Research and Program Associate

The Colorado Health Institute (CHI) seeks a dynamic and motivated Research and Program Associate to support our work to advance health policy in Colorado. This position is appropriate for those who are looking for a great place to begin a career in health policy research, analysis, and convening.

The Colorado Health Institute is a nonprofit public health institute committed to the mission of strengthening communities and systems with trusted analysis and collaborative solutions to improve health. We work to improve the systems that influence people’s health and well-being. We provide resources for people seeking to make their work more effective and equitable. We answer critical questions, make sense of complex issues, and support others to reach actionable solutions. We work with partners across Colorado and around the country, including government agencies, philanthropic foundations, community-based organizations, and health care providers and payers.

Our culture is team-based and highly collaborative. We work hard and take our commitment to the community and our clients seriously, and we balance that with “nerdy fun.”

Responsibilities

This position is part of our Research and Program Team. Regular duties will include:

• Develop research questions and design data collection and evaluation strategies to support policy, program, and funding decisions.
• Conduct primary and secondary research, including literature reviews, policy scans, qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews, focus groups), and quantitative data collection.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using Excel and other analytical tools (e.g., SAS, R, ArcGIS, MAXQDA) to generate actionable insights and recommendations.
• Develop, organize, and maintain datasets, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and quality-control processes.
• Monitor and synthesize emerging trends in relevant health and policy areas in Colorado and nationally to inform project work.
• Manage or support project timelines, deliverables, reporting requirements, and documentation (e.g., work plans, communication plans).
• Coordinate internal teams and external partners, serving as a project point of contact as appropriate.
• Provide project logistics support, including scheduling meetings, coordinating interviews, tracking progress, and managing contractors or vendors as needed.
• Write clear, concise reports, briefs, and presentation materials and present findings to stakeholders and partners.
• Facilitate inclusive meetings and stakeholder engagement processes and support business development efforts, including proposal and grant writing
• Other duties as assigned
• Some statewide travel may be required

Requirements

Competitive candidates will have demonstrated:

• 1–4 years of relevant experience in research, evaluation, public health, public policy, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Clear and concise writing skills; ability to communicate complex information simply.
• Experience with basic research methods (e.g., literature reviews, surveys, interviews, data analysis).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with statistical or qualitative analysis software is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and open to feedback
• Bilingual or multilingual fluency is not required, but preferred
• CHI operates in a hybrid environment, with two days per week in the office.

Experience and Education

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Candidate Characteristics

Strong candidates will demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Accessibility, communicating clearly and making complex ideas understandable to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration, working with colleagues and partners in a spirit of authenticity, transparency, and respect.
• Curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, seeking new perspectives, and embracing continuous learning.
• Equity, demonstrating a commitment to people-centered systems and inclusive, culturally responsive work.
• Integrity, upholding accuracy, honesty, and ethical standards in research and professional relationships.
• Adaptability and resilience, remaining flexible, persistent, and effective in changing or uncertain environments.
• Judgment and contribution, exercising sound decision-making and contributing meaningfully to team and organizational goals.

Benefits

This position may be filled at the Associate I, Associate II level depending on experience and qualifications. Salary ranges for each level are:

Associate I: $67,00