Agency Research and Publications Director- Atlanta

Agency Research and Publications Director

We are seeking an Agency Research and Publications Director to lead the agency’s research and publications initiatives, define strategic research initiatives, and oversee the research and publications teams to deliver actionable insights related to DBHDDs hospital, behavioral health, developmental disabilities, jail-based restoration, forensics, and operational divisions.  Under the limited supervision of the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Operations, they are responsible for designing research methodologies, developing research governance, ensuring compliance with the enterprise research policy and research best practices, and directing IRB processes.  The Agency Research and Publications Director documents and presents findings to senior leadership and publishes information that highlights systems of care and drives innovation.  They manage, analyze, and interpret complex clinical data to support peer-reviewed research studies, improve healthcare outcomes, and drive evidence-based decisions.  They are to supervise, guide, and/or instruct the work assignments of subordinate staff, develop policy and research initiatives, identify issues and alternatives, and assess research funding strategies.

The position will also play a central role in developing and coordinating strategic research partnerships with universities, research institutes, and other academic partners to strengthen DBHDD’s research capacity, support evidence-based decision-making, and expand opportunities for collaborative research.

DBHDD – Who We Are

Established in 2009 by the Governor and General Assembly, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) operates state hospitals and provides community-based services statewide through contracted partners. Our mission is to lead an accountable and effective continuum of care, supporting all Georgians with behavioral health challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities. As Georgia’s vital public safety net, our vision is to ensure easy access to high-quality care that guides the uninsured and underinsured people we serve toward a life of recovery and independence.

Services and Responsibilities

·        Direct and oversee: Drive core research and publications initiatives and develop governance over research processes.

·        Collaborate: Interact with executive/senior leadership and clinicians to align all research and publication policies with agency goals and strategic objectives.

·        Champion Knowledge: Publish agency research and initiatives related to emerging issues, trends and highlights related to agency priorities.

·        Guide and Mentor: Recruit, mentor, and supervise research and publications staff (including managers, consultants, and administrative support) while providing expert consultation to executive leaders and program managers on research processes.

·        Establish Operational Partnerships: Collaborate with internal and external strategic partners on DBHDD research and publication initiatives that advance agency goals and objectives.

·        Compliance and Ethics: Ensure all research activities comply with legal, ethical, and industry regulatory standards.

·        Strategy and Planning: Develops goals, protocols, and long-range plans for clinical trials and research projects.

·        Funding and Grant Writing: Partners with internal and external strategic partners to pursue grant funding to underwrite strategic research initiatives.

• Establish Academic Research Partnerships: Develop and manage strategic research partnerships with universities, research institutes, and academic health systems to advance DBHDD’s research agenda, strengthen evidence-based practice, and support collaboration.
• Statewide Research Coordination: Facilitate alignment in activities across research partnerships in Georgia to support DBHDD priorities for behavioral health and developmental disability research initiatives.
• Research Data and Infrastructure: Ensure appropriate access to DBHDD administrative and clinical data for approved research collaborations and ensure research partnerships align with agency governance, privacy, and ethical requirements.

Required Skills/Abilities:

·        Demonstrated experience of complex research projects. 

·        Strong understanding of academic or professional publishing standards and demonstrated experience publishing research-based articles, papers, or reports.

• Expert-level knowledge translating research findings into publishable articles for academic, professional, or public audiences.

• Familiarity with managing the research IRB process, publication process, including editing, citations, and submission guidelines.
• Extensive experience in data collection, translating, and statistical and qualitative analysis.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• In-depth experience in developing and managing editorial policies, publication guidelines, and quality control processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor junior research staff.

Physical Requirements:

·        Position located at DBHDD state offices in Atlanta, Georgia.

·        Ability to sit for prolonged periods while working at a desk and on a computer.

·        Minimum travel across the state of Georgia may be required if directly related to research.

Education and Experiences:

·        Bachelors degree in public health, public policy, science, mathematics, public administration, or related field

·        5–10 years of research development and management, including development of research processes in public sector or large organization(s).

·        Translate research findings into clear, engaging articles for academic or public audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

·        PhD or Masters with at least 3 years of experience with Applied Research.

·        Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or other Research Administrators Certification.

·        CITI Certification for IRB submissions

·        Experience developing collaborative research partnerships between state agencies and universities.

Join Our Team

We prioritize providing 24/7 care to individuals while offering structure and work-life balance for our teams. We understand that a happy and supported team is essential for delivering high-quality care. By fostering a supportive environment with work-life balance, we empower our team members to bring their best to serve those in need. We are inspired by the dedication and passion of our team members and take seriously our responsibility to ensure everyone feels supported, prepared, and encouraged to contribute to our mission and vision.

As a DBHDD employed team member you will receive:

·        Exceptional vacation leave plan

o   15 days each year for first 5 years of service,

o   18 days each year from 5-10 years of service, and

o   21 days each year for 10 + years of service.

·        13 paid state holidays, and 1 educational leave day.

·        Sick leave accrual at a rate of 10 hours per month or 15 days each year.

·        3 weeks of paid paternity leave.

·        Your choice from our healthcare plan options for you and your family, including support in the activation of a healthcare savings account.

·        Dental, vision, life, dependent life, legal, and disability insurance program options.

·        Healthcare and childcare spending accounts

·        Wellness incentive program.

·        Continued Education opportunities and access to a comprehensive library of on-line professional development courses.

·        DBHDD is a Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

·        Retirement Pension and 401(K) with company match. 

Be Here

To learn more about the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, visit our website at Home - Careers at DBHDD

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer that promotes diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status regarding public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.