Heartland Forward is seeking a skilled research professional to join the organization as a Senior Health Economist in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Summary
The Senior Health Economist will work collaboratively to conduct applied research on the economic costs of population health focused on the American Heartland. Consistent with the institute’s objective of becoming a thought leader and resource to Heartland policymakers, this position will impact public health policy and expand our capacity to address economic development policy.
Heartland Forward’s work in health economics is focused on how health and wellness impact the region’s businesses and economy. The following topics are examples of those to be addressed by the incumbent:
• The burdens and costs of chronic diseases resulting from poverty, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, eating disorders, tobacco use, and other behavioral risk factors
• The burdens and costs associated with mental and behavior health, such as opioid and other addictions
• Implications of policy and practice changes to the healthcare system, such as feasibility of the Medicare and Medicaid systems, value-based payment systems, as well as a shift in practices toward prevention and wellness
• Demand and supply of healthcare services, particularly in light of workforce dynamics (such as an aging population and workforce) and labor shocks (such as layoffs induced by a global pandemic)
• Population health and its impact on healthcare allocation and system design, particularly focusing on the allocation of, and access to, services by geography, race and ethnicity, and income
The Senior Health Economist will work with the Chief Research Officer to conduct institute-directed and sponsor-supported studies. In addition, a portion of this position will support economic analysis requested by the Whole Health Institute. This individual will be responsible for designing and overseeing research on current health-care trends facing employers, insurers, governments and communities.
The right candidate will use statistical (quantitative and/or qualitative methods) and social scientific underpinnings to formulate recommendations that will help decision-makers arrive at effective policies and contain health-care costs. The incumbent selected for the position will bring topical and analytical expertise in Health Economics, but consideration will also be given to skills that complement the existing skills of the Heartland Forward research team.
The Senior Health Economist position will be located at the Heartland Forward offices in Bentonville, Arkansas. However, we will entertain a remote appointment for the right candidate. Candidates for this position are expected to present at conferences, engage with media and respond to stakeholders, so applicants must have the communication and personal skills to deal with these constituents effectively.
Responsibilities
• Conduct applied research and write up findings and recommendations that can be shared with stakeholders and disseminated to impact public policy
• Design and execute research studies on the causes, consequences and costs associated with poor health, particularly conditions related to chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
• Conduct economic evaluations of the costs, effectiveness and benefits of treatments, devices, drugs, and interventions – including the application of both cost-benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis, to include the application of standardized outcomes such as Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs).
• Make presentations that translate complex economic and financial issues for an educated lay audience such as leaders in business and public policy, as well as the media
• Build relationships with external stakeholders to make research relevant and impactful
Who we are looking for
Basic qualifications required for the role:
• Master’s degree in health economics or related field (e.g., Public Health, Sociology or Geography, so long as there is significant emphasis on economics and/or policy analysis at the undergraduate or graduate level)
• Minimum of seven years of experience required in the following arenas: government, university, think tank or private industry
• Strong knowledge of statistics, econometrics, biometrics, primary data collection or other advanced quantitative techniques
• Published research in one of the topics listed above under “Responsibilities”
• Expertise in the knowledge of economic evaluation such as cost-of-illness studies, cost-benefit studies, and cost-effectiveness analysis
• Knowledge of the latest developments in healthcare management, insurance or treatment/wellness protocols.
• Detailed knowledge of public databases related to disease incidence and treatment – such as the NHIS, MEPS, NHANES, BRFSS and others. Previous use of sub-national data is desirable
• Ability to project health-care spending under different demographic and economic scenarios, and different policy regimes, into the future
Additional preferred qualifications and helpful experience includes:
• Ph. D. in related field
• Proficiency with the following software: STATA, R, Python, Microsoft Office
• Experience with data visualization tools such as GIS and Tableau
• Experience working in small to medium sized companies or a start-up environment
Characteristics that support success:
• Unquestionable ethics and integrity. Demonstrated ability to protect privacy and maintain discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
• Very strong interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, and ability to maintain grace under pressure when adapting to a rapidly changing environment, including reprioritization or reassignment of responsibilities
• Must be a self-starter who takes initiative, but who also values engaging a team and working collaboratively across disciplines and/or backgrounds
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Resourceful team-player, solution-oriented, intellectual agility, and the ability to analyze and think critically
• Effective independently and in a semi-remote environment
• Remain accessible and responsive beyond business hours
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a 501 (c) (3) nonpartisan, nonprofit “think and do tank,” focused on improving the economic performance in the center of the United States by advocating fact-based solutions to foster job creation, knowledge-based and inclusive growth and improved health status. Most research and policy efforts by existing think tanks in the Heartland are focused on their individual state or metro areas within a state. We think a cross-cutting view is critical to solving the region's challenges, and Heartland Forward will fill this void. While recognizing the differences between places in the center of the country, we will analyze the region holistically to identify common issues and solutions.
The Institute will pursue its mission through independent, data-driven research, action-oriented convenings, and impactful policy recommendations. Its flagship convening is the Heartland Summit, a two-day summit where policy leaders, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and economic development officials come together to meet in the middle and pursue solutions to strengthen the Heartland’s economy.
Heartland Forward is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Basic Qualifications
• Master’s degree in health economics or related field (e.g., Public Health, Sociology or Geography, so long as there is significant emphasis on economics and/or policy analysis at the undergraduate or graduate level)
• Minimum of seven years of experience required in the following arenas: government, university, think tank or private industry
• Strong knowledge of statistics, econometrics, biometrics, primary data collection or other advanced quantitative techniques
• Published research in one of the topics listed above under “Responsibilities”
• Expertise in the knowledge of economic evaluation such as cost-of-illness studies, cost-benefit studies, and cost-effectiveness analysis
• Knowledge of the latest developments in healthcare management, insurance or treatment/wellness protocols.
• Detailed knowledge of public databases related to disease incidence and treatment – such as the NHIS, MEPS, NHANES, BRFSS and others
• Ability to project health-care spending under different demographic and economic scenarios, and different policy regimes, into the future
