Research Associate, Health Care Coverage and Access & Tracking Health System Performance
The Organization
The Commonwealth Fund — among the first private foundations started by a woman philanthropist, Anna M. Harkness — was established in 1918 with the broad charge to enhance the common good. Today, the mission of The Commonwealth Fund is to promote a high-performing healthcare system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society's most vulnerable, including low-income people, the uninsured, and people of color. The Fund carries out this mandate by supporting independent research on healthcare issues and making grants to improve healthcare practice and policy.
Our Values and Commitment to Equity
The Commonwealth Fund envisions a health care system that values and benefits all people equally — one that combats racism and pursues equity, in treatment and outcomes as well as in leadership and decision-making. We believe this requires an alliance of people and institutions across society working together to recognize and value the lived experience of all individuals; ensure the delivery of compassionate, affordable, quality health care; and strive for equitable outcomes for all.
We aspire to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in how we work. We place great value on the varied backgrounds and experiences our staff bring to our organization and encourage employees to bring their full selves to the workplace. We look for talented, nimble, empathetic, and supportive team players who are ready to roll up their sleeves, create impactful change, and celebrate accomplishments.
General Position Description
This position is an important member of the Fund's Health Care Coverage and Access Program & Tracking Health System Performance research initiative which reports to the Senior Scholar and Vice President. The Research Associate is an integral member of the five-person team. The team maintains a state data center on the Fund's website and conducts an ongoing population-based survey on coverage and access. These databases inform the Fund's annual and biennial State Scorecard of state performance rankings and policy-relevant reports, issue briefs, and blog posts. The publications are geared to produce a quantitative and qualitative evidence base to inform policymaking at both the state and federal levels on timely issues.
The primary responsibilities of the Research Associate are the day-to-day management of the team's Tracking Health System Performance state scorecard research product portfolio, maintenance of the state data center, and quantitative and qualitative research associated with those products. The Research Associate works closely with the Senior Scientist responsible for executing this portfolio. The Research Associate also participates in writing and editing the Fund's state scorecard and other publications including reports, issue briefs, blog posts, web-interactive tools, and journal articles based on the state data center, Fund surveys, and other data sets. Responsibilities will include making presentations at public and professional meetings.
Specific Responsibilities
The Fund's philosophy on successful performance in the job includes the willingness on the part of all staff members to handle any assignment necessary to further the goals of the institution. This may include taking on responsibility in other program areas or departments if the need arises.
Qualifications
Master's degree preferred with 3-5 years relevant work experience.
Preference will be given to applicants with prior research experience and/or formal education in economics or health policy. Demonstrated interest in health policy a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a record of policy publication and/or presentation of research for policy or public audiences. An ability to convey complex technical issues to a lay policy audience.
Detail-oriented with strong data analytic skills. Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize data from various sources and produce graphics and tabular data presentations.
Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks and production of deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
Dedicated team player with the flexibility to work with and without supervision.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of products. Familiarity with spreadsheet analysis and STATA, SAS, or similar statistical software a plus. Candidates must be willing to learn new computer skills as necessary.
The Fund has a relatively small staff so judgment, integrity, and the ability to listen with sensitivity to others are traits that are particularly important in an organization of the Fund's size where teamwork is essential to effectiveness. The ability to work collegially with a variety of Fund staff and interest in and a strong commitment to the Fund's mission and grants programs are key qualifications.
What We Offer
Commonwealth Fund employees receive competitive salaries and a generous benefits package designed to support their overall well-being. We also strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace in line with our values and goals. The Fund conducts annual benchmarking studies to ensure we continue to meet these goals. Employee benefits include:
Location
Position is based in our NYC location.
Salary ****
Salary Range: $63,200-$79,000