Director, Admissions and Selection Research & Development

As a Director, Admissions and Selection Research & Development, you will be responsible for leading the design, evaluation, and implementation of a program of research to drive and evaluate innovation in medical school and residency selection. This role involves creating a forward-thinking vision for research programs, overseeing a dedicated team, and ensuring alignment with the organization's broader goals. The Director will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of AAMC Services, influencing decision making, and managing complex relationships. Strong leadership and expertise in selection science are essential for success in this high-impact position.

The Director of Research is expected to exercise a high level of independent decision-making, drawing on evidence from diverse sources, including quantitative data and feedback, to evaluate trade-offs and balance competing priorities. They must critically assess how their decisions will impact the organization's reputation and align with broader organizational goals. In making recommendations, the Director's insights should influence both internal and external senior leadership, guiding strategic directions and key initiatives. Additionally, the Director holds authority over their own budget planning and monitoring process, ensuring financial resources are effectively allocated to support the research agenda and organizational priorities.

The Director of Research plays a critical role in shaping the strategy and direction of the transition to residency and the overall admissions and selection portfolios by leading a comprehensive program of research that informs policy and drives leadership decision-making on key initiatives. By providing data-driven insights, the Director ensures that decisions on whether to pursue and continue key initiatives are grounded in rigorous evidence, optimizing the portfolio's impact. This position also strategically cultivates complex relationships with leaders in other organizations, fostering collaboration and sharing of best practices that enhance the effectiveness and reach of the portfolio. Through these efforts, the Director not only contributes to the advancement of key initiatives but also strengthens AAMC's reputation and the broader network of thought leadership in the field.

How will you make an impact?

Create Vision and Strategy:

• Develop a long-term research vision aligned with organizational goals and industry trends.
• Set clear, measurable objectives for research initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader strategic priorities.
• Identify emerging research opportunities and prioritize them based on potential impact and feasibility.
• Define the research roadmap, incorporating innovative methodologies and cutting-edge tools to enhance research quality.

Manage Teams:

• Lead, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary team of researchers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Ensure continuous professional development by providing coaching, feedback, and career growth opportunities.
• Oversee daily research operations, ensuring the team meets deadlines and adheres to quality standards.
• Manage resources effectively, allocating team members and tools to optimize research output and efficiency.

Plan and Oversee Applied Admissions and Selection Projects:

• Design and implement sophisticated research methodologies that address complex research questions and meet organizational needs.
• Oversee the execution of large-scale, multi-phase projects, ensuring that statistical methods and data analyses are rigorously applied.
• Collaborate with data scientists, statisticians, and subject-matter experts to refine research models and ensure methodological accuracy.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations to successfully deliver research outcomes within scope.

Build Complex Relationships to Promote Collaboration:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including executives and department heads, to align research objectives with business needs.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, and external organizations to advance research opportunities.
• Navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and resolve conflicts to ensure smooth collaboration across teams.
• Represent the organization in high-level meetings and conferences, promoting research initiatives and establishing credibility within the industry.

Establish AAMC as a Thought Leader in Admissions and Selection Research:

• Publish influential research findings in top-tier journals and present at leading industry conferences to position the organization as a thought leader.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends in the research field, integrating new knowledge to influence organizational strategy and innovation.
• Engage in public speaking, webinars, and media interactions to advocate for research-driven insights and organizational expertise.
• Foster an environment where team members are encouraged to contribute to the broader research community through publications and presentations.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Educational Measurement, Statistics, Economics, Data Science, or related field (Ph.D.. preferred)

• 10-12 years of related work experience

• 3-5 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Experience:

• Research Experience: Hands-on research experience in selection, admissions, educational measurement or related field, with a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality applied research.

• This may include working on large, complex research projects, technical reports, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and expertise in research methodologies.

• Leadership Experience:

• Experience in a leadership or managerial role, such as managing research teams, overseeing projects, and providing mentorship.

• Experience in team-building, conflict resolution, and guiding junior researchers.

• Project Management:

• Experience in managing complex research projects, including budgeting, planning, and execution, as well as proficiency in statistical tools, research software, and other relevant technologies.

• Strategic Oversight:

• Experience in aligning research objectives with organizational goals, contributing to long-term strategic planning, and effectively communicating research findings to stakeholders at various levels (internal teams, executives, external partners).

• Certifications/Specialized Skills:

• Advanced knowledge in advanced methodological and statistical techniques, such as multi-level modeling, psychometrics, and application of artificial intelligence to selection.

• Advanced skills in the full suite of Microsoft Office products, Windows, and database environments.

• Advanced skills with SPSS or SAS or R or Python or other advanced statistical software

Remote Work Eligibility

Compensation Grade Range and Mid-Point

The above annual compensation range and mid-point are general guidelines. For candidates who meet the criteria, the AAMC's compensation philosophy is to target the midpoint of the salary range. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate's work experience, education and training, as well as internal equity, market, and business considerations.

If a bachelor's degree is required, related work experience may be substituted in some positions. One year of college course work at an accredited institution is equivalent to one year of related work experience.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The AAMC is committed to the policy of an equal employment opportunity in recruitment, hiring, career advancement, and all other personnel practices. The AAMC will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, past or current military service, or any other legally protected characteristic.

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