Logo
American Society of Health Economists

Program Area Director – Applied Health Care Economics

American Society of Health Economists, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

Save Job

Job Description NORC at the University of Chicago seeks a Program Area Director for our Applied Health Care Economics team. The incumbent will lead evaluation and health services research projects requiring application of econometric modeling and other advanced quantitative research methods. The Program Area Director should have familiarity and experience leading Medicare and Medicaid demonstration evaluations that use experimental or quasi-experimental design. The ideal candidate will have led analyses estimating the impact of health care payment and delivery interventions on outcomes and cost using data files derived from Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer administrative data.

This position will have a hybrid work schedule of at least two days a week in our Washington DC office.

Department The Health Care Evaluation Research Department houses the Applied Health Care Economics team. This team leads quantitative analysis on Medicare and Medicaid evaluations for federal and state governments. This team also takes on stand‑alone quantitative health research studies for foundations and non‑profits, drug pricing related research for the federal government, and consulting with states on the impact of health care provider and payer transactions on cost and quality of care. The Program Area Director will work closely with Health Care Evaluation Department leadership to align strategic priorities and coordinate cross‑departmental initiatives. The Program Area Director will also collaborate with leaders in other departments within NORC’s Health and Research Science Divisions to integrate expertise and advance the organization’s mission of conducting objective, rigorous research that decision makers can trust.

Responsibilities

Serving as program area and project director with significant responsibilities on complex scientific and/or technical components of multiple projects related to applied health care economics within the Department and across NORC

Leading strategic projects by providing technical input and direction to staff on research design, methodology, data analysis, and interpretation for Medicare and Medicaid demonstration evaluations and health services research

Leading teams to conduct complex evaluations of alternative care delivery & payment models, state health care initiatives, and other health care innovations using rigorous econometric methods and mixed methods research

Providing direction and research leadership to teams to obtain funding for, plan, and execute research studies focused on value and sustainability in health care

Leading the drafting and managing contract proposals and grant applications including estimating project budgets for federal agencies, state governments, and foundations

Developing and maintaining key partnerships inside and outside of NORC, as well as current and prospective funders and clients including CMS/CMMI, state agencies, and foundations to advance the program area and Department’s strategic initiatives

Advancing the strategic thinking of the team by identifying market needs in health economics research, brainstorming new service or product offerings, and developing dissemination materials to position NORC as a leader in health economics

Steering business development efforts to expand the footprint and impact of Program Area and NORC with government agencies, commercial organizations, foundations, and others

Growing the program area and Department research teams both through the development of current staff and the strategic recruitment of new professionals with capabilities that complement existing expertise within the department

Supporting a cohesive, team‑oriented culture across a geographically dispersed staff, promoting communication and integration among all members to foster collegiality and ongoing collaboration

Managing teams to carry out strategic initiatives and business development opportunities, including monitoring and oversight of finances and administration for projects

Fostering a community of practice for staff to conduct innovative health economics research that generates actionable evidence for informed decision making

Required Skills

PhD in Economics, Public Policy, Health Services research, or another relevant discipline strongly preferred. Master’s degree is required.

At least 15 years of directly applicable work experience with increasing responsibility, including a significant leadership role such as overseeing a line of business or research group in a nonprofit organization, research organization, or government agency

Recognition as an expert in health economics and health services research, as evidenced by supporting publications, presentations and successful evaluation projects

Policy expertise in Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance – including a focus on alternative payment models

Candidates with experience leading CMS demonstration evaluations and alternative payment model assessments, state‑level health policy analysis, and commercial payer consulting are strongly preferred

Strong foundation in econometric methods, advanced quantitative analysis with administrative and survey data, and mixed‑methods research approaches

Proficiency in statistical analysis software (Stata, R, or Python preferred) with demonstrated experience leading analyses with large administrative healthcare datasets (Medicare, Medicaid, and All‑Payer Claims Databases)

Superior analytic skills, including well‑developed problem‑solving skills, data analysis, time management, personal organization, attention to detail, and presentation skills

Proven experience in a team management, supervisory, or leadership role (at least 5 years of experience in a leadership or management role)

Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, inspire, and build high‑performing teams

Experience in reporting on research to a wide range of both internal and external stakeholders using a variety of platforms

Successful record of securing contracts to conduct high‑caliber, compelling health economics and health services research projects for the federal government by submitting compelling proposals

Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with minimal supervision

Ability to manage multiple projects with agility and work effectively with multiple departments, stakeholders, and internal/external clients

A track record for building, developing, managing with empathy, and retaining a team of highly capable research professionals

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $180,000–$240,000

This position is classified as regular

Regular staff are eligible for NORC’s comprehensive benefits program

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)

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