Lead Advisor MEL-D (Measurement, Evaluation, Learning and Dissemination)

Institute for Healthcare Improvement

Lead Advisor MEL D

Full Time- Remote (US)

About IHI

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is an independent not-for-profit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. For over 30 years, IHI has used improvement science to advance and sustain better outcomes in health and health systems across the world. IHI brings awareness of safety and quality to millions, catalyzes learning and the systematic improvement of care, develops solutions to previously intractable challenges, and mobilizes health systems, communities, regions, and nations to reduce harm and deaths. IHI collaborates with a growing community to spark bold, inventive ways to improve the health of individuals and populations. IHI generates optimism, harvests fresh ideas, and supports anyone, anywhere who wants to profoundly change health and health care for the better. Learn more at ihi.org.

Position Summary

The Lead Advisor (LA) - Advances IHI's mission by leading and contributing to IHI's activities related to measurement, evaluation, learning, and dissemination (MEL-D) of IHI's work as well as to advancing improvement science within IHI and with external partners and scientific communities. The Lead Advisor plays a key role in managing the support systems to measure the impact of IHI's results-oriented work globally, to evaluate progress of projects against stated aims, to assess application and fidelity to improvement designs, methods, and frameworks, to promote continuous learning from IHI's work, and to disseminate the impact and learnings emerging from IHI's work.

The Lead Advisor works closely with the Vice President of Measurement, Evaluation, Learning and Dissemination and the Chief Scientific Officer to use data to drive decision-making and improvement, and to set strategic goals and provide guidance to Delivery teams and Business Partners related to MEL-D activities. The Lead Advisor also serves as an ambassador of IHI in externally contracted activities, providing direct input, guidance, leadership, and subject matter expertise related to core designs in service of producing revenue and generating business for the organization.

The Lead Advisor works across and outside IHI to build competency, coach, guide, and inspire our staff and customers to advance the science of improvement in service of greater impact.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Implementation and Strategy: Lead the Measurement, Evaluation, Learning, and Dissemination (MEL-D) strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and adherence to best practices.
• Quality and Improvement: Monitor the effectiveness of MEL-D activities, provide strategic recommendations, and foster innovation and continuous improvement.
• Team Development and Support: Manage and mentor the MEL-D team, provide training and support to Delivery teams, and ensure effective project execution.
• Partnerships and Dissemination: Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, lead academic dissemination efforts, and promote the IHI brand through various channels.
• Data Management: Oversee the development and implementation of data management software, ensuring reliable performance and continuous updates.

Position Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passionate about improving IHI's impact on health care and health of populations
• Strong track record of effective and timely productivity and a willingness to be accountable and hold others accountable to agreed time-bound goals.
• Ability to influence up, down, and across the organization
• Comfortable and effective in communicating at all levels of the system - both at IHI and with external organizations
• Skilled at building and maintaining relationships at all levels within the organization as well as externally with current and potential partners
• Appreciation for systems-level thinking and ability to influence change within systems
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of designing and implementing successful measurement and evaluation strategies
• Innovative thinker with the interest and ability to bring new ideas to solve key improvement science design problems and implementation needs
• Strong improvement science skills
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Strong academic/scientific writing skills
• Strong skills in statistical methods and techniques, including data analytics
• Capacity to use data for improvement, including analysis, visualization and interpretation of data over time using run charts and control charts
• Familiarity with statistical software packages (i.e., SPSS, SAS, R or SPC for data analysis and visualization)
• Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software packages (i.e., Atlas.ti, NVivo)
• Capacity to critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative research findings, identify limitations, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to integrate, analyze, and synthesize data from multiple sources, including quantitative and qualitative data
• Ability to influence through name brand, content, and/or context recognition within IHI
• Ability to present information, ideas, and results in small and large group sessions
• Ability to work in a fast moving and, at times, intense environment
• Familiarity with health care industry from various stakeholder perspectives
• Understanding of clinical issues and basic principles of health care delivery
• Deep practical and theoretical knowledge of improvement science, mixed-methods research, and designs for assessing impact and causality
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation skills, including proficiency in statistical analysis software and evaluation methodologies
• Expertise in mentoring and developing talent
• Experience coaching clinicians, staff, and senior leaders in process improvement
• Commitment to IHI Values
• Commitment to equity, anti-racism, and the improvement of societal systems

Position Qualifications

Required

• 10+ years of experience in measurement, learning, and evaluation roles, preferably in the nonprofit sector or international development
  • Including at least 5 years of leading substantive quality improvement initiatives, including managing all aspects of multiple large-scale complex projects and programs

Preferred

• Completion of the IHI Improvement Advisor course
• Advanced certification or education credential (including Master's degree or MD) in a relevant field such as public health, evaluation, or social sciences
• Demonstrated experience as a Scientist or similar senior-level project leadership position in a nonprofit organization

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list or comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required.

At IHI, we are inspired to do our best work and be our best selves by leaning into our values and uniting in our vision to create a future in which everyone has the best care and health possible. We ensure that people feel valued and supported in meaningful ways, as demonstrated in our total rewards package that features competitive compensation, medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability plans, FSA plans, matching 401k contributions, tuition reimbursement, a personal development allowance to support what matters to you, a professional development allowance to support continued learning, respect for personal commitments and flexibility to manage them, generous time off including vacation time, wellness and wellbeing time, and other special programs to support employee wellbeing.

IHI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex or gender, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, crime victim status, political belief, and any other protected class under applicable law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to complete our application, please let us know. Veterans are encouraged to apply.