Full Time
Remote

Overview 

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is hiring for a newly created role, Senior Director, Research (SDR). For over 40 years, the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) has been one of the leading national organizations dedicated solely to improving the health and wellness of Black women physically, emotionally, and financially. We advance and promote Black women’s health through three focus areas: Wellness Programs, Policy and Advocacy, and Research Translation. We target the most pressing health issues that affect Black women and girls in the U.S. through investments in evidence-based strategies, programs, and advocacy outreach on health policies.

Description of Position 

The SDR has an integral role in the Policy, Advocacy, and Science (PAS) team. This role is the lead manager of BWHI research and evaluation activities, and supports the EVP, PAS in leading the agency priorities for research, evaluation and use of findings in our key program areas (Maternal Child Health, Reproductive Justice, HIV, and Policy). This position also serves as a core advisor working to integrate sound research methods in support of other key program areas (chronic disease in particular). Responsibility for current projects may include: Hologic/UAB/Morehouse collaboration on Cancer Screening and NextEra navigation project. This role will have other research and evaluation projects as they arise. For this role, having background and expertise in mixed methods, and in particular how to apply implementation science methods and practices is preferred.

The Day-to-Day 

  • Serve as lead on selected projects, assuming primary responsibility for the design and implementation of project activities 
  • Serve as the lead research team member managing the Hologic/UAB/Morehouse cervical and breast cancer research study, managing collaborative communications, protocol monitoring, and establishing implementation of data collection activities 
  • Develop and maintain good relationships with funders, clients and colleagues Help design and refine department research protocols (e.g., publication processes) 
  • Prepare project reports (e.g., progress, annual, and final) 
  • Support preparing and/or monitoring project budgets with the EVP, Finance and EVP, PAS. 
  • Take the lead and/or supporting role in writing research manuscripts for publication in relevant journals and briefing papers. 
  • Keep BWHI and PAS team members up-to-date on important trends in the field through informal (e.g., brown bag) or formal means (e.g., in-house staff development workshops, presentations, etc.). 
  • Develop new project ideas and write grant proposals with minimal support Participate in relevant agency department meetings. 
  • Work with the EVP, PAS to identify, develop, and seek funding for projects of interest to BWHI research goals. 
  • Participate in professional development activities as appropriate (e.g., take classes to enhance expertise in assigned content areas, attend conferences, and/or co-author research manuscripts). 
  • Track and assess status of research tasks for projects. 
  • Provide technical assistance and advice to BWHI staff as needed on use of evaluation methods and tools. 

Required Education and Experience 

  • A Master’s Degree in Public Health or other relevant research-centered training (i.e. MSc), and a minimum of ten (10) years of work experience in implementing research and evaluation studies. 
  • Technical experience in the use of either qualitative or quantitative data analysis software systems, such as: redCap, Dedoose, Atlas. Ti, STATA, SAS, or R. 
  • Research presentation experience (conference level) to increase BWHI research “footprint.” 
  • Experience in budget management and compliance. 
  • Prepares thorough written materials for research activities (e.g., correspondence, research protocols) that are clear and well written.
  • Summarizes data excellently from research projects appropriately in project reports/articles. 
  • Can effectively mentor (and potentially supervise) junior staff and entry-level research team members, including data collection and analysts, as hired in project and professional pursuits. 
  • Maintains complete and accurate documentation of project tasks. 
  • Committed to integrity and rigor of research and evaluation for data use and policy development.
  • Research experience in design and tracking of research activities 
  • Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information. 
  • 20% travel

Preferred Education and Experience 

  • A PhD and a minimum of two (2) years post-doctoral work experience. 
  • Strong Interest in women’s cancer behavioral research.
  • Stellar communication skills (written and verbal). 
  • Excellent time management skills (internal and external deadlines). 
  • Relationship building skills (internal and external clients).

A reasonable estimate of the base compensation range for this role is $102,500 – $120,000 annually depending on experience. The actual salary for the successful candidate will be based on job-related education, geographic location, training, licensure and certification, and other factors. BWHI offers a competitive benefit package including health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits and an employee assistance program. 

Paid leave and comprehensive health insurance offered after completion of probationary period. The BWHI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to equity in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. The BWHI encourages racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, as well as those across gender and sexuality spectrums, and those with disabilities, to apply.

Job Features

Job Category

Policy