Director of Education and Research - Central Health

The Director of Education and Research (DER) holds the responsibility for leading and managing educational and research endeavors within Central Health. This involves ensuring that these initiatives are in line with the organization's overarching strategic objectives. The DER serves as a representative to external educational partners, facilitating the integration of their offerings into Central Health's care model. Furthermore, the DER supervises the quality and performance of the education experience, as outlined in contractual agreements.

In addition, the DER plays a crucial role in supporting the progression of trainees into full-fledged employees, contributing to the organization's strategic workforce development. Simultaneously, the DER oversees all research undertakings within Central Health. This includes leading the Research Committee and propelling research endeavors that contribute to the organization's mission and strategic ambitions.

Given the significance of research in advancing health equity, the DER also focuses on establishing a robust and sustainable research operation. This involves creating the necessary infrastructure and a forward-looking vision to ensure impactful research outcomes. Directly reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, the Director of Education and Research operates as a pivotal link in Central Health's leadership structure.

Essential Functions:

• Oversees the development, maintenance, and integration of educational programs catering to undergraduate and postgraduate levels, ensuring alignment with the Central Health's care model.
• Provides direct advisory support to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) regarding education and research department
  matters.
• Drives the continuous enhancement of comprehensive academic training programs by creating metrics and key performance indicators and ensures regular reporting to track their progress.
• Identifies potential institutions and academic collaborators for strategic partnerships, co-developing educational offerings, internships, and research projects that align with organizational goals.
• Collaborates with healthcare and social service partners and academic entities to establish effective data governance, coordinated action plans, and communication strategies to advance research and system enhancement.
• Manages and organizes protocols for clinical research teams, ensuring the delivery of patient-centered, safe, and competent clinical care.
• Supports clinical and operational leaders in introducing crucial educational and research frameworks to clinical settings collaborating with clinical staff, patients, and project partners.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to establish healthcare research policies and systems, specializing in research project management.
• Conducts and participates in collaborative research, program assessments, and systematic literature reviews to underpin clinical metrics driving enhanced health outcomes.
• Obtains necessary Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals or coordinates with partner IRBs as appropriate.
• Work closely with graduate medical education partners and residents to develop innovative quality enhancement programs.
• Initiates innovative preventive medicine initiatives, supervises implementation and budgeting, leads staff, and prepares reports and presentations.
• Collaborates with external partners and grant agencies to ascertain funding requirements and revenue avenues.
• Constructs the organizational foundation for sustained community-based participatory research tailored to the unique needs of Central Health's populations.
• Develop budget proposals for research and quality improvement projects funded by federal, state, and foundation grants.
• Supervise monthly Continuing Medical Education (CME) webinars accredited by the Accreditation Council for
• Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), including topic selection and subject-matter expert recruitment as per organizational needs.
• Perform additional assigned responsibilities as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including effective teaching, speaking, and writing abilities.
• Clear and professional communication skills for both in-person and phone interactions.
• Proficient in planning, organizing, and scheduling work to meet deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for positive interactions with peers, executives, employees, and consultants, maintaining a positive organizational image.
• Proficient in building and guiding high-performing teams, providing accurate direction, and making sound leadership decisions.
• Quick and effective learner, adapting promptly to new knowledge and experiences.
• Flexible and adaptable, adept at managing changes and various tasks while prioritizing effectively.
• Supervises and develops assigned direct reports for performance and growth.
• Directs department operations, overseeing initiative execution, program attainment, and goal achievement.
• Manages new department initiatives, coordinating strategies and efforts.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Participates in the Clinical Services Leadership Group, Clinical Directors Group, and relevant committees.
• Leads personnel selection, promotion, and necessary personnel actions, including counseling and disciplinary measures.
• Proactively addresses employee concerns and fosters a supportive environment.
• Cultivates departmental expertise and employee input to promote collaboration and consensus.
• Aims to reduce staff turnover by recognizing strengths, rewarding accomplishments, and valuing employees.
• Conducts performance evaluations, offers direct feedback, and creates competency improvement plans.
• Identifies learning needs, designs competency development strategies, and provides learning opportunities.
• Collaborates with Central Health and other stakeholders to ensure a cooperative team environment.
• Upholds and exemplifies Central Health's vision, mission, and values.

Minimum Education: 

• Master's Degree Healthcare Administration, Health Education, Public Health, Medical Education, or a related discipline.

Minimum Experience: 

• 3 years of working experience with one or more undergraduate or postgraduate training programs.
• 3 years of working experience collaborating with multidisciplinary faculty to create educational programs.
• 1 year of experience in research involving IRB.