GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

Reporting directly to the Senior Director, the Director of Program Evaluation & Research is responsible for directing and managing a range of program evaluation and research projects activities within the Public & Private Health Solutions (PPHS) at Commonwealth Medicine (CWM) in the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS). CWM, the Medical School’s public consulting division, offers a unique blend of academic excellence and health services and policy expertise. This combination allows us to provide health care solutions for the public sector and not-for profit organizations. Our services help Massachusetts and many other states, local health care agencies, and community-based organizations increase the value and quality of the health and social services that they provide and improve access and quality of care for at-risk populations.

This position will includes developing new evaluation/research projects/funding with potential clients, working with clients/funders to define evaluation/research questions, conceptualizing program elements, and designing, overseeing and mentoring research team, conducting quality control of team’s work, carrying out and summarizing findings of evaluation/research projects.

Qualified candidates may be eligible for a faculty appointment at the UMMS, at a rank commensurate with their accomplishments, and will be involved in educational and other academic activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs the design and implementation of program evaluation and research projects within PPHS, with a focus on public-sector health and social programs/services for vulnerable population. Responsibilities includes identifying potential projects, directing the design of scientifically sound project plans, ensuring the quality of project implementation, summarizing the results for a variety of audiences including peer reviewed journals and presentations.
• Identifies and pursues opportunities and potential funding sources (grants, contracts, etc.) and leads the development of new program evaluation/research projects within PPHS focus areas.
• Provides strategic input and direction for PPHS for continued growth in the area of program evaluation and research
• Provides direction to PPHS project and analytic staff on specific evaluation/research activities.
• Works with PPHS business staff to develop budgets and manage administrative and financial aspects of specific projects.
• Provides methodological support to evaluation/research activities in other CWM business units
• Participates in department and CWM-wide business and strategic planning team meetings.
• Collaborates in business expansion planning.
• Participate, as appropriate, in client presentations and site visits.
• May provide program evaluation and research related consulting services.
• Supports professional development of PPHS staff.
• Collaborates in the development of strategic planning and works with PPHS and CWM leadership to implement this strategic vision.
• Perform related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD. in health policy, evaluation or related field, plus 5 years of research/evaluation experience required
• Demonstrated record of using a variety of program evaluation/research methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods).
• Demonstrated track record in disseminating evaluation/research findings to various audiences through publications, presentations, policy briefs, webinars and other mechanisms.
• Experience working with or extensive knowledge of public programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security
• Ability to facilitate meetings and establish productive, professional relationships with executive management, government officials, and private contractors.
• Demonstrated experience in computer-based analytic tools (e.g. SAS, SPSS, Atlas ti), as well as MS Office suite
• Understanding of policies and procedures related to data security and privacy
• Communication and presentation skills, both oral and written, and ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers, staff, clients and external partners
• Demonstrated management skills and general knowledge in budgeting
• Meets criteria for UMMS faculty appointment within Department and at Rank commensurate with experience and background

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Behavioral health and/or substance use disorder research experiences
• Familiarity with Medicaid population and/or demonstrations
• Experiences with Medicare, Medicaid, and/or commercial claims, encounter, and eligibility data
• Knowledge of health care delivery system innovations and/or payment reforms (e.g. ACOs, bundled payment)
• Track record of writing proposals and securing funding

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