Research Associate – The Health Initiative

ABOUT THE HEALTH INITIATIVE:

The U.S. spends ~$14 billion every day on healthcare, even though ~80% of health outcomes are tied to drivers of health like access to healthy food, safe homes, and well-paying jobs. THI works to unlock existing healthcare dollars to invest in these basics that people need to be healthy.

We work intensively with state, federal, and private healthcare institutions that control billions of dollars and impact millions of lives to spur them to invest in health – and, at the same time, mobilize stakeholders (many historically excluded from financial/policy pathways) to challenge these institutions to act.

THI’s work reflects a potential win-win-win: people and communities secure the resources necessary to be healthy; taxpayers and the government save on healthcare costs; and private health plans improve their bottom line.

THI’s efforts have unlocked $650M+ in healthcare dollars to pay for healthy food, rent, and other basics; secured $50M+ in annual wage increases for frontline healthcare workers; and spurred policy changes ensuring that 35M+ Americans are asked annually by their healthcare providers whether they are struggling with food, housing, or other basics.

THI’s team has dedicated our lives to creating productive change and to disrupting the healthcare system. We have led and worked in federal healthcare agencies, health policy organizations, community-based clinics, healthcare delivery systems, and quality improvement organizations.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Health Initiative (THI) seeks a resourceful, detail-oriented, and flexible Research Associate who thrives in the fast-paced context of issue-based campaigns and/or start-up environments, has the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information, and is passionate about THI’s aim.

The role is critical in achieving our mission by grounding our recommendations in clear and compelling research and analysis. This team member has three primary functions:

• complete background research on specific topics and provide usable summaries

• conduct analyses proactively and reactively using a wide variety of data that allows for interpretation of and identification of trends

• support meeting preparation, including developing slides, talking points, agendas, meeting goals, notetaking, debriefing team

The successful candidate will be able to synthesize complex information quickly, be relentless in tracking down information from a wide variety of sources, have a strong grasp of the health and healthcare landscapes to be able to interpret data and research, and demonstrates solid analytic skills in order to generate accurate and actionable insights.

THI is always looking to improve our research systems and processes, so the Research Associate will need to be able to build standard work, adapt approaches to different contexts, and continuously improve work and research with a focus on results rather than a rigid research protocol.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Defining Success for this Position:

As noted above, a successful Research Associate will be able to provide useful summaries of complex information in a way that supports clear understanding; know how and where to gather the most useful information for the question or issue; and be able to produce qualitative and quantitative materials to achieve THI’s short and long-term goals. Given the organization’s dynamic nature, the responsibilities below are examples of how the Research Associate may execute those functions.

Example Responsibilities:

• Complete background research on specific topics and provide a clear and accurate synthesis for dissemination to internal stakeholders or perhaps to a wider public audience

• Scan both health care and other industries for applicable innovations to a specific research question

• Clearly document sources and calculations so that others can understand and review work

• Identify, sort, and present data from a wide variety of sources in a format that allows for interpretation of and identification of trends

• Translate research questions into project plans and deliverables

• Discern and communicate clear next steps and recommendations from conversations and meetings

• Support the drafting of publications or reports for a national audience

• Reflect on existing content production systems to identify and test improvements

As part of a small organization, the Research Associate will also engage other staff in fulfilling responsibilities. All team members at THI work collaboratively and across functions to deliver on our mission.

Who We’re Looking For

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred

• Three to five years’ experience working effectively on a team (preferably including at least two years outside an academic program)

• Knowledge of the U.S. health and healthcare space, including knowledge of health policy, commercial markets, and health-related work in drivers on health

• Excellent literature search and review skills

• Strong data collection, interpretation, and analysis skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Strong research and development skills, including the ability to gather and synthesize large amounts of information from various sources

• The ability to work independently and as a team member

• A talent for prioritizing and managing multiple projects with short-, medium-, and long-term deadlines; ability to successfully meet deadlines consistently

• Good judgment; ability to recognize and successfully navigate ambiguity in projects (e.g., clarifying questions, project scope) to successful resolution

• Experience summarizing results in a written format for senior leadership

• Ability to work in an environment that is fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous

• Ability to learn and use new systems and technology

• Problem-solving mentality; presents logical recommendations with an understanding of dependencies and adapts to new information or priorities

• Commitment to and deep understand of the mission, vision, and values of THI and their impact on healthcare

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

THI offers a comprehensive benefits package. THI has a no-negotiation policy and the salary for this position is $105,000. In addition to a competitive salary, THI also offers:

• Full coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Generous 401K matching and parental leave

• Unlimited sustainable vacation and sick time

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Health Initiative values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual identity, veteran status or any other status protected by law. People of color, LGBTQ identified people, gender non-conforming people, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

All applicants should apply through our posting on Positively Partners’ website. Please send your resume and a cover letter linking your skills and experience to this position description. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted beginning September 27, 2024. Early submission is encouraged.