Career Center

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is seeking to add an experienced SeniorDirector of Policy Research to our team of high-performing professionals.

In this position, you will be responsible for conducting in depth research and complex analysis of policy issues and research affecting the effectiveness of the policies of the U.S. and Canadian accredited dental education programs and public policy topics of interest to ADEA academic dentistry and oral health care. You must be able to synthesize large volumes of information to focus on policy issues of importance to the Association. In collaboration with the Chief Policy Officer (CPO) and the Senior Vice President of Policy and Education Research, you will draft policy positions, summarize reports, and public policy analysis, give presentations on behalf of the Association when assigned; coordinate the production of journal articles, white papers, issue briefs, talking points and other written materials; organize convenings and support the Office of Policy and Education Research (OPER) relations with ADEA members, key collaborators and partners. In collaboration with the CPO, you will seek and obtain grants and other funding of projects and initiatives of the Association.

Primary Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Chief Policy Officer and in collaboration with the Senior Vice President and other ADEA divisions,

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research for and write ADEA issue briefs, white papers, fact sheets, reports, summaries and other materials.
• Design and implement data collection instruments process and analyze data for the purpose of policy research and public policy research.
• Write and develop materials and information for ADEA website and various Association publications.
• Conduct literature reviews on topics of policy research and public policy research.
• Submit research for publication to journals on dental education, higher education and health professions.
• When assigned, prepare and deliver presentations on behalf of the Association to members and agencies, to further the goals of ADEA.
• Identify, monitor, evaluate, and analyze national and state trends, factors and actions that have the potential to positively or negatively impact the policies of dental education programs and oral health related issues.
• Perform public policy analysis at state and federal level on higher education, health care and oral health care topics that could support ADEA’s advocacy and government relations efforts.
• Support the organization of convenings and support the OPER relations with ADEA members, key collaborators and partners on issues affecting the policies of dental education programs, academic dentistry, dental research and oral health professions.
• Identify funding sources, write grant proposals and seek other funding for policy related initiatives.
• Provide strategic and technical assistance to inform members of issues affecting academic dentistry, dental research and oral health. Respond to members’ inquiries regarding policy issues.
• Conduct the day-to-day business and operations, including the studies with the project leaders within the OPER team, with other units in the organization, and with external parties according to the protocol, guidelines and expectations set forth by the CPO and ADEA leadership.
• For all member-related requests, data preparations, published materials, and presentations, ensure that institutional and departmental policies and guidelines are followed.
• Ensure open, efficient, and inclusive communication between the CPO and the rest of the OPER team. Work within and support a productive team environment that respects established supervisory protocols. Demonstrate a strong work ethic and professionalism at all levels of communication. Work collaboratively with the CPO towards the completion of additional tasks as assigned.

Desired First Year Outcomes

• Support successfully on-going policy research and public policy research.
• Identify trends and key policy issues to be addressed affecting academic dentistry, dental research and oral health.
• Draft a plan for policy reports and materials for the next 6-month period in collaboration with CPO and SVP.
• Deliver written materials for the ADEA website and other ADEA publications.
• Submit studies for journal publication.
• Organize a convening of ADEA members, key collaborators and partners on policy issues affecting academic dentistry, dental research and oral health.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D., doctorate, or master’s degree in education, educational research, public health, health policy, oral health, health services, public policy, or a relevant field is required, and six years of relevant professional experience.
• At least six years of previous relevant work experience in researching policies of higher education institutions, medical institutions and/or public policy topics in higher education, health and oral health. Dental education/medical education policy and/or public health and policy research preferred.
• Hands-on experience with analytic ecosystems and tools in epidemiology and biostatistics.
• Expert in survey design, methodology, and other data collection methods for policy and public health research. Substantive work experience at the director level.
• Survey and statistical software experience.
• Experience in data processing, creating, manipulating, and analyzing data sets of varying size and complexity, and using appropriate methods/procedures to conduct and report policy analyses.
• Qualtrics, SPSS/R is required. Python/SQL proficiency is desired.
• Experience organizing and convening and conducting convening focus groups, technical groups, or consultations to provide information on select topics of interest.
• Experience developing reports or articles with succinct analysis and clear graphics and producing and presenting findings and recommendations.
• Experience preparing analyses and recommendations including but not limited to forecasts of current trends or likely future scenarios and policy issues.
• Experience analyzing and making recommendations that ensure policies are relevant to and appropriate for diverse populations.
• The organizational level of this position requires analytical skills, acute attention to detail; self-motivation and confidence; and professional discretion with sensitive and confidential materials.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on effective verbal and written communication are required. Strong organizational and planning skills are essential.
• Proven accomplishments in publishing scientific or policy manuscripts.
• Proven experience in writing and obtaining grants and other supporting funding.
• Ability to develop partnerships and alliances with critical agencies and institutions.
• Ability and experience in public speaking and presentation
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment and the ability to collaborate well with others from different backgrounds.
• Ability to travel on a frequent basis, including overnight and /or weekend travel.
• The work schedule for this position is a hybrid weekly schedule, 3 days in the DC office and 2 days work from home.

In addition to a rewarding and purposeful mission, ADEA offers you a collaborative team environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits, including health, vision, dental and life insurance, wellness benefits, a 35-hour work week with hybrid working schedules, generous paid leave and a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. Our office is conveniently located across from the Washington Convention Center, near shopping, restaurants and the Red and Green Line Metro Stations.

For more information and to apply online, visit www.adea.org.

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is The Voice of Dental Education. Its members include all 78 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, over 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, 66 corporations and more than 20,000 individuals.

The mission of ADEA is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals.

ADEA’s activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings and communications, including the esteemed Journal of Dental Education, as well as the dental school admissions services ADEA AADSAS, ADEA PASS, ADEA DHCAS and ADEA CAAPID.

ADEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Association's EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, child birth or related medical conditions, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, matriculation, veteran status, union affiliation, disability, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, or any other legally- protected characteristic in accordance with federal or local law (the Protected Categories). EEO applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, and benefits.

About American Dental Education Association

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is The Voice of Dental Education. Its members include all 76 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, over 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, 66 corporations and more than 20,000 individuals. The mission of ADEA is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals. ADEA’s activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings and communications, including the esteemed Journal of Dental Education, as well as the dental school admissions services ADEA AADSAS, ADEA PASS, ADEA DHCAS and ADEA CAAPID.

Connections working at American Dental Education Association