Research & Development Specialist (Business Development)

Launching behavioral health services in a new market takes more than vision - it requires deep research, precision, and the ability to turn complex systems into actionable plans. As a Research & Development Specialist on CSD's Emerging Markets Team, you will help lay the operational and regulatory foundation that allows new outpatient programs to launch successfully.

At Center for Social Dynamics, breakthroughs happen when thoughtful preparation meets mission-driven action. In this role, you will research payer requirements, regulatory expectations, and operational pathways that accelerate our ability to bring high-quality behavioral health care to new communities.

This is a high-ownership opportunity for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments, enjoys solving complex problems, and takes pride in turning detailed research into clear guidance that helps teams move forward with confidence.

• Position starts at $65,000-$75,000 annually based on experience
  
• Bonus opportunities
  
• Fully remote
  
• Growth & development opportunities
  
• Dreams Come True program - fully funded college
  
• PTO, health, dental, 401k
  

About The Opportunity:

Partnering with the Head of Emerging Markets, the Research & Development Administrator plays a pivotal role in supporting CSD's expansion into new outpatient behavioral health markets. As part of our start-up-oriented Emerging Markets Team, you will work to uncover payor, regulatory, and operational requirements; compile and pre-fill key applications; and translate complex information into actionable insights that accelerate market launch while collaborating with cross functional teams for ongoing growth and development.

• Contracting & Credentialing
  
  • Conduct market research on all key payors within the market
    
  • Ensure all steps and processes are outlined for contracting, credentialing, and billing to ensure rapid market entry
    
  • Research and strategize requirements for payor network applications, credentialing packets, and operational forms
    
  • Pre-fill and compile necessary documentation for cross-functional contracting, credentialing, and billing teams
    
  • Analyze prior authorization, billing, and claims requirements and summarize in actionable formats for cross functional teams
    
• Payor Requirements
  
  • Research payor specific guidelines and requirements for providers including but not limited to licensure, education, background checks, healthcare requirements, and more
    
• Business Development
  
  • Support legal requirements and operational readiness by researching city licensure, zoning rules, business requirements, and vendor logistics
    
  • Assist with center operations setup including location procurement, utilities activation, local vendor onboarding, and event launch coordination
    
• Outreach
  
  • Identify key community partners, high-value targets, events, and membership opportunities to support local outreach and marketing opportunities
    
• Additional job duties as assigned
  

About Our Values:

All CSD leaders agree to model our ETHOS leadership behaviors:

• Exude energy and optimism
  
• Think, mentor, and continually improve
  
• Honor our commitments
  
• Openly communication and collaborate
  
• Service with compassion, humility, and inclusion
  

All CSD employees agree to model our TRUE core values:

• Transparency in the work that we do and the actions we take to achieve our mission. There are no hidden agendas or motives at Center for Social Dynamics. Each family's unique cultures, values, and generational dynamics.
  
• Understanding through tolerance, cooperation, and empathy in the pursuit of our mission. We never lose sight of who we are, the people we serve, and our purpose and meaning.
  
• Respect for all and the value that everyone brings towards accomplishing our mission. No one at CSD is worth more or less, and together we are greater than the sum of our parts.
  
• Excellence in our drive, passion, and commitment to our mission. CSD will always do what it takes to deliver the best, leave no one behind, and champion our cause.
  

About You:

• 3+ years of experience in healthcare research & development, payer operations, contracting, credentialing, compliance, or similar fields
  
• Deep commitment to accuracy, strong documentation practices, and a reputation for meticulous work
  
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of information into clear, concise guidance.
  
• Experience applying payer or regulatory requirements to workflows or operational processes
  
• Highly independent work style with strong ownership, organization, and follow-through.
  
• Excellent communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally
  
• Experience in ABA, behavioral health, Medicaid-funded programs, or multi-state healthcare organizations.
  
• Background in de-novo market development or start-up environments.
  
• Direct experience with payer credentialing, billing setup, and contracting processes.
  
• Extreme attention to detail
  
• High accountability and ownership
  
• Strong problem-solving skills
  
• Ability to operate independently
  
• Fast and accurate information synthesis
  
• Effective cross-functional communication
  
• Start-up mindset and bias toward action
  

About Us

At Center for Social Dynamics (CSD), we believe that every child deserves a chance to shine. We're a passionate team on a mission to open up a world of possibilities for individuals with autism and other developmental needs-through science, compassion, and a whole lot of heart.

From our very first session to each milestone we celebrate, we bring the power of play, connection, and evidence-based care to every moment. With services that are as unique as the individuals we support, we meet kids where they are-at home, in schools, and in communities-and guide them on a path toward growth.

We live our TRUE values-Transparency, Respect, Understanding, and Excellence-in everything we do. As a fast-growing leader in the field, we're known for our vibrant culture, hands-on training, and career pathways that help you grow just as much as those we serve.

At CSD, we don't just change lives-we light them up.

About Our Values

• Transparency in the work that we do and the actions we take to achieve our mission. There are no hidden agendas or motives at Center for Social Dynamics. Each family's unique cultures, values, and generational dynamics.
  
• Understanding through tolerance, cooperation, and empathy in the pursuit of our mission. We never lose sight of who we are, the people we serve, and our purpose and meaning.
  
• Respect for all and the value that everyone brings towards accomplishing our mission. No one at CSD is worth more or less, and together we are greater than the sum of our parts.
  
• Excellence in our drive, passion, and commitment to our mission. CSD will always do what it takes to deliver the best, leave no one behind, and champion our cause.
  

CSD is a proud equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Physical requirements may include but is not limited to:

• Constant visual stimulation, including close vision, distance vision, reading, computer work
• Constant sitting; frequent up and down out of chair
• Constant use of telephone, speaking, listening
• Constant document handling, use of copier and fax machine, filing
• Frequent typing, use of computer
• Occasional walking around building
• Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, pulling
• Occasional lifting, carrying, moving of items up to 20 pounds
• Occasional walking to, bending to enter, sitting and using upper and lower limbs to drive car