Research Director I - Health Care Programs Research - Hybrid Chicago Loop Office

JOB SUMMARY:

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a talented Research Director I to support the Health Care Programs Research Department. This position is responsible for managing discrete tasks of complex projects including survey work, study management systems design, technical assistance, strategy and research and/or smaller research projects in their entirety, including responsibility for the schedule, budget, staff and client relations; requires limited expertise related to operational methods, including project design, appropriate data collection procedures, data management and quality control. Location This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago Loop office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office. Due to the requirements of this position supporting critical work for a federal government client, qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years, and be eligible to obtain and maintain a federal government client badge and Public Trust background investigation/clearance. DEPARTMENT: Health Care Programs Research NORC's Health Care Programs team provides a wide array of services and expertise to support federal and state government and foundation clients in addressing health system transformation and delivery, payment reform and implementation, health equity, and a range of policy issues facing public health insurance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace coverage. Our subject matter experts employ a variety of methods and approaches to inform client needs, including: research design and implementation, qualitative and quantitative data collection, policy analysis and program design, technical assistance and operational support, data management, linkage, and analysis of large complex administrative and health data sets, and monitoring of quality and performance data.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide technical assistance to researchers seeking access to health data, including helping them understand application requirements, data availability, documentation needs, and program expectations. Support health research by reviewing data access requests, responding to researcher questions, developing user guidance, and helping ensure requests are complete, clear, and aligned with applicable policies and procedures. Contribute to the development and adoption of process improvements, standardization efforts, and quality assurance initiatives that improve operational effectiveness. Compile and interpret regulatory and sub-regulatory guidance to develop and implement program policies and procedures. Ensure and manage staff mentorship, technical and professional assistance, and other feedback on performance of project/task team members. Engage in business development activities including authoring sections of technical proposals.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Master's degree in public health, health services research, or related field. At least 4 years' experience in positions of increasing responsibility in health research or related field. Knowledge of federal regulations governing research involving human subjects, including the Common Rule, HIPAA Privacy Rule, and applicable federal privacy and disclosure requirements. Strong analytic ability, writing and organizational skills are required. Strong proficiency with MS Office software; knowledge of analysis packages, computing platforms, data processing procedures, and data file construction as appropriate. Excellent interpersonal skills. Strong writing skills. Authorized to work and lived in the US for 3 of the last 5 years. Eligible to obtain a federal government client badge and successfully obtain and maintain a Public Trust background investigation/clearance.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The pay range for this position is $71,500 to $79,000. This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC's comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to: Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment Dental and vision insurance A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). NORC is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job. The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidate's placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs.

WHAT WE DO

NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.

WHO WE ARE

For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we're known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale.

EEO STATEMENT

NORC is an equal opportunity employer. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Opinion Research Center - NORC