Senior Project & Policy Analyst – Cardiology

University of California, San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

This role involves analytical studies on a variety of policies, projects, programs, and issues in support of a function, research initiative, program, and/or organizational unit, or in research of new or changing systems and programs. The position assists in policy and program planning, development, administration, management, and implementation; interprets, monitors, and analyzes information regarding policies and procedures; and provides consultative services to department administrators and other stakeholders. This is a technical leadership role with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas. Problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues/problems without precedent and/or structure. The role may manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources, functioning with a high degree of autonomy. Specifically, this role applies advanced operational and implementation science concepts to independently resolve highly complex and unprecedented issues in the improvement of cardiovascular care across the Veterans Health Administration. In collaboration with Dr. Dhruva, the analyst serves as the subject-matter expert on the management of Veterans with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), to formulate strategy and develop policy and program recommendations that have a broad impact across multiple VA facilities and the national initiative. The analyst exercises independent judgment in selecting research methods, analytical frameworks, and evaluation criteria for problems. The role co-designs, leads, and oversees the implementation of new programs, processes, and multi-site initiatives, while advising senior investigators, VA leadership, and stakeholder direction. We are seeking a Project Policy Analyst to lead a portfolio of research in the Dhruva Lab at the University of California San Francisco and the San Francisco VA Health Care System on a portfolio using implementation science methods to improve the care of patients with cardiovascular disease who have pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). The ideal candidate will independently drive research design, mixed-methods analysis, and implementation strategy, and will serve as a recognized resource on implementation science across the program.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of common organizational- or research-specific and other computer application programs.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
Advanced project management skills.
Thorough knowledge of organizational or initiative processes, protocols and procedures.
Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
Advanced knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques.
Advanced analytical / problem-solving skills.
Bachelor's degree in related area and five or more years of relevant experience and / or equivalent experience / training.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Responsibilities

Leads highly complex analyses across a broad spectrum of programs, policies and initiatives, and serves as a subject-matter expert in the management of patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) across the Veterans Health Administration.
Develops and coordinates policy and program communications, and formulates strategies for education, dissemination, and adoption; independently ensures documentation meets regulatory and research compliance regulatory requirements.
Develops and advocates solutions to complex organizational and research program issues, including designing and administering new systems, policies, processes, or evaluation frameworks.
Proposes, leads and participates on policy, strategy and planning committees and working groups, and directs cross-institutional meetings with investigators, collaborators, and trainees to align priorities and drive decisions.
Researches, synthesizes, and critically evaluates best practices in the management of Veterans with pacemakers and ICDs across the Veterans Health Administration, independently gathering and integrating input from VA clinicians and Veterans. Synthesizes to identify and recommend evidence-based practice standards.
Develops proposals and recommendations that guide the broader strategic direction of the research initiative, including leading scientific dissemination through manuscript preparation, journal submission, and presentation of findings to broad audiences.
Collaborates with and advises internal and external partners to design, implement, and monitor new multi-site programs and processes.
Makes high level contacts of a sensitive nature, internally and externally, exercising discretion and diplomacy in order to inform VA officials and clinicians about adopting the recommended solutions and program changes, while maintaining patient confidentiality in all communications.
Leads and directs a wide variety of projects through completion with staff at all levels inside and outside the organization. Independently maintains research program regulatory documentation and monitors required submission timelines.
Guides and directs strategic planning involving senior management, faculty, and external constituencies, and serves as the primary liaison with Veterans and clinicians at VA facilities across the United States.
Leads and mentors lower-level analytical, research and administrative staff. Provides mentorship to support the growth of trainees on assigned projects.
Develops and presents complex proposals on a broad range of issues encompassing problem identification, costs, benefits and options. Implements science and program evaluation projects within the VA healthcare system.