The Director, Health Services Research and Implementation Science reports to and works under the direction of the Senior Director, Health Services Research and Implementation Science, executing the Association's health services research (HSR) and implementation science (IS) portfolio within Medical & Scientific Relations. The Director translates the strategy and priorities set by the Senior Director into concrete studies, projects, and partnerships, and leads day-to-day delivery of assigned workstreams.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:- Lead, under the Senior Director's strategic direction, the development of new implementation research opportunities with Health Systems and Medical Affairs - exercising independent decision-making authority over study design and implementation strategy, and day-to-day leadership of multidisciplinary, matrixed project teams - applying implementation science frameworks to guide study design, technical assistance, and evaluation, and clearly distinguishing implementation research from quality improvement or operational implementation work.
- Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for Medical Affairs and Health Systems teams on implementation research opportunities, building durable working relationships and escalating strategic decisions to the Senior Director.
- Execute the Association's HSR/IS agenda and priorities as set by the Senior Director, translating strategy into concrete studies, projects, and deliverables.
- Disseminate HSR/IS methods and findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference sessions, and other field-focused channels, and support the Senior Director's leadership of the ISTAART HSR Special Interest Group.
- Represent the Association, as directed by the Senior Director, in externally funded (including federally funded) collaborative projects, and contribute to grant development and submission for HSR/IS studies and initiatives.
- Support the Senior Director in developing and formalizing external partnerships that create joint HSR/IS research, training, or funding opportunities.
- Provide technical assistance to health system and community implementation teams; lead matrixed project teams as assigned, under the Senior Director's oversight.
- Apply community-engaged and person-centered research principles across HSR/IS projects, drawing on the Association's lived-experience advisory infrastructure.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Director.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:- Ability to translate strategic direction into concrete research plans, timelines, and deliverables, and to execute independently within that direction.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary, matrixed project teams - including internal staff, external collaborators, and grant-funded personnel - and to exercise independent decision-making authority over study design and implementation strategy, consistent with project-based leadership models common in research and consulting organizations.
- Hands-on fluency and ability to engage other disciplines in implementation science frameworks and literature (e.g., RE-AIM, CFIR, EPIS), and the ability to distinguish implementation research from quality improvement or operational implementation.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage external partnerships (academic, health system, or funder relationships) in support of a supervisor's broader strategy.
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.
- Experience collaborating cross-functionally with clinical, health systems, or medical affairs teams.
- Ability to work effectively under supervision on strategic direction while exercising sound independent judgment in day-to-day scientific execution.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing and presentation to internal and external audiences.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:- Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or equivalent) in health services research, implementation science, public health, health policy, or a related field.
- Several years of progressively senior experience in health services research and/or implementation science, including hands-on experience applying implementation science frameworks as an implementation scientist embedded in real-world health system or care delivery settings.
- Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder research or implementation projects without formal supervisory authority - e.g., in a matrixed or project-based organizational structure.
- Demonstrated experience building or managing external partnerships (academic, health system, or funder relationships).
- Experience in brain health, aging, dementia, or related chronic disease care settings preferred.
- Experience with community-engaged or person-centered research methods preferred.
- Experience in international or multi-site collaborative research preferred.
- Prior supervisory or team-building experience preferred, given anticipated growth of the function.
- Familiarity with federal-funding research infrastructure (grants, engagement panels, multi-site studies) preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability and willingness to travel to represent the Association at external meetings; estimated travel up to 30%.
Location: US Remote
Work Schedule: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
Reports To: Senior Director, Health Services Research and Implementation Science
Position Grade & Compensation: Grade 511 The Alzheimer's Association's good faith expectation for the salary range for this role is $130,000-$150,000. This position is eligible for a bonus based on both individual and organizational performance, up to 6%
Employees working 24 hours/week or more are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, flex accounts, short and long-term disability, life insurance, long term care insurance, tuition reimbursement, generous Paid Time Off, 12 annual holidays and Paid Family Leave, as well as an annual Cultural & Heritage Day and Volunteer Day of their choosing. They are also eligible for our gold standard 401(k) retirement plan. Please click HERE for more information.
Full time employees (37.5 hours/week), will enjoy all of the above plus an annual School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of their choosing.
