Director of Research, Weitzman Institute-Remote

Job Description Summary:

Job Description:

The Weitzman Institute is a national leader in evidence-based, stakeholder-informed primary care innovation and transformation, serving over 2 million patients across all 50 U.S. states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Guam through partnerships with FQHCs and other health systems. Established in 2007 as the first research, education, and policy center embedded within a large safety-net primary care health system, we ground our efforts in the real-world experiences of patients and healthcare teams, ensuring our work is both practical and impactful. Its unique environment, within a safety-net health system, has enhanced its ability to conduct research and promote innovation aimed at improving outcomes of vulnerable populations and developing implementation strategies for evidence-based, integrated practice for Federally qualified health centers and other safety-net, primary care practices nationwide.

The Weitzman Institute seeks a visionary and entrepreneurial Director of Research who will lead the successful development, implementation, and financial sustainability of the Research and Evaluation portfolio at Weitzman. The Director will have solid experience with securing research funding from a variety of sources, preferably from philanthropy and the private sector. Additional qualifications of interest are:

• A comfort level engaging with other thought leaders, clients, and decision-makers to represent Weitzman
• A thought leader with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Substantial content knowledge across a range of health program and policy issues, and also demonstrate deep research expertise in a particular area
• Have a strong track record of research excellence
• Bring deep experience using research, evaluation, and learning to drive strategy and decision-making for a range of partners.

This position will require occasional travel. Proximity to MWHS office in Washington DC is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Training

PhD, MD or equivalent terminal degree required.

Experience

• A track record of success in obtaining external funding from philanthropic and private sources, including demonstrated capabilities of securing research-related funding in the past three years.
• At least 10 years of relevant research experience, and demonstrated ability to develop research programs, and lead, manage, and mentor mid- and early-career research staff.
• A track record of success in publishing articles in high impact peer-reviewed journals, including serving as a first or senior author on a significant number of recent (past three years) publications.
• A track record of championing and supporting research proposals and contracts across multiple offices and teams (e.g., grant, finance, contract/legal, and business development)
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong business development skills applied towards securing funding for research.
  • Solid team, project, and time management skills.
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills and background in research method and design, as well as strong knowledge of community engagement.
  • Ability to work independently and with others, particularly in a remote-based work environment.
  • Interpersonal skills to work with all levels of administrative and clinical staff, as well as external stakeholders.
  • Capacity to handle competing priorities, and make timely, sound decisions under pressure.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a strategic, forward-looking research portfolio that anticipates emerging trends and funding priorities aligned with the organization’s mission to advance health equity and improve care for safety-net populations.
• Business development and partnerships
  • Leads and contributes to the development of competitive grant and contract proposals, including writing, budgeting, and preparation of supporting materials aligned with funder goals.
  • Deepen and cultivate relationships with key government, philanthropy,
  • Cultivates external collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, and community-based partners to expand the reach and impact of the Institute’s work
• Research and dissemination
  • Strengthens the Institute’s national presence by leading high-impact research initiatives, promoting the use of data and evidence to