Careers
Who we are
Healthy Minds Policy Initiative is a non-profit, non-partisan policy organization that publishes research and analysis on mental health and substance use issues in Oklahoma, advocates for policy solutions that increase Oklahomans’ access to care and convenes community partners to build stronger local mental health systems. The organization was founded in 2019 by The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation and has offices and staff members in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
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Apply to be part of our work championing best practices that improve the state’s ability to prevent and treat mental illness.
Senior Vice President of Research and Insights
The Senior Vice President of Research and Insights is Healthy Minds' chief researcher and data translator, leading the organization's efforts to understand and promote how Oklahoma can improve economic and societal outcomes by addressing its unique mental health challenges and opportunities. Its primary charge is to conduct research and data analyses that support the organization's work to transform statewide outcomes and demonstrate its vision of making mental health the catalyst for a more prosperous state. This includes:
- Synthesizing publicly available data and leading original research initiatives to inform policymakers about the state of mental health in Oklahoma and its communities, such as Healthy Minds' 2025 State of Suicide report.
- Uncovering unique, locally relevant insights about how addressing mental health and substance use can improve costs and outcomes in education, public safety, the economy, health care and other systems. One example is Healthy Minds' 2025 research on the cost savings of diversion from criminal justice systems.
- Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of mental health systems relevant to Healthy Minds' four strategic focus areas - affordable, accessible care; youth and families; mental health workforce; and diversion to appropriate care - including through community needs assessments.
As the leader of Healthy Minds' Research and Insights Division, this position serves on Healthy Minds' internal leadership team, reports to the President and CEO, and manages a several direct reports. It is a key contributor to the organization's goal of transforming mental health outcomes in Oklahoma and is responsible for its essential data functions including public health data surveillance, database management, and data governance. Essential duties include developing a research agenda, writing and reviewing public-facing reports, analyzing public health datasets, conducting community needs assessments, and performing program evaluations.
A successful candidate can use research and data strategically to influence and motivate policymakers; expertly execute quantitative and qualitative research; and communicate clearly and succinctly to non-expert audiences, especially through writing. Although deep expertise in each facet of the position is not required, a successful candidate has enough familiarity with behavioral health and public health concepts, research methodologies, and public health data to contribute meaningfully to all activities of the Research and Insights Division and oversee and guide more specialized staff and consultants.
- Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
- Job location: Oklahoma City or Tulsa
- Salary range: $115,000 to $140,000
