Overview The Research Director will lead NIHB’s expanding research portfolio, providing strategic leadership to ensure that Tribal Nations have access to the evidence, data, and ethical standards needed to drive health policy and practice. This role advances a national research agenda that honors sovereignty, amplifies Tribal voices, and produces results that matter to Indian Country. Responsibilities Advance Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS): Provide collaborative guidance to strengthen the feedback loop where PHICCS informs NIHB’s research priorities and ensure NIHB research expands PHICCS into a deeper analysis of Tribal health needs. Research Portfolio: Expand NIHB’s portfolio by identifying new opportunities, securing funding, and building partnerships that advance a national Tribal health research agenda. Turn Data into Action: Oversee and guide analysis of IHS, CMS, epidemiology, and Tribal health datasets to identify gaps and opportunities. Translate findings into strategies that strengthen NIHB advocacy and support Tribes. Oversee Data Collection & Analysis: Provide oversight of the collection and analysis of quantitative health outcomes for AI/AN populations (e.g., Medicaid enrollment, IHS service utilization, vaccination rates, maternal and behavioral health indicators). Use findings to inform policy outreach, educational materials, and recommendations. Support NIHB Teams: Provide strategic data-driven and culturally informed evaluation support using both Western and Indigenous approaches. Ensure evaluation efforts strengthen organizational impact and expand NIHB’s research portfolio. Produce Publications: Ensure development of high-quality data briefs, reports, white papers, and peer-reviewed publications that highlight Tribal priorities and explain implications for Indian Country. Contribute strategic thought leadership to select publications. Lead Research Projects: Direct NIHB’s research projects from design to completion, managing budgets and guiding staff in partnership with the VP of THP to ensure culturally grounded and timely results. Evaluate and Improve: Assess NIHB research initiatives and collaborations to measure impact, identify gaps, and strengthen outcomes for Tribal Nations. Set Research Standards: Establish and uphold ethical guidelines rooted in Tribal sovereignty, Indigenous evaluation methods, and cultural safety. Strengthen Partnerships: Build and sustain high-level collaborations with Tribal Nations, universities, NIH, federal agencies, and philanthropy to advance a Tribal-centered research agenda. Collaborate Across NIHB: Coordinate with other NIHB Directors, guide staff, and manage human capital to ensure alignment with organizational goals and strategy. Ensure Responsiveness: Deliver timely insights that address the evolving needs of Indian Country. Requirements Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in public health, epidemiology, health policy, social science, or related field. Progressive experience in research, program evaluation, or health policy, including direct work with Tribal Nations. Proven record of directing complex research projects and teams, including design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Demonstrated experience with IHS, CMS, NIH, and Tribal health data systems. Record of published work such as peer-reviewed articles, policy briefs, or white papers. Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage Tribal leaders, policymakers, and diverse partners with clarity, confidence, and cultural respect and humility. Knowledge and Skills Deep understanding of Tribal sovereignty, Indigenous research ethics, and culturally grounded evaluation approaches. Strong analytical and strategic skills with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations for policy and practice. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships with Tribal Nations, federal agencies, academic institutions, and philanthropy. Skilled in evaluation methods that measure both program impact and systems-level change. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and attention to detail. Experience working with Tribes, Tribal epidemiology centers, or Tribal not-for-profits strongly preferred. Ability to set and implement a Tribal-centered research agenda aligned with NIHB’s strategic priorities. https://www.nihb.org/category/tribal-public-health-capacity-and-infrastructure/public-health-in-indian-country-capacity-scan-phiccs/ Compensation Salary is based on the Washington, D.C. cost of living. Compensation for candidates located outside the D.C. area will be adjusted according to geographic location and cost of living, but will not exceed the D.C.-based salary range.

#J-18808-Ljbffr