The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) is the national membership organization for the nation’s federally qualified health centers (also known as FQHCs or Community Health Centers). Health centers are nonprofit, community-directed health clinics that provide access to high-quality, culturally competent, and comprehensive care to people living in medically underserved areas. NACHC strengthens the health center movement through advocacy, training, and technical assistance, clinical and operations support. NACHC is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.

Job Purpose and Basic Function   

Lead, plan, and conduct health center-related research activities, data analysis, and writing, especially to inform NACHC’s policy and advocacy strategies. Oversee projects and produce a variety of data-driven publications to educate policymakers and other stakeholders on health center value and the impacts of policy on health center operations, patients, and communities. Work closely with Public Policy and Advocacy staff and collaborate with staff across divisions as well as external academic, industry, and federal partners to plan and execute cross-functional research activities

Description of Primary Responsibilities and Duties

1)    Lead, plan, and conduct research activities that inform policymakers and health center stakeholders and that support and inform NACHC’s policy strategies.

a)    Design research and execute quantitative and qualitative research and analysis.

b)    Develop, review. administer and document research methodologies.

c)     Write data-driven publications such as chartbooks, fact sheets, infographics, surveys, briefs, analytic tools, and research reports/articles.

d)    Proofread, edit, and contribute to PPR publications, factsheets, reports, deliverables, and other work products.  

2)    Provide expertise and analytic support across all divisions, but especially related to public policy. Analyze data to monitor trends, identify needs, and project the impact of policy and program changes on health centers, patients, and communities.

a)    Respond to requests for health center information using UDS and other available data.

b)    Participate in meetings, providing policy research and data expertise. 

3)    Elevate health centers’ impact and achievements using data.

a)    Identify needs and opportunities for new research activities.

b)    Identify potential partners, develop, and nurture relationships and collaborations.

c)     Manage research partnerships, represent NACHC on research committees, events/conferences, and external speaking engagements, including national compliance webinars, membership policy calls, and other stakeholder education opportunities. 

4)    Work with PPR, Communication and other NACHC division staff to ensure efficient and effective internal and external communication regarding research department work product promotions and publications.

a)    Develop research finding summaries, study notices and announcements pertinent to research activities for publication in newsletters, blogs and other NACHC communications

5)    Monitor adherence to funder and subgrantee expectations on deliverables, reports, and budgets.

a)    Plan and schedule tasks, coordinating with multiple individuals, stakeholders and NACHC colleagues to coordinate activities and ensure progress toward project requirements.

b)    Track multiple deliverables and activities across funders, partners, and internal stakeholders. 

6)    Work closely with the Research Director to execute NACHC’s policy research agenda by monitoring, analyzing, and responding to policy developments, research results, and policy announcements issued by Federal agencies impacting FQHCs and other stakeholders.

a)    Participate in NACHC and partner workgroups on topics related to policy objectives.

b)    Participate in PPR policy calls.

c)     Read, synthesize, and report on newsletters, announcements and updates issued by HRSA and other pertinent federal agencies.

d)    Participate in webinars, conferences and meetings hosted by stakeholders and partner organizations.

e)    Stay informed of developments related to UDS, Medicaid, Medicare, health IT, health equity policy and other policy priorities, and report to PPR colleagues, as appropriate. 

Professional/Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1)    Experience developing research instruments (e.g., surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews).

2)    Writing ability, including proofreading, grammar, and vocabulary in both research and health care fields.

3)    Ability to clean and edit datasets, proofread, and edit tables and charts.

4)    Public speaking skills and ability to present data to large audiences.

Licenses & Certifications 

1)    BA or BS in social or health sciences.

Technical Skills

1)    Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Access

2)    Proficiency in statistical analysis using software such as R, SAS, STATA, or SPSS.

3)    Proficiency in SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics.

4)    Proficiency in data visualization tools such as Tableau and Canva.

Salary Range

$81,900 - 87,600