Continuous Quality Improvement Manager (Research Scientist)

JOB SUMMARY

Innovations Institute is seeking applicants for the Continuous Quality Improvement Manager (Research Scientist). The successful candidate will direct continuous quality improvement (CQI) efforts across Innovations’ disseminated practice models, including Wraparound, Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), FOCUS, and PEARLS. The contribution will be measured in terms of CQI deliverables completed across contracted states and sites. Successful candidates will be expected to broaden participation among members of underrepresented groups; demonstrate, through research and/or community engagement, a commitment to and support for diversity in the learning experience; and integrate multicultural experiences into CQI tools, reports, and conversations. Positions with Innovations Institute are fully remote with expected travel to UConn’s Hartford Campus twice annually at the employee's expense. Candidates must have a willingness to learn how to effectively use new technology.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the Division's leadership, lead the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of continuous quality improvement (CQI) systems across the division’s disseminated practice models, including Wraparound, MRSS, FOCUS, and PEARLS.
• Support the design, refinement, and dissemination of fidelity and quality assurance tools in collaboration with internal staff and contracted states and sites.
• Establish and oversee PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycles with state and contract partners to translate CQI data into practice-, organization-, and system-level improvements.
• Ensure CQI deliverables align with contract scopes of work and University policies and expectations.
• Foster close working relationships with internal coaches and contracted states and sites to identify implementation challenges and CQI needs.
• Supervise assigned CQI and data staff, providing direction, performance oversight, and professional development.
• Lead discussions and initiatives about CQI infrastructure, new programs, symposia, workshops, and other dissemination events.
• Lead the development and dissemination of white papers, briefs, peer-reviewed journal articles, and conference posters showcasing CQI findings and outcomes.
• Clearly communicate CQI capabilities, tools, and findings to state leaders and contract partners.
• Coordinate deliverable timelines and CQI reporting in collaboration with senior leadership, division director, and support staff.
• Prepare accurate and succinct CQI reports for state and contract partners, ensuring alignment with deliverable requirements and expectations.
• Ensure compliance with contract, funder, and regulatory requirements governing CQI activities.
• Facilitate collaboration between division program teams and state CQI and data leads.
• Direct CQI and data management processes supporting the division’s internal operations, including internal reporting, workflow improvement, and data systems.
• Serve as subject matter expert for state leaders, sites, faculty, staff, and division partners on matters relating to CQI policies, procedures, and services.
• Responsible for Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions where warranted.
• Work on related special projects as directed by leadership.
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned Ph.D. in social work, public health, psychology, public policy/administration, program evaluation, health services research, applied methodology, or a related field. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
• Demonstrated experience leading continuous quality improvement (CQI), fidelity measurement, or systems evaluation efforts in behavioral health or human services settings.
• Experience partnering with diverse stakeholders to develop CQI agendas related to outcomes, feedback, and evaluations.
• Experience with creating data visualizations and communicating data-based findings with diverse audiences.
• Evidence of strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects at once, respond to tight timelines, pay attention to detail, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated technical proficiency in CQI data systems, dashboards, and reporting and statistical software (e.g., WrapSTAT, Power BI, SPSS, R, SAS, or Stata), and the ability to learn and troubleshoot new technologies.
• Experience working with children and their caregivers within behavioral health or child-serving systems.
• Experience with PDCA methodology and/or implementation tool development and refinement.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective working relationships with partners, including funders, internal colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skill in using measurable and verifiable information for making decisions and judgments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of implementation science.
• Experience merging, cleaning, and analyzing skill development tool databases.
• Demonstrated ability to convey complex information in writing and orally so that it is easily understood by stakeholders and organizations.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 11-month, non-tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of November 6, 2026. For additional information regarding benefits, please visit UConn Health Benefits and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers. Positions with Innovations Institute are fully remote with expected travel to UConn’s Hartford Campus twice annually at the employee's expense. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499791 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 8, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.