Director - Center for Healthy Aging

Position: Director, Center for Healthy Aging

Report to: Office of the Senior VP, Research

About The New York Academy Of Medicine

The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) tackles the barriers that prevent every individual from living a healthy life. NYAM generates the knowledge needed to change the systems that prevent people from accessing what they need to be healthy such as safe and affordable housing, healthy food, healthcare, and more. Through its high-profile programming for the general public, focused symposia for health professionals, and its base of dedicated Fellows and Members, NYAM engages the minds and hearts of those who also value advancing health equity to maximize health for all. For more information, visit NYAM.org.

Department Summary

The Center for Healthy Aging (CHA) works to advance the health and well-being of aging populations through research, policy, and programmatic innovations. CHA contributes to immediate and long-term systemic improvements to ensure health equity and optimal health for today’s older adults and generations to come. Healthy aging-related topics addressed through CHA’s grant-funded projects include behavioral and mental health, minority aging populations, digital equity, anti-ageism education, and workforce development for early-career aging professionals.

Position Overview

The Director of the Center for Healthy Aging at NYAM will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to improve the health and well-being of aging populations through research, policy, and programmatic innovations. This role requires a professional with a graduate degree and strong background in policy and key services for older adults. The Director will oversee the Center’s activities, secure external funding, and work collaboratively across disciplines to advance the mission of the Academy. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a small and dynamic team dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of aging populations through innovative research, policy development, and strategic partnerships.

Strategic Leadership

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop the Center’s strategic direction, setting short and long-term goals that align with the direction of the overall NYAM Research department.
• Provide vision and leadership for clinical/translational and population health research in aging and related fields.
  
  

Funding And Resource Management

• Secure external funding for CHA activities by developing and maintaining relationships with a range of funding partners, working with the NYAM Development office to identify new funding partners, and responding to RFPS.
• Oversee department budget, manage and track grant deadlines and performance metrics.
  
  

Research And Knowledge Dissemination

• Maintain a continuous record of scholarly achievement, including grants, research publications, and conference and community presentations.
• Disseminate new knowledge through peer-reviewed and other publications.
  
  

Policy And Strategic Assistance

• Provide strategic assistance for policy implementation to government agencies, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations.
• Promote data-driven planning and policy, especially through NYAM’s IMAGE: NYC Interactive Map of Aging (https://imagenyc.nyam.org/).
  
  

Collaboration And Partnerships

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with elected officials, community leaders, academic institutions, healthcare institutions, business organizations, and cultural institutions.
• Collaborate with other programs within NYAM Research to develop research and evaluation that informs aging programs and policy.
• Develop research collaborations with local, regional, national, and international researchers.
  
  

Administrative Leadership

• Provide supervision and staff development.
• Manage internal and external communications.
• Promote collaboration across all NYAM departments.
  
  

Representation And Advocacy

• Represent NYAM in meetings with external stakeholders.
• Enhance CHA’s and NYAM’s reputation locally, nationally and internationally.
  
  

Teaching And Mentorship

• Provide teaching, mentorship, and supervision to junior research staff, fellows, and students.
• Participate in teaching programs related to healthy aging when relevant.
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience in public policy, policy analysis, or research and evaluation, preferably in the field of aging.
• Knowledge of NYC and NYS health policy landscape, especially aging-related policies.
• Demonstrated strong management experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the NYAM’s mission for health equity and current research priority areas.
• Proven track record of successful grant writing and management of secured grants and contracts.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Master’s degree with 10 years of experience or doctoral degree with 5 years of experience in a relevant field such as gerontology, (social) epidemiology, medicine, nursing, community development, public health, computational biology, health sciences, informatics, public policy, social work, or planning.
• Proven track record of independently funded research in aging and/or related fields.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and grant writing skills.
• Commitment to building a vibrant, diverse and highly engaged research community.
  
  

This position is based in New York City. Staff work in a hybrid environment with some flexibility pending the needs of the department. The current expectation is two days a week on-site. NYAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. NYAM is an affirmative action employer. As an organization whose primary focus is health equity, NYAM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to ResearchCHA@nyam.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $135,000 annually.