Managing Director, Health Evaluation, Methods and Analytics

AIR's Health Division is seeking a visionaryManaging Director with deep expertise in health policy, health economics, and program evaluation-particularly with prior experience leading and structuring large-scale projects for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This role requires a strategic thinker who can translate complex initiatives into actionable frameworks, ensuring alignment between project execution and broader organizational goals. The ideal candidate will bring entrepreneurial energy, strong client relationship skills, and a collaborative leadership style to drive growth and impact.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. Mission-focused and evidence-driven, AIR applies rigorous research and technical expertise to close gaps in opportunity and access, improving lives across communities and systems.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Serve as a thought leader across health policy domains, with a focus on programs administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at CMS.
• Lead the design and implementation of large-scale CMS initiatives, particularly on implementation and monitoring of CMMI models, ensuring strategic alignment, structured execution, and measurable outcomes.
• Translate high-level goals into coherent workstreams, frameworks, and staffing plans that support long-term success.
• Client focused leadership with emphasis on proactive management.

Business Development & Growth

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with federal, state, and foundation clients.
• Collaborate with AIR leadership to develop and execute growth strategies, especially in CMS-related areas.
• Lead proposal development, including conceptualizing research plans and conducting technical reviews.

Project Oversight & Structuring

• Guide project directors in structuring and managing complex research and evaluation projects.
• Ensure projects are designed with clear logic models, strategic milestones, and integrated quality assurance.
• Monitor project health, including budget, staffing, and client satisfaction, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor staff to think strategically and structure work effectively, beyond task-level execution.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and professional growth.
• Oversee staff assignments to balance capacity and build organizational capabilities.

External Engagement & Visibility

• Represent AIR at major conferences, client meetings, and in publications to enhance visibility and influence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with CMS and other key stakeholders.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Ph.D. or Masters in health economics, public health, public policy, or a related field.
• Proven experience leading large-scale projects for CMS, with a track record of strategic structuring and successful implementation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of behavioral health and related domains.
• Fifteen or more years of leadership experience in health policy research and evaluation.
• Demonstrated success securing funding from federal, state, or foundation sources.

Skills:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to structure complex initiatives and see the big picture.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with experience overseeing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentoring and team development.

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements. American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone attboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000

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