demonstrated project management experience, including demonstrated ability to efficiently plan, organize, and manage complex, multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision or direction.
  • Strong organizational skills; ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain a system of tracking, monitoring, and prioritizing tasks and projects.   
  • Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to inclusive working and/or learning environments.
  • Strong written and oral communications skills. 
  • Strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
  • A can-do attitude and willingness to pitch in as needed do what it takes to provide high quality products and services.
  • Mature, detail-oriented individual able to work both independently and in teams.
  • Demonstrated experience using the Word suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong working knowledge of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, SurveyMonkey, etc.

What you should know:

  • We are a hybrid work environment with options for remote and in-office work.
  • All employees are required to be fully vaccinated to work in the office, unless entitled to an accommodation.
  • 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 $68,000- $73,000 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Applications:

Qualified applicants should submit a resume and analytic writing sample to Human Resources via email: jobs@academyhealth.org. 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.