Associate Director, Health Services Research

The Associate Director, Health Services Research, will play a crucial role in the implementation of the ALZ Health Services Research Initiative and will be funded by the Konar Foundation award (This grant is through end for 2028). This position will strategically help advance Health Services Research operations in projects launched/led by the Association and those where the Association is a strategic partner. This position will support the creation and dissemination of a Learning Agenda for Health Services Research in Brain Health and Dementia Care. This includes conducting literature reviews and environmental scans, coordinating and convening workgroups, following up on action items, and contributing to presentations and scientific publications. This position will support the development and growth of the area by identifying funding opportunities and helping with the submission of grant proposals. The incumbent will also work closely with the Grants team in the design and implementation of a grant program for Health Services Research in Brain Health and Dementia Care.
In this role, the Associate Director is responsible for working closely with all Med Sci Directors, Sr. Directors and Vice Presidents, as well as with staff members from other areas in the Association. This position is based in the Home Office in downtown Chicago, IL, and will report to the Senior Director, Health Services Research.
Responsibilities
Working closely with the Senior Director, Health Services Research on the implementation and evaluation of progress and results of the ALZ Health Services Research initiative and the development of the area within the Alzheimer's Association, the Associate Director will be responsible to:

• Build and manage a systematic repository of data and evidence on Health Services Research in aging, brain health, and dementia care based on ongoing literature review and environmental scan
  
  • 55% in year 1; 25% in subsequent years
• Manage research collaboratives, internal and external working groups, helping plan online and in-person meetings, and coordinating communications while documenting processes and results
  
  • 20% in years 1 and 2; 30% in subsequent years
• Support the grants team on the design and implementation of a grants program to fund research studies on priority areas to advance science and evidence-based practices and policies in brain health and dementia care
  
  • 10% in years 1 and 2; 5% in subsequent years
• Identify funding and other opportunities to advance science in Health Services Research in brain health and dementia care, coordinating proposals design, submission, and management
  
  • 5% in year 1; 10% in subsequent years
• Represent the Association at scientific and community events and contributing to scientific projects and publications to expand, strengthen, and disseminate the work of the Association in Health Services Research
  
  • 5% in year 1, 10% in subsequent years
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Doctoral is preferred) in areas related to Health Services Research (e.g., health economics, health policy, health administration)
• 3-5 years of experience in the applicable research field
• Must have knowledge of scientific and applied research and experience working throughout the study cycle (from study design and literature reviews to data collection, analyses, and dissemination of findings)
• Expertise in mixed methods research is preferred
• Experience with qualitative analysis software (such as NVivo) for literature review and systematization is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Practical knowledge of research operations and project management skills
• Confident decision-making skills to work independently while seeking guidance when appropriate
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to timelines and deliverables and the ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously
• Comfortable working collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners, team members, and stakeholders
• Strong networking and social skills to develop relationships and work in a team environment
• Ability to think quickly, critically, and strategically, anticipate needs, and proactively identify areas requiring improvement and attention
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the US by plane or surface transportation. Estimated travel up to 30%
• Cultural sensitivity to effectively collaborate, listen and engage diverse points of view, working together to produce the best outcome

Title: Associate Director, Health Services Research
Position Location: Chicago, IL
Full time based on 37.5 hours per week minimum
Position Grade: 509 Exempt
Reports To: Senior Director, Health Services Research
Who We Are:
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia- by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
At the Alzheimer's Association, our employees are at the core of all we do. Our network of more than 1,900 employees across the United States makes a difference each and every day for those impacted by Alzheimer's and those at risk for the disease.
We warmly invite qualified applicants to consider this opportunity to make a life-changing impact on the millions living with Alzheimer's, their caregivers and those that may develop the disease in the future. Read on to learn more about the role, then visit our website www.alz.org/jobs to explore who we are and why we've been recognized as a Best Place to Work for the last twelve years in a row.
At the Alzheimer's Association®, we believe that diverse perspectives are critical to achieving health equity - meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care. The Association is committed to engaging underrepresented and underserved communities and responding with resources and education to address the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer's and dementia.
The Alzheimer's Association is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Employees working 24 hours/week or more are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, flex accounts, short and long-term disability, life insurance, long term care insurance, tuition reimbursement, generous Paid Time Off, 12 annual holidays and Paid Family Leave, as well as an annual Cultural & Heritage Day and Volunteer Day of their choosing. They are also eligible for our gold standard 401(k) retirement plan.
Full time employees (37.5 hours/week), will enjoy all of the above plus an annual School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of their choosing.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)