Research Operations and Technical Assistance
Job Description Job Description ABOUT HL7N We are a residential treatment center for youth with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, offering outpatient behavioral health and on-site medical services. Located on 55 peaceful acres, we provide a safe, supportive environment grounded in traditional, cultural, and spiritual values. Our holistic program blends Indigenous teachings with evidence-based practices to support healing, growth, and resilience in both Native and non-Native youth, fostering respect, honesty, generosity, and cultural identity. POSITION SUMMARY As a key member of the CIRCLE team, the Research Operations & Technical Assistance Manager provides leadership, coordination, and operational oversight for CIRCLE research activities, generally, and the Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) project, specifically. This position serves as the primary liaison among Tribal partners, researchers, clinical teams, and grant personnel to ensure the successful implementation of research projects, adherence to human subjects protections, and advancement of Tribal research priorities. The Research Operations & Technical Assistance Manager oversees day-to-day research operations; provides technical assistance, project coordination, mentorship, and research support to Training and Research Coordinators (TRCs); facilitates research recruitment and enrollment activities supports protocol and policy development; manages advisory board and working group activities; and ensures compliance with data security, record retention, reimbursement tracking, and grant requirements. The position plays an important role in strengthening Tribal research infrastructure through technical assistance, community engagement, curriculum development, advisory group facilitation, and support for culturally grounded research initiatives. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience working with Tribal communities and a strong commitment to community-engaged and participatory research approaches. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure appropriate data security, confidentiality, and study record maintenance. Monitor study documentation, data management activities, and regulatory files. Oversee participant reimbursement tracking and study payment documentation. Support quality assurance and quality improvement processes related to research activities. Lead activities related to Tribal research priorities and initiatives. Facilitate Tribal research resolutions, data-sharing agreements, and related approvals as needed. Coordinate Tribal working group and advisory board activities, including scheduling, communications, membership management, and reimbursement processing. Co-lead Youth and Clinical Research Advisory Group meetings on a quarterly basis. Foster strong relationships with Tribal partners and ensure research activities align with Tribal values, priorities, and sovereignty principles. Facilitate participant recruitment, enrollment, retention, and related study activities. Coordinate internal research recruitment efforts with clinical and Human Resources teams. Collaborate with project staff to administer organizational surveys evaluating changes in research culture and capacity. Support initiatives designed to strengthen research engagement and participation throughout HL7N. Contribute to research publications, presentations, and dissemination activities. Assist with literature reviews, reports, manuscripts, conference presentations, and grant-related deliverables. Support development of Tribal Research Methods curriculum and related educational resources. Contribute to research planning initiatives, including strategic research discussions. Perform additional duties as assigned in support of grant objectives and organizational priorities. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must meet the minimum educational and experience requirements for the position and demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant applications. Master's Degree required in Public Health, Social Sciences, Psychology, Behavioral Health, Indigenous Studies, Research Administration, or a related field. Minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience coordinating or managing research projects. Demonstrated experience working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. Experience with Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), Tribal Participatory Research, Indigenous methodologies, or culturally responsive research approaches. Experience with IRB processes, human subjects protections, and research compliance requirements. Strong understanding of data management, confidentiality, and research ethics. Experience leading, mentoring, coordinating, or providing technical guidance to staff, students, or research personnel. Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and research-related software applications. Native American preference applies and is highly preferred. HL7N reserves the right to hire according to Indian Preference policies. Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Tribal communities. Preferred Qualifications: PhD in a related field. Experience managing federally funded research grants (NIH, NARCH, SAMHSA, CDC, HRSA, or similar). Experience developing Tribal research infrastructure and research governance systems. Knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, Indigenous data sovereignty, and Tribal approval processes. Experience supporting scientific publications, grant writing, and curriculum development. Certification in Human Subjects Research and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). TRAVEL This role requires frequent (up to 60%) travel to the Seven Tribal Nations and additional in state AND out of state travel as CIRCLE expands nationally. Some trips will include overnight stays to support multi-day training and allow time for respectful engagement with Tribal communities. Because community events and training sessions are often scheduled based on availability, some travel, outreach and training activities will take place during evenings or weekends. PHYSICAL DEMAND While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; bend, stoop, or crouch; lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; use hands to handle or feel objects and reach with arms; and communicate clearly and effectively in person and by phone. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is typically performed in an indoor, collaborative setting. The noise level is moderate, and interactions frequently involve communication and teamwork beyond basic work instructions. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS For full-time employees (30 hours per week), HL7N provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote health, well-being, and financial stability. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting and valuing our team members. 100% medical, dental and vision insurance premium is paid by HL7N first of the month after 60 days of employment. Up to $6,000 health reimbursement annually via Navia Debit Card for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. $75,000 life insurance policy and disability benefits, 100% employer-paid after 90 days (FT EE). 22 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, plus 12 paid holidays and up to 8 sick days per year (after 90 day probationary period). Employees are eligible for a Wellness Week after one year of employment. Employees are eligible for a 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 6% employer contribution after 12 months of employment, contingent upon working at least 1,000 hours. HL7N qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This job description is not intended to list all duties or limit responsibilities. The Healing Lodge reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, or requirements as necessary. Every employee is expected to contribute to the success of the organization by performing assigned tasks and assisting as needed. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace. As a tribal organization operating with an agreement with the Indian Health Services (IHS) and pursuant to our Board’s direction, the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations is required by law to provide absolute preference in employment to American Indians and Alaska Natives who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe as defined by the Secretary of the Interior. Proof of tribal enrollment is required for Indian Preference consideration.
