The Director position is responsible for the development, execution and oversight of a research, learning and evaluation solutions portfolio associated with operational excellence of Ys. The results of these solutions provide Ys with the science and measurement necessary to enhance their sustainability, extend their reach into the community (grow membership) and demonstrate their economic impact/contributions to the community.
This position is a key driver of success in the organization’s ability to drive operational excellence within Ys and is responsible for designing research strategies and delivering results which advance Ys in this area.
This position will be based from YMCA of the USA's national resource office located in Chicago, IL. Out-of-State Applicants: Relocation is a requirement for this position.
- Design and execute research projects and solutions for the Operational Excellence practice area (in support of the National YMCA Research & Learning Agenda), internally and/or with partners.
- Develop/identify indicators, tools and pilot monitoring systems to advance practices related to operational excellence through clear protocols and evidence supported criteria
- Maintain relationships and partner with researchers to design studies or information gathering both within the Y network and within partner practitioner groups as required
- Work collaboratively and build partnerships with YMCA of the USA management and colleagues including C-suite, to elevate the quality and impact of practice area research products and solutions.
- Engage peers in operational excellence practice to advance the role of the Y as a thought leader and communicate the field-building and objective purpose of the Y in assigned area of focus
- Direct efforts to produce and communicate tools, reports, products, services, and synthesized learnings to ensure usability of research solutions to demonstrate impact and drive continuous improvement.
- Leverage professional affiliations, peers, and Y network to advance the role of the Y as a thought leaderin assigned practice area.
- Develop a plan for and performs analysis of data sets to answer quality improvement questions using appropriate statistical analysis
- Directs and works effectively with other YUSA staff and departments (e.g., Marketing, Communications, Research Analytics and Insights, Training and Leadership Development, Financial Development, Internal Technology, Legal, etc.) to advance the operational excellence efforts
- Manage and supervise assigned staff and research partnerships
- Minimum 10 years of experience of relevant work experience in designing, conducting, and/or partnering for research, evaluation, and/or analytics in operational performance or market research is required
- Minimum 5 years of local YMCA operations, analytics or executive leadership required
- Minimum of 2 years of supervision experience managing staff and/or partners in a research, learning and/or analytics discipline with a demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality project deliverables on time
- Demonstrated ability to link academic research and effective practice to application and scaling in the field
- Concentration in evaluation methodology and/or research methodology strongly preferred
- Knowledge of data management systems and data sharing arrangements plus
- Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate complex ideas into clear, easy-to-understand concepts
- Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills are required
- Must possess project management skills, with the ability to multi-task and deliver quality work on time
- Strong analytic and critical reasoning skills are required
- Must possess a solid understanding of statistics as well as experience with database applications and research services
- Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications
- Must be able to travel approximately 30% of the time