Sr Director, Health Policy Research Scholars National Programs

Health Resources in Action Inc•Boston, MA

About The Position

Health Resources in Action, Inc. (HRiA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving and reimagining public health by connecting, consulting, and collaborating to address complex challenges of access and equity. Established in 1957 as The Medical Foundation (TMF) to fund biomedical research, HRiA has evolved to focus on driving policy and systems change to advance health and racial equity. The organization seeks sustainable solutions using an anti-racist approach, emphasizing adaptability and flexibility to meet client and partner needs. HRiA's core values include health and racial equity, leading with heart, collaboration, and innovation. The organization offers engaging employment opportunities for various roles, attracting staff with its commitment to health equity, inspiring work, and a supportive environment with person-centered policies and generous benefits. HRiA has over 290 staff members across 30+ states, with its main office in Boston's Chinatown. The specific role is for a Project Director for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health Policy Research Scholars Program (HPRS) National Program Center. This initiative aims to build a diverse, equity-focused cadre of health policy leaders through training, mentorship, applied research support, and a national network. The position is contingent on HRiA being awarded the contract, expected to start in August 2026. The Project Director will lead the HPRS National Program Center, a national leadership development initiative for full-time doctoral students from marginalized backgrounds. This respected leader will exemplify program values, advance HPRS through its final three years, and steward the scholar's experience from engagement to completion, ensuring they are prepared for sustained leadership and impact. Responsibilities include overseeing curriculum development and delivery, adapting programming, activating and connecting existing cohorts, and working closely with scholars, mentors, partners, staff, and funders to ensure high-quality, equity-centered implementation and meaningful outcomes.

Requirements

Doctoral degree or equivalent advanced degree in health policy, public health, public policy, social sciences, or a closely related field.
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in public health, healthcare, or academic institutions, including senior‑level administrative or executive roles, serving on governing councils or admissions or curriculum committees, and leading department- or school-wide initiatives.
Proven experience leading complex, multi‑year programs and budgets, preferably at a national level.
Demonstrated experience teaching, mentoring, and building community with diverse doctoral students, with a strong understanding of doctoral pathways, academic career trajectories, leadership development frameworks, and translating research to action.
Proven expertise and thought leadership in health equity, racial justice, and systems change, with a sustained track record of advancing equity‑centered policies, programs, and organizational practices.
Strong background in public health policy, advocacy, and legislative engagement, including experience providing testimony, advising policymakers, or serving on state or national commissions.
Experience securing and stewarding funding (e.g., grants, contracts, philanthropic support) to launch and sustain practice‑based, community‑engaged, or policy‑oriented initiatives.
Extensive network of academic and community-based, equity-focused practitioners.
Excellent communication and leadership presence, including experience as a public speaker, panelist, or facilitator on complex public health topics across academic, community, and policy audiences.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the NPC for HPRS.
Steward the scholar experience through program completion, ensuring rigorous and comprehensive academic, professional, and leadership support.
Develop and deliver core program curriculum while adapting content and approaches to scholar needs, disciplinary pathways, and contextual factors.
Activate, connect, and support three existing cohorts, fostering intra- and cross‑cohort engagement and shared learning.
Coordinate national programming, including planning and execution of annual convenings and other scholar engagement opportunities.
Administer program funding and oversee operations, including budgeting, contracts, and compliance with funder requirements.
Provide or mobilize leadership development support and mentorship, drawing on established leadership frameworks and best practices.
Foster collaboration, networking, and a strong sense of community among scholars, mentors, alumni, and partners.
Build and sustain cross‑sector and cross‑disciplinary partnerships to support community‑engaged, equity‑focused research and policy impact.
Supervise and support NPC staff and consultants, modeling DEIB‑centered leadership and management practices.
Serve as the primary point of contact with funders and key stakeholders, communicating progress, outcomes, and strategic priorities.