Research Program Director- ICHI

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic Research Program Director to lead and coordinate community-based research initiatives for the Institute for Community Health Innovation. You’ll collaborate with a talented team to design and implement high-impact research studies and community programs, build strong stakeholder relationships, and ensure seamless coordination across projects and departments. This is your chance to lead with purpose, manage federal projects, and deliver outcomes that truly make a difference in community health. If you are passionate about advancing community health through innovative research and program leadership, we encourage you to apply. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in health, business, or related field plus five (5) years of project management or coordination level experience, including at least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
Strong expertise in community-based research methodologies and program implementation.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and budgets effectively.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Experience in federal grant management and compliance.
Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration across teams and departments.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to ensure program objectives are met.
Leadership skills to guide teams and drive high-impact outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business, public administration, applied social science, public administration, anthropology, sociology, healthcare administration, or related field plus two (2) years of project management or coordination level experience.

Responsibilities

Provides high-level leadership of community based projects and research studies by working with sr. level leadership, managers, and others to create action plans, project implementation plans, and ensure high-impact programs and developed and executed.
Will facilitate the connection and collaboration between multiple community based programs or research studies across the organization and will work across assistant projects to eliminate duplication of activities and create strategies for connecting studies, ensuring success and effectiveness across teams.
Develops and maintain a strong understanding of community based research and programs and services to align the Institute for Community Health Innovations mission.
Will work with the team and external organizations to identify and understand gaps or connections to ensure collaboration with external partners in execution of community programs and research studies.
Develops and maintains strong relationships with community, academic, and clinical partnerships to establish the team’s ability to implement high-impact community programs and research studies that are connected to and in collaboration with community partners across the region.
Works with communications team to plan quality external and internal communication documents.
Manages multiple federally funded awards and contracts to ensure fiscal responsibility and contract execution and management.
May perform other duties as assigned