(Hybrid) Program Director (Research Associate) - Health Affairs Institute

West Virginia University Health Science Center is currently accepting applications for (Hybrid) Program Director for Health Affairs Institute

About the Opportunity

West Virginia University’s (WVU) Health Affairs Institute is seeking candidates for a full-time Program Director. This position applies expert knowledge of program management, evaluation methods, complex data analysis, and population health factors to direct projects and programs led by the Health Affairs Institute. Health Affairs Institute frequently engages in collaborative efforts with the WV Department of Health and Human Resources (WV DHHR) and other state and nonprofit partners that hold a mission to improve the health of West Virginians. The Program Director reports to the Health Affairs Director of Program Development and Management and should be familiar with current/modern data-gathering techniques and technology, and have experience leading the work of large, federally sponsored program evaluation initiatives, such as those by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The Health Affairs Institute serves as the coordinating office for WVU’s State-University partnership with the WV DHHR. Ideal candidates will have work experience that aligns with the Health Affair’s purpose and the mission of DHHR’s Bureau for Medical Services, and an interest in improving the health of underserved populations, particularly rural, Appalachian populations. Options for virtual work are available.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
• 13 paid holidays ( staff holiday calendar )
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
• 18 sick days per year
(for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits (this position is a benefits-eligible non-classified staff position)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information ? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

What you’ll do:

Public Impact Research

• Serves as a University representative and liaison to the sponsors of Health Affairs Institute portfolio program and projects, including the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, for the planning, performance, and oversight of the programs and projects included in the portfolios.
• Work with Health Affairs Leadership and the Portfolio Director to advance the partnership between the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and other program sponsors
• 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 and other program sponsors
• Ensure that data analytic and research/evaluation activities comply with HAI-level policies for the responsible conduct of research and federal and state policies.
• Provides consultation and HAI partners, Portfolio Directors, and government partners regarding the preparation of research proposals, design and methodology, data analytics, and interpretation of results.
• Prepares reports as required by the Portfolio Directors and HAI leadership
• Communicates results of analytic projects and program evaluations with relevant staff of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and other program sponsors and/or stakeholders.
• Assist with the dissemination of program findings.
• Conducts or directs special projects as assigned. Acts in other matters and capacities as delegated by the Assistant Vice President for Health Affairs.

Program Leadership

• Collaborates with the Portfolio Director to provide strategic oversight for specific programs.
• Implements the portfolio strategic vision of the portfolio director.
• Direct the work of large, high-risk, and complex sponsored programs, including those with DHHR and other program sponsors.
• Provides continuity with agencies at the state level, between state and local levels, and among local jurisdictions.
• Provides expert consultation to Portfolio Directors, program subject matter experts (SME), and government partners regarding state agency initiatives including program development, implementation, and evaluation work.
• Facilitates collaboration between the Health Affairs program team and program stakeholders by leveraging established contacts and partnerships throughout the state.
• Prepares reports for program sponsors, including but not limited to DHHR state and federal partners on the outcomes of program activities.
• Works closely with the Portfolio Director to develop program plans, scopes of work (SOW), and budgets for subsequent program phases.
• Ensures all personnel and operational resources are available and appropriate for achieving program and project success.
• Plans programs from start to finish, including identifying high-level activities, critical deadlines, and milestones as outlined in the development and management of program and project work plans in collaboration with the Program Manager and project team.
• The Program Director is responsible for meeting all active targets and deadlines including high-quality and timely deliverable submissions that adhere to Program Development and Management Office (PDMO) and Health Affairs quality assurance standards.
• Oversees IRB compliance on programs under their direction.
• Serves as the direct contact to all parties (including the Portfolio Director, Program Manager, and Director of Program Development and Management) when communicating potential opportunities, achievements, identified risks, issues, and resource needs that may positively/adversely impact the program.
• Oversees the monitoring of program milestones and provides status reports in the selected format at the assigned interval ensuring Health Affairs leadership, Portfolio Directors, and program stakeholders are kept informed of progress.
• Works with the Portfolio Director to identify and coordinate with technical subject matter experts to assure that project sponsor expectations are met.
• Directs the work of the overall program and associated project teams while fostering a productive and high-performing project team environment.
• Oversees the development and management of standardized tools, templates, and knowledge base that support the development and delivery of high-quality products and services in alignment with the Program Development and Management Office processes and procedures.
• Oversees developing and managing a comprehensive communication plan that seeks to create and nurture effective communication within the portfolio, the project teams, and stakeholders.
• Coordinates the development of mitigation strategies by applying change, risk, and resource management principles when needed.
• Develops and manages program budget with oversight and approval of the Portfolio Director, Director of Administration and Finance, and the Executive Director of Operations to ensure that financial constraints are met, and budgetary concerns addressed.
• Leads conflict resolution efforts for project and program teams, which includes discussing project team issues with the Portfolio Director and functional group supervisor(s) and directs correction action when appropriate.
• Comprehends internal and external drivers that influence effective operation, management, and execution of Health Affairs resourcing, planning, programming, and budget execution processes.
• Presents program analysis and recommendations to the Portfolio Director in an organized manner, including identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Works with the Portfolio Director to determine 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.
• Oversees the ongoing monitoring of program and project progress as performed by the Program Manager(s) and consults with technical experts to ensure the program and project progress are on schedule as planned and mitigates any project lag in the schedule by applying project management principles.
• Ensures all program and project documentation is complete and accurate and deliverables are produced and submitted to exceed partner expectations and in accordance with PDMO policies and procedures.
• Oversees and manages the work of vendors and sub awardees with the support of program managers.
• Maintains office structure / organizational settings in accordance with institutional, state, and federal guidelines.

Qualifications :

• Ph.D. with 3 years of work experience or Master’s degree required in health or data science-related field with 7 years of work experience
• Two (2) years of experience:
  • Record of research and achievement in health outcomes, public health, policy research, or related fields (health services research, public health informatics, health policy, clinical outcomes) as evidenced by publications and/or sustained involvement in a research program.
  • Conducting research/evaluation using large health data sources within the healthcare industry or academic or governmental sectors.
  • Experience and education in the oversight and administration of programs involving development and implementation, program evaluation, project management, public impact research, health data analytics, or training and technical assistance.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in utilizing large health databases for research, program evaluation, and policy development.
• Experience designing and overseeing large projects using administrative claims data
• Record of successfully publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts or disseminating project findings in the field of health services research, public health, or related fields
• Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude.
• Strong ability to communicate goals, methods, and results of research initiatives with key stakeholders.
• Proficiency presenting project, research, evaluation results to diverse groups of stakeholders
• Knowledge of project management methodology in accordance with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)
• Knowledge and experience using and identifying health data and literature
• Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude.
• Strong written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability in health-related research and/or evaluation techniques
• Ability to develop action plans and systems to facilitate and track implementation of activities

The ability to travel to WVUs regional campuses and/or within the multi-state area is required.

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley — the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU’s academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

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.