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Program Director (Research Associate) - Office of Health Affairs



The West Virginia University Office of Health Affairs is seeking applications for a Program Director (Research Associate) located in Morgantown, WV. The Program Director will be a key participant in the emerging State-University partnership between the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Overarching responsibilities include working with the state to leverage their data and support analytic and policy needs, conducting relevant policy and evaluation research, participating in interdisciplinary research and evaluation teams, and providing oversight and support to other data analysts and personnel embedded within the Department for Health and Human Resources.

In order to be successful in this position, the ideal candidate will:

  • Serve as a University representative and liaison to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources for the planning and performance of projects, programs and activities involving health data analytics and program evaluation.
  • Work as part of a team to advance the partnership between the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
  • Facilitates communication and efficient collaboration between research partners at the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the staff of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
  • Oversee and conduct analyses of Medicaid claims data using SAS and other statistical analysis packages at the direction of the West Virginia University Director of Medicaid Research and Evaluation or leadership within the Department for Health and Human Resources
  • Support both West Virginia University faculty as well as leadership within the Department for Health and Human Resources in using Medicaid claims data as well as other state data sources to answer research questions of interest to the state
  • Train other West Virginia University faculty in analyzing Medicaid claims data and other state data sources using SAS or other statistical analysis packages
  • Ensure that data analytic and research/evaluation activities are compliant with University-level policies for the responsible conduct of research as well as federal, and state policies.
  • Provides consultation to faculty and government partners regarding preparation of research proposals, design and methodology, data analytics and interpretation of results.
  • Identify opportunities for potential collaborations between the Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
  • Prepares reports as required by the University, the Health Sciences Center administration, and external agencies. Communicates results of analytic projects and program evaluations with relevant staff of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
  • Conducts or directs special projects as assigned.
  • Assist with the publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts


Program Director

  • Work with the principal investigator to provide strategic oversight for and direct the work of large, high-risk, and complex state agency (DHHR) programs.
  • Provides continuity with agencies at the state level, between state and local levels and among local jurisdictions.
  • Provides expert consultation to faculty and government partners regarding state agency initiatives including program development, implementation and evaluation work.
  • Facilitates collaboration between the WVU program team and program stakeholders by leveraging established contacts and partnerships throughout the state.
  • Prepares reports for DHHR state and federal partners on the outcomes of program activities.
  • Works closely with the Principal Investigator to develop program plans, scopes of work (SOW) and budgets for subsequent program phases. Plans programs from start to finish, including identifying high-level activities, critical deadlines and milestones as outlined in the development and management of project workplans in collaboration with the Program Manager.
  • Serves as the direct contact to all parties
  • Oversees the monitoring of program milestones and provides status reports in the selected format at the assigned interval ensuring OHA leadership and program stakeholders are kept informed of progress.
  • Directs the work of the project team and fosters a productive and high-performing project team environment .
  • Oversees the development and management of a comprehensive communication plan that seeks to create and nurture effective communication within the project team and with stakeholders.
  • Leads large group discussions to facilitate decision making, consensus building, and address stakeholder concerns, unless otherwise directed by the Principal Investigator.
  • Develops and manages program budget in collaboration with the Principal Investigator to ensure that financial constraints are met, and budgetary concerns addressed.
  • Presents analysis and recommendation to the Principal Investigator in an organized manner, including identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to evaluate program effectiveness
  • Determines the most efficient and cost-effective means for gathering and analyzing data needed to support development goals and achieve growth through the accomplishment of long-range goals and objectives.
  • Drives strategic initiatives and manages internal and external relationships to ensure commitments are met, deadlines are realized, and expectations are managed appropriately. Manages multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Maintains knowledge of professional principles, legal and/or reporting requirements affecting area of responsibility, and adheres to PDMO and OHA standards, processes and procedures.
  • Oversees the ongoing monitoring of project progress as performed by the Program Manager and consults with technical experts to ensure project progress is on schedule as planned and mitigates any project lag in the schedule by applying project management principles.
  • Manages change to the project through a change management plan and resolves all change requests for the project in accordance with PDMO policies and procedures.
  • Ensures all project documentation is complete and accurate and deliverables are produced and submitted to exceed partner expectations and in accordance with PDMO policies and procedures.


Qualifications :

  • PhD in health or data science-related field;
  • Or equivalent amount of combined education and work experience
  • Two (2) years experience:
    • Record of research and achievement in health outcomes and policy research (health services research, public health informatics, health policy, clinical outcomes) as evidenced by publications and/ or sustained involvement in a research program.
    • Experience conducting research/evaluation using large health data sources within the healthcare industry or academic or governmental sectors
  • Extensive knowledge and experience in utilizing large health databases for research, program evaluation and policy development.
  • Experience analyzing Medicaid administrative claims data
  • Extensive knowledge in the use of standard statistical analysis packages such as SAS or R
  • Experience designing and overseeing large research projects using administrative claims data
  • Record of successfully publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts in the field of health services research
  • Experience training and/or supervising other individuals in using statistical analysis packages to analyze administrative claims data
  • Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude.
  • Record of accomplishments in the area of health data analytics.
  • Strong ability to communicate goals, methods, and results of research initiatives with key stakeholders.
  • Proficiency presenting the results of data analyses to diverse groups of stakeholders


West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer, and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

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