Policy Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In addition to a CV, applicants must submit one original, peer-reviewed research publication in which they served as either the first or second author. The submitted sample must demonstrate scholarly expertise in quantitative research methods or a mixed methods research design with a substantial quantitative component. The publication should reflect the applicant's ability to contribute to rigorous empirical research, data analysis, and evidence-based scholarship relevant to the field of community based healthcare, mental health or education as related to student achievement.

Position Summary

The ENLACES Project is a federally funded Full-Service Community School (FSCS) implementation grant.The ENLACES Research Directoris a key leadershiprole reporting directly to theDean, Sanford College of Education.Leads, in collaboration with theDean, research effortswith functional area oversight across research,grants/RFPs,& policy, and support withdeveloping research related to measuring and evaluating the efficacy of services provided to children, families and teachers in a full-service community schools initiative.This roleis responsiblefordevelopingand executinga research agenda acrossENLACESin close collaboration with senior leadershipatNational University.

TheENLACESResearchDirectoris responsible forleadingresearch team effortsincludingschool-districtlevel initiatives and partnerships related to research, includingimpact evaluations,quasi-experimental research andmixed methods studies, pilot/casestudies, and research-practice partnerships.This position also serves as a key leader to help translate researchintopractice andensureservicesalignwithevidence-based practices.This position assists executives and/or senior directors in defining organizational goals and strategic plansthathaveacritical impact onthesuccess of functional areasand organizations.This role will also help secureadditionalgrant funds for research, as well as oversight overgraduateand undergraduatestudents and other research assistants.

Essential Functions

• Developand executearesearchagenda forFull-Service Community Schools implementationcentered onefficacy, outcomes, andchildren/familygrowth
• Partner with National Universityfaculty/staffto create structures for staff and graduate and undergraduate students toparticipatein research activities
• Research andevaluate the development and delivery of programsutilizingquantitativeand mixed-methodsresearchdesigns
• Produce research briefs, white papers,and tools to enhanceuserexperience;and engage with other units within NationalUniversity (e.g., Cause Research Institute)to enhance researchefforts.Collaboratewith researchers, graduate students, and post-docs at NUCause Research Institute,Sanford College of Education, JFK School ofPsychologyand Social Sciences, and School of Health Professionsto co-develop a robust research agendasupporting ENLACES.
• Engage in research-practice partnerships with partner districts and strategic partners to better understand ways in which innovative solutionsfromENLACESare implemented.
• Manage research projects with aresearchteam (graduate students and RAs), as well as weighvarietyof internal and external stakeholders, ensuring research projects stay on track and within budget.
• Participate in training, coaching, and supporting graduate and undergraduate students in engaging in research projects.
• Collect, assemble, andmaintaindatasets relatedservices provided to children, families, and teachers through ENLACES.
• Analyze data to generate evidence that can influence policyand practice
• Writeresearch reports, briefing memos, summaries of journal articles, books,blogsand news articlesindividually and in collaboration with other researchers and scholars (internal and external).
• Presentresults of empirical analysis in interesting and easy to understand table and graphical formats.
• Contribute towriting grants to support continuation ofgrantfunding thatsupportscommunity school initiatives.
• Support the content development of RFPs
• Partnerwith external clients and consultantsto support research and evaluation.
• Review content, products, and materials to ensure they align with evidence-based practices
• Attend conferences and seminars asneeded.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct supervisory ofgrant specialists,graduate students,data analysts,and research assistants (3-5reports)

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Doctoral degree in education, psychology, researchmethodologyor related fieldwith a minimum of three years of related experiencerequired.
• Five (5)years' experienceleading research projects (project director, task leads)required.
• Project managementand continuous improvement experiencehighlypreferred.
• Experience with data collection or evaluation in community- and school-based settings preferred.
• Experience with mixed-methodsresearchpreferred.
• Experience building andmaintainingpartner relationshipspreferred.
• Experience withgrantwritingpreferred.
• Experience designing analyses withpracticeimplicationspreferred.
• Schedule flexibility isrequiredfor late afternoon, evening, and weekend events when they occur.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• Ability to takebig ideasand concepts to develop research projects and communicate effectively to others
• Strong attention to detail in writing and speaking.
• Ability to develop and execute projects through effective project management strategies.
• Can motivate and effectively manage a team, building upon strengths.
• Ability to provide training and support to graduate and undergraduate students and staff.
• Dynamic speaking and strong writing skills to communicateprecisely andeffectively withmultiple audiences.
• Interpersonal qualities: a sense of urgency and engagement; strong leadership capabilities;demonstratedwork-ethic and commitment to high-quality service; confidence and excitement about change; a personal presence that is active and inclusive;demonstratedskill to promote and enhance diversity.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proven ability to work with diverse populations anddemonstratedcommitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.

Location:Remote, USA
Travel:Travelto San Diegois approximately 20%, or 4-5 days per month.