Research Translation Manager
Apply NowCompany: Yale University
Location: New Haven, CT 06511
Description:
Essential Duties
1. Oversees the execution and implementation of detailed project plans in concert with stakeholders. 2. Manages several routine projects simultaneously and ensures that the design, testing, training, documentation and prioritization objectives are met. 3. Assists in refining and re-sequencing during the implementation and execution phases of assigned projects, as needed. 4. Works closely with business analysts, technical professionals, end users and project stake holders during the requirements, solutions design and implementation phases to develop detailed project plans for implementation. 5. Works on risk assessment, communication planning, development of performance metrics, and project entry criteria. 6. Creates detailed project plans including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure successful project completion. 7. Manages client expectations and provides issue/risk identification and escalation pathways. 8. May supervise the implementation team of cross-functional project and technical resources. 9. Designs, develops, and executes communication systems to ensure effective exchange of information between project stakeholders, senior management, and staff. 10. Resolves complex project issues that involve representatives from multiple organizations. 11. Complies with standard policies and procedures. 12. May supervise and train junior project managers. 13. May perform other duties as assigned.
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.
Position Focus:
The SCALE Medicaid Lab at Yale partners with state Medicaid agencies to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness through data-driven solutions. Our work focuses on generating research and bringing the resulting insights for state decision-making, fostering partnerships between policymakers and academics, and providing real-time, practical support to states navigating Medicaid's evolving challenges. The SCALE Lab is led by Profs. Ndumele and Wallace.
The Research Translation Manager will guide projects that bridge the gap between Medicaid research and real-world policy impact. This role provides hands-on project management, communications, and operational support for an initiative involving faculty, government leaders, and state Medicaid agencies. The position will also work closely with SCALE leadership to ensure research insights translate into actionable policy solutions.
As SCALE evolves beyond its "start-up" phase, this role will be key in building long-term infrastructure, developing scalable frameworks for state engagement, and institutionalizing best practices in Medicaid policy research and implementation. Activities include providing research insights to policymakers, identifying fundraising opportunities, creating communications materials, translating research for non-technical audiences, organizing policy conferences, managing external relationships, and providing additional strategic and operational support to the organization.
We seek candidates with experience in university-based policy centers, with an understanding of health policy, Medicaid administration, economics and statistics, and impact evaluation. Candidates must be excellent project managers, strategic thinkers, strong communicators, and passionate about using research to improve policy.
This position will also be responsible for:
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:
Graduate Degree in Policy, Business, Law, Economics, or a closely related field and at least five to seven years of relevant work experience, including experience in a government agency.
Posting Disclaimer
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.
EEO Statement:
The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.
Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).
Required Skill/Ability 1:
Experience supporting the translation of research into impact-this may include work with university centers, government officials, philanthropic organizations, economic consulting firms, or other stakeholders.
Required Skill/Ability 3:
Ability to work independently and problem-solve as well as enlist the support of other team members within the organization.
Required Skill/Ability 4:
Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and the ability to interact well with faculty, staff, and research partners internally and externally.
1. Oversees the execution and implementation of detailed project plans in concert with stakeholders. 2. Manages several routine projects simultaneously and ensures that the design, testing, training, documentation and prioritization objectives are met. 3. Assists in refining and re-sequencing during the implementation and execution phases of assigned projects, as needed. 4. Works closely with business analysts, technical professionals, end users and project stake holders during the requirements, solutions design and implementation phases to develop detailed project plans for implementation. 5. Works on risk assessment, communication planning, development of performance metrics, and project entry criteria. 6. Creates detailed project plans including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure successful project completion. 7. Manages client expectations and provides issue/risk identification and escalation pathways. 8. May supervise the implementation team of cross-functional project and technical resources. 9. Designs, develops, and executes communication systems to ensure effective exchange of information between project stakeholders, senior management, and staff. 10. Resolves complex project issues that involve representatives from multiple organizations. 11. Complies with standard policies and procedures. 12. May supervise and train junior project managers. 13. May perform other duties as assigned.
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.
Position Focus:
The SCALE Medicaid Lab at Yale partners with state Medicaid agencies to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness through data-driven solutions. Our work focuses on generating research and bringing the resulting insights for state decision-making, fostering partnerships between policymakers and academics, and providing real-time, practical support to states navigating Medicaid's evolving challenges. The SCALE Lab is led by Profs. Ndumele and Wallace.
The Research Translation Manager will guide projects that bridge the gap between Medicaid research and real-world policy impact. This role provides hands-on project management, communications, and operational support for an initiative involving faculty, government leaders, and state Medicaid agencies. The position will also work closely with SCALE leadership to ensure research insights translate into actionable policy solutions.
As SCALE evolves beyond its "start-up" phase, this role will be key in building long-term infrastructure, developing scalable frameworks for state engagement, and institutionalizing best practices in Medicaid policy research and implementation. Activities include providing research insights to policymakers, identifying fundraising opportunities, creating communications materials, translating research for non-technical audiences, organizing policy conferences, managing external relationships, and providing additional strategic and operational support to the organization.
We seek candidates with experience in university-based policy centers, with an understanding of health policy, Medicaid administration, economics and statistics, and impact evaluation. Candidates must be excellent project managers, strategic thinkers, strong communicators, and passionate about using research to improve policy.
This position will also be responsible for:
- Overseeing day-to-day operation of SCALE's initiatives, including developing comprehensive project plans; managing project budgets; building and leading working groups of faculty, government, and non-profit leaders; creating and implementing a communications strategy, including leading the drafting and development of materials.
- Supporting an integrated communications program, combining online engagement, media relations, digital engagement, events, and outreach with government, nonprofit, business, private philanthropy, and other stakeholders to maximize the influence and impact of the SCALE Lab and our faculty's work.
- Design new, innovative, and strategic ways to make SCALE's research relevant internally and externally, generating core messages, content and analysis, and creating opportunities for engagement with key external audiences.
- Lead and support internal communications, including coordination with Yale's Tobin Center.
- Synthesizing complex Medicaid research into accessible policy recommendations.
- Create and distribute policy briefs, reports, and presentations that translate faculty research tailored for non-technical audiences.
- Plan and execute conferences to facilitate dialogue between researchers and policymakers, ensuring evidence-based best practices are shared and scaled.
- Foster engagement with state Medicaid agencies.
- Support strategic planning and team-wide OKRs in collaboration with the Director of Operations.
- Assist with philanthropic fundraising efforts.
- Manage relationships with external partners across government, academic, nonprofits, and philanthropy, to facilitate collaboration and impact.
- Ensure the institutionalization of best practices, supporting SCALE's transition into a more structured and scalable model for Medicaid research and policy engagement.
- Develop structured models for sustained engagement with state Medicaid agencies, fostering long-term partnerships and system-wide learning.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:
Graduate Degree in Policy, Business, Law, Economics, or a closely related field and at least five to seven years of relevant work experience, including experience in a government agency.
Posting Disclaimer
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.
EEO Statement:
The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.
Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).
Required Skill/Ability 1:
Experience supporting the translation of research into impact-this may include work with university centers, government officials, philanthropic organizations, economic consulting firms, or other stakeholders.
Required Skill/Ability 3:
Ability to work independently and problem-solve as well as enlist the support of other team members within the organization.
Required Skill/Ability 4:
Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and the ability to interact well with faculty, staff, and research partners internally and externally.