Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To: Vice President, Policy & Rural Health/Executive Director, Center of Rural Excellence

Work Location: Michigan (hybrid/office-based)

Position Term/Funding: This is a limited-term position funded through a government grant. Continued employment is contingent upon the ongoing availability of grant funding.

Position Summary

The Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives provides leadership for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association's (MHA) research, policy development, grant-funded initiatives, and strategic programs that strengthen Michigan hospitals, with a particular emphasis on rural hospitals.

This position is responsible for leading applied research, managing strategic initiatives and grant-funded programs, supporting health policy development, and evaluating programs that advance MHA's mission. The Director works collaboratively with member hospitals, state and federal agencies, academic institutions, foundations, and community organizations to develop innovative solutions that improve healthcare delivery, expand access to care, and support the long-term sustainability of Michigan hospitals.

The Director supervises assigned staff and project teams and serves as a key resource to MHA leadership by translating research, data, and program outcomes into actionable strategies, policy recommendations, and funding opportunities.

Essential Responsibilities

Grant and Program Management

• Identify funding opportunities and lead or support the development of competitive grant proposals.
• Direct implementation and evaluation of grant-funded initiatives, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with funding requirements.
• Develop project work plans, budgets, performance measures, and reports.
• Manage consultants, contracts, and collaborative partnerships supporting statewide initiatives.

Research, Policy, and Strategic Initiatives

• Lead quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify trends, evaluate outcomes, and inform policy development and strategic decision-making.
• Lead research, policy analysis, and strategic initiatives that support MHA's advocacy priorities and organizational goals.
• Translate research and program findings into practical recommendations for hospitals, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Rural Health Leadership

• Support the Center of Rural Health Excellence by developing and implementing initiatives that strengthen rural hospitals and improve healthcare access across Michigan.
• Provide technical assistance and implementation support to member hospitals.
• Convene learning collaboratives, advisory groups, and stakeholder meetings to foster innovation, partnership development, and the dissemination of best practices.

Leadership and Partnership Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop assigned staff and project teams.
• Build collaborative relationships with hospitals, health systems, government agencies, foundations, universities, and community organizations.
• Represent MHA on committees, advisory groups, and statewide initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Public Policy, Public Administration, Health Services Research, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare, public health, research, policy, hospital administration, or program management.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management or supervisory experience leading staff, multidisciplinary teams, or complex organizational initiatives.
• Experience developing, implementing, or managing grant-funded programs, strategic initiatives, or multi-partner projects.
• Experience conducting research, program evaluation, policy analysis, or quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, build collaborative partnerships, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.