Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives

Position Summary

The Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives provides leadership for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association's (MHA) research, policy development, grant-funded initiatives, and strategic programs that strengthen Michigan hospitals, with a particular emphasis on rural hospitals. This position is responsible for leading applied research, managing strategic initiatives and grant-funded programs, supporting health policy development, and evaluating programs that advance MHA's mission.

Essential Responsibilities

• Identify funding opportunities and lead or support the development of competitive grant proposals.
• Direct implementation and evaluation of grant-funded initiatives, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with funding requirements.
• Develop project work plans, budgets, performance measures, and reports.
• Manage consultants, contracts, and collaborative partnerships supporting statewide initiatives.
• Lead quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify trends, evaluate outcomes, and inform policy development and strategic decision-making.
• Translate research and program findings into practical recommendations for hospitals, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Support the Center of Rural Health Excellence by developing and implementing initiatives that strengthen rural hospitals and improve healthcare access across Michigan.
• Provide technical assistance and implementation support to member hospitals.
• Convene learning collaboratives, advisory groups, and stakeholder meetings to foster innovation, partnership development, and the dissemination of best practices.

Leadership and Partnership Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop assigned staff and project teams.
• Build collaborative relationships with hospitals, health systems, government agencies, foundations, universities, and community organizations.
• Represent MHA on committees, advisory groups, and statewide initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Public Policy, Public Administration, Health Services Research, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare, public health, research, policy, hospital administration, or program management.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management or supervisory experience leading staff, multidisciplinary teams, or complex organizational initiatives.
• Experience developing, implementing, or managing grant-funded programs, strategic initiatives, or multi-partner projects.
• Experience conducting research, program evaluation, policy analysis, or quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, build collaborative partnerships, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.