Research and Program Associate

Colorado Health Institute; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and life保险

401(k) retirement plan with 7% match

Monthly transportation and technology–

Unlimited paid time off

Job summary

The Colorado Health Institute in Denver seeks a Research and Program Associate to support health policy research, analysis, and convening across Colorado. This role offers a path to grow in health policy research and collaborates with partners across sectors.

You will design studies, conduct literature reviews, analyze data with Excel, SAS, R, ArcGIS, and MAXQDA, and help prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 1–4 years of relevant experience in research, evaluation, public health, or public policy.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Clear and concise writing skills; ability to communicate complex information simply.
• Experience with basic research methods (literature reviews, surveys, interviews, data analysis).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with statistical or qualitative analysis software is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop research questions and design data collection and evaluation strategies to support policy, program, and funding decisions.
• Conduct primary and secondary research, including literature reviews, policy scans, qualitative data collection (interviews, focus groups), and quantitative data collection.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using Excel and other analytical tools (SAS, R, ArcGIS, MAXQDA) to generate actionable insights and recommendations.
• Develop, organize, and maintain datasets, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and quality-control processes.
• Monitor and synthesize emerging trends in health and policy areas in Colorado and nationally to inform project work.
• Manage or support project timelines, deliverables, reporting requirements, and documentation.

Skills

Research design

Literature reviews

Data analysis

Excel

SAS

R

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAS

R

ArcGIS

MAXQDA

Excel

Job description

The Colorado Health Institute (CHI) seeks a dynamic and motivated Research and Program Associate to support our work to advance health policy in Colorado. This position is appropriate for those who are looking for a great place to begin a career in health policy research, analysis, and convening.

The Colorado Health Institute is a nonprofit public health institute committed to the mission of strengthening communities and systems with trusted analysis and collaborative solutions to improve health. We work to improve the systems that influence people’s health and well-being. We provide resources for people seeking to make their work more effective and equitable. We answer critical questions, make sense of complex issues, and support others to reach actionable solutions. We work with partners across Colorado and around the country, including government agencies, philanthropic foundations, community-based organizations, and health care providers and payers.

Our culture is team-based and highly collaborative. We work hard and take our commitment to the community and our clients seriously, while balancing that with “nerdy fun.”

Responsibilities

This position is part of our Research and Program Team. Regular responsibilities will include:

• Develop research questions and design data collection and evaluation strategies to support policy, program, and funding decisions.
• Conduct primary and secondary research, including literature reviews, policy scans, qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews, focus groups), and quantitative data collection.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using Excel and other analytical tools (e.g., SAS, R, ArcGIS, MAXQDA) to generate actionable insights and recommendations.
• Develop, organize, and maintain datasets, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and quality-control processes.
• Monitor and synthesize emerging trends in relevant health and policy areas in Colorado and nationally to inform project work.
• Manage or support project timelines, deliverables, reporting requirements, and documentation (e.g., work plans, communication plans).
• Coordinate internal teams and external partners, serving as a project point of contact as appropriate.
• Provide project logistics support, including scheduling meetings, coordinating interviews, tracking progress, and managing contractors or vendors as needed.
• Write clear, concise reports, briefs, and presentation materials and present findings to stakeholders and partners.
• Facilitate inclusive meetings and stakeholder engagement processes and support business development efforts, including proposal and grant writing.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Some statewide travel may be required.

Competitive candidates will have demonstrated:

• 1–4 years of relevant experience in research, evaluation, public health, public policy, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Clear and concise writing skills; ability to communicate complex information simply.
• Experience with basic research methods (e.g., literature reviews, surveys, interviews, data analysis).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with statistical or qualitative analysis software is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and open to feedback
• Bilingual or multilingual fluency is not required, but preferred
• CHI operates in a hybrid environment, with two days per week in the office.

Experience and Education

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Candidate Characteristics

Strong candidates will demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Accessibility, communicating clearly and making complex ideas understandable to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration, working with colleagues and partners in a spirit of authenticity, transparency, and respect.
• Curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, seeking new perspectives, and embracing continuous learning.
• Equity, demonstrating a commitment to people-centered systems and inclusive, culturally responsive work.
• Integrity, upholding accuracy, honesty, and ethical standards in research and professional relationships.
• Adaptability and resilience, remaining flexible, persistent, and effective in changing or uncertain environments.
• Judgment and contribution, exercising sound decision-making and contributing meaningfully to team and organizational goals.

This position may be filled at the Associate I or Associate II level, depending on experience and qualifications. Salary ranges for each level are:

Associate I: $67,000–$75,000
Associate II: $75,000–$85,000

CHI uses a structured compensation framework designed to promote pay equity and transparency. New hires are typically placed at the beginning of the range for the level at which they are hired, and salary offers are not negotiable.

CHI offers an excellent compensation package and wide-ranging opportunities for professional growth and development. Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefit programs are available, as is a 401(k) retirement plan with 7% match. CHI provides monthly transportation and technology stipends and an unlimited paid time off program. Eligibility for all benefit programs is defined by the applicable plan document.

CHI will review applications on a rolling basis, with an anticipated close date of November 6, 2026.

CHI’s work depends on understanding the full range of Colorado communities. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those with lived experience in the communities we serve, bilingual or multilingual skills, military service, or backgrounds that bring new perspectives to health policy work.

The Colorado Health Institute is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.