Program Evaluation Manager

‍About Healthy Minds

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.

Since its inception, Healthy Minds has published dozens of pieces of original research and analysis, helped secure tens of millions of dollars in competitive funding for Oklahoma’s behavioral health care system, and initiated more than a dozen community-based partnerships committed to ending untreated mental illness and substance use. Healthy Minds provides data, consultation, and education on best practices to Oklahoma legislators and other leaders committed to improving the mental health of all Oklahomans.

Job purpose

The Program Evaluation Manager will lead Healthy Minds’ efforts to evaluate and improve treatment systems serving Oklahomans with behavioral health needs. Reporting to the Vice President of Research and Insights, this role will deploy expertise in clinical operations and evidence-based practices as part of the organization’s technical assistance and evaluation projects.  

Supported by a team of consultants and other staff members, the Program Evaluation Manager will lead evaluation efforts by working closely with behavioral health treatment providers, health systems, and local governments to provide important behavioral health operational insights that guide evaluation planning, data collection, interpretation of findings, and implementation support. 

A major component of the Program Evaluation Manager’s role will be to provide ongoing implementation assistance throughout the life course of an evaluation project by drawing on previous clinical operations experiences to create practical recommendations for program improvement and fidelity that are grounded in both evaluation findings and clinical operations. Other essential duties include planning and leading evaluation efforts and participating in recurrent evaluation meetings.  

A successful candidate can collect relevant evaluation data and use evaluation findings to assist community partners in their on-going quality and fidelity improvement of programs; collaborate effectively with internal and external partners; and provide ongoing behavioral health operational expertise to project teams. Although deep expertise in evaluation is not required, a successful candidate should be skillful in helping behavioral health providers use quantitative and qualitative evaluation data to improve services, including the fidelity of their evidence-based practices. A successful candidate will also be able to engage data analysts in the evaluation process or have experience in the process of using evaluation data to improve programs.

Responsibilities

The following duties may represent the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

Evaluation 

• Plan and lead program evaluations, including evaluations of federal grant programs implemented by community partners. 
• Coordinate day-to-day activities related to evaluation projects to ensure timely completion of goals and deliverables. 
• Serve as the primary liaison between Healthy Minds and external partners involved in evaluation projects. 
• Build and manage relationships with community partners to ensure compliance with key deadlines and obligations. 
• Organize and participate in recurrent evaluation meetings to lead evaluation efforts 
• Provide mental and behavioral health operations insights in all aspects of evaluation projects including (1) project design, (2) measurement selection, (3) data analysis strategies, (4) translation of findings, (5) implementation, and (6) ongoing quality and fidelity improvement initiatives.  
• Assist with data collection as needed. 
• Assist with grant proposals including writing statements of need. 
• Work alongside the Senior Data Analyst to guide appropriate interpretation of clinical/program data to accurately assess performance, outcomes, and fidelity to program requirements. 
• Help community partners by translating findings into actionable program implementation recommendations. 
• Provide implementation assistance and continued support throughout the life course of evaluation projects. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Community needs assessments and research projects 

• Help plan, design, and implement community needs assessments, including assessments of the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in local and regional mental health systems.  
• Participate in internal and external project meetings as necessary. 
• Assist with the development of key informant interview questions using operational expertise. 
• Conduct key informant interviews related to behavioral health operations and service delivery. 
• Assist with translating findings into comprehensive needs assessment reports with actionable recommendations to inform policy and program planning.  

Required qualifications

• Master’s degree in public policy, public health, public administration, behavioral health, community health, or related discipline required.
• At least three years of experience in behavioral health care operations or behavioral health evaluation and implementation.
• Experience with applied subject matter expertise in behavioral health practices, health care workflows/care transitions, and evidence-based substance use and behavioral health practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 

Essential strengths

• Passionate about improving mental health outcomes.
• Strategic thinker and adept at clear, concise, and persuasive communication.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented.
• Thrives when collaborating with diverse groups of internal and external partners.
• Curious and comfortable with a trial-and-error approach to problem solving.
• Adapts quickly and calmly to urgent situations and changing circumstances.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Work environment and physical requirements

• This is a hybrid position, with 2.5 days each week required at the Tulsa or Oklahoma City office.
• Reliable internet access is required for at-home workdays.
• Occasional travel between Tulsa and Oklahoma City offices is required. Statewide travel may be assigned for meetings or events outside of the two metro areas.
• Regular work hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Candidates must be able to work in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time.

Compensation and benefits

• Salary range is $62,400 to $78,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability insurance: 100% employer-paid for full-time employees; dependent coverage available with employee cost-sharing for health insurance (currently approximately 22% employee-paid).
• Automatic employer-funded 401K contributions with no vesting schedule.
• Three weeks PTO and two weeks paid sick leave.
• Paid company holidays and employee-directed floating holidays.
• Employer-paid AD&D and life insurance, with optional supplemental employee-paid life insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Healthy Minds Policy Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to careers@healthymindspolicy.org with the subject line "Evaluation Manager" by Oct. 26 at 9 a.m.