West Virginia University Health Science Center is currently accepting applications for a Survey Program Director for the Office of Health Affairs

About the Opportunity

West Virginia University’s (WVU) Office of Health Affairs is seeking candidates for a full-time Program Director of Survey Research. This research associate level position applies expert knowledge of survey management and team leadership skills to best facilitate the planning, preparation, administration and close out of direct statewide and population focused surveys for the Office of Health Affairs, WVU and other state and agency partners, as the Office of Health Affairs frequently engages in collaborative efforts with the WV Department of Health and Human Resources (WV DHHR) and other state and nonprofit partners that hold a mission to improve the health of West Virginians. This position will be responsible for managing the survey team in concert with the Director of Survey Research and the Associate Director of Survey Research for the Office of Health Affairs. Overarching responsibilities include oversight and management of survey administration approaches and methods, the implementation of multi-mode (web, phone and mail-based) statewide surveys, and operationalizing the strategic plan and team direction based on the vision of the Director of Survey Research and the Associate Director of Survey Research for the Office of Health Affairs. This position uses Monday.com, Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft tools to help manage the survey team and the various projects and tasks with which the team is engaged. This position also works with the Health Affairs Health Program Development and Management Office (PDMO) and team Program Managers to meet project management standards and follow the procedures of the OHA business environment.

The Office of Health Affairs serves as the coordinating office for WVU’s State-University partnership with the WV DHHR. Ideal candidates will have work experience that aligns with the Office of Health Affair’s purpose and the
mission of DHHR’s Bureau for Medical Services, Bureau for Social Services, Bureau for Behavioral Health or Bureau for Public Health, and an interest in improving the health of underserved populations, particularly rural, Appalachian populations.

What you’ll do:
Survey Research

• Assists with all survey operations for the Office of Health Affairs, including meeting with clients, the Director of Survey Research, and the Associate Director of Survey Research to develop survey administration strategies and the associated workplans. Assists with providing survey methodological leadership for the Office of Health Affairs related to:
  • Overseeing all survey projects and proposals
  • Overseeing the development of survey administration workplans
  • Implementing innovative methodologies to improve data collection and instrumentation
  • Overseeing research team staff conducting survey statistical analyses and reports
  • Presenting research findings to diverse audience
  • Assists with overseeing the execution and fielding of all Office of Health Affairs surveys, whether by phone, mail, online, or other delivery.
  • Assists with overseeing survey data analysis and the preparation of reports; delivers or distributes reports to present survey findings to clients.
  • Assist with identifying opportunities for potential collaborations between the Health Sciences Center and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources as well as other state and nonprofit partners in survey research.
  • Prepares reports as required by the Office of Health Affairs. Communicates results of survey projects with relevant leadership and stakeholders.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President.
  • Contributes to building a national reputation for excellence in research and scholarship for the Office of Health Affairs

Program Direction

• Work with the Director of Survey Research to provide strategic oversight for all OHA survey research projects and the associated instruments.
• Provides continuity with agencies at the state level, between state and local levels and among local jurisdictions.
• Provides expert consultation to faculty and government partners regarding state agency initiatives including Survey Research program development.
• Facilitates collaboration between the WVU OHA survey team and internal and external stakeholders by leveraging established contacts and partnerships within WVU OHA and throughout the state.
• Prepares reports for internal and external stakeholders on the outcomes of program activities.
• Works closely with the Director of Survey Research to develop program plans, scopes of work (SOW) and budgets for survey work. Plans programs from start to finish, including identifying high-level activities, critical deadlines and milestones as outlined in the development and management of project workplans in collaboration with the Program Manager(s). The Program Director of Survey Research is responsible for meeting all active targets and deadlines including high quality and timely outcomes of survey research that adhere to Program Development and Management Office (PDMO) standards.
• Serves as the direct contact to all parties (including the Director of Survey Research, the Associate Director of Survey Research, Program Manager and Assistant Director of Program Leadership) when communicating potential opportunities, achievements, identified risks, issues and resource needs that may positively/adversely impact the program.
• Oversees the monitoring of program milestones and provides status reports in the selected format at the assigned interval ensuring OHA leadership and program stakeholders are kept informed of progress.
• Works with the Director of Survey Research to identify and coordinate with technical subject matter experts to assure that project sponsor expectations are met.
• Directs the work of the project team and fosters a productive and high-performing project team environment.
• Oversees the development and management of a comprehensive communication plan that seeks to create and nurture effective communication within the project team and with stakeholders.

• Earned PhD in health or data science-related field
• Two (2) years of experience in:
  • Project leadership related to the administration of large- scale research survey activities.
  • Presenting technical information to a variety of audiences.
  • Public health survey administration and data collection.
  • Training, education, or experience with topics related to health equity and social determinants of health.
  • Leading a team and coordinating staff activities.
• Expert in program leadership, to include program management methods consistent with the Program Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the agile method.
• Expert in public health survey administration oversight to include the management of multiple projects and diverse teams comprised of various disciplines.
• Advanced knowledge of survey operations including CATI surveys.
• Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative
• attitude.
• High level of professionalism and high moral and ethical standards in all activities.
• Demonstrated understanding of the synergy between academic, clinical, governmental, and private sector systems for purposes of healthcare related initiatives and models.
• Excellent diplomacy, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to problem solve in complex environments.
• Ability to consistently exercise sound judgment and initiative.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment as well as work independently.
  

The ability to travel to WVUs regional campuses and/or within the multi-state area is required.

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley — the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU’s academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.