To manage key research projects for Feeding America with the goal of deepening the understanding of the people who are experiencing food insecurity and what works to improve their circumstances. This includes supporting enterprise learning and thought leadership goals, and leading research design, analysis and strategic dissemination of research insights.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Directs and manages the production of critical research projects (e.g., the annual Map the Meal Gap study, systematic evidence reviews, etc.), including the initial planning and design, the execution of data collection and analysis, and translation of insights for the National Office, food banks and/or external audiences
- Defines scope, goals and deliverables of projects in collaboration with Research Leadership, senior management, Technical Advisory Group, and other stakeholders.
- Identifies and manages project plan; including timelines and milestones using appropriate tools.
- Effectively communicates expectations and delegates tasks to team members, appropriate personnel, and/or consultants in a timely and clear fashion.
- Provides input and support to guide the prioritization and integration of the Strategic Research Agenda into the active research and programmatic approaches that align with Feeding America’s mission and organizational goals
- Takes on project management responsibilities as they arise to carry out new research
- Leverages research to drive evidence-based solution development in partnership with departments including but not limited to Programs, Innovation and Ending Hunger
- Creates and manages the dissemination of research insights through translational materials such as research briefs, evidence reviews, interactive online tools, knowledge libraries, etc., to convey the findings of research activities conducted by the Feeding America.
- Manages the Research Department budgets, processing payments, tracking monthly expenses, facilitating the execution of new contracts, and serving as a liaison to the Finance department.
- Provides strategic counsel to the Research Leadership on budget management for key research projects and coordinates the execution of activities during the annual budget and reforecasting processes.
- Provides support and technical assistance to network members to drive the development of local-level research, evaluation and policy analysis capability.
- Collaborates with other Feeding America departments, including Government Relations, Strategy, and Communications to ensure that research insights and data are available at key junctures to proactively inform and support enterprise strategic decisions, policy initiatives, public audience awareness and more.
- As needed, supports the Feeding America’s Technical Advisory Group, a panel of national experts on research methodologies and food insecurity, to provide for appropriate peer review of research activities and to augment department research capacity.
- Manages external research consultants and research firms to conduct key research initiatives.
- Presents at learning conferences, policy forums and similar events on key research topics.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Upholds the nationally recognized expertise of Feeding America on research and evaluation within the fields of food security, food assistance and poverty.
Educational Background:
BA/BS required or relevant experience
Skills/Experience:
- Master’s Degree preferred
- 5 plus years in research/ evaluation/ analysis with 2 plus years in social science research.
Foundational Competencies:
- Committed to organizational mission of ending hunger.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Committed to a workplace that values different backgrounds and life experiences and allows everyone to bring their authentic self to work. Builds equity into structures, systems and processes for our employees and the communities we serve.
Required Leadership Competencies:
- Communicates Effectively– Demonstrates strong written, oral and presentation skills and has experience translating research into easily understandable insights to diverse audiences.
- Collaborates Internally and Externally – Ability to navigate internal and external relationships while building consensus.
- Leverages Functional Expertise – Proven ability to manage multiple complex research projects from development to dissemination.
- Manages for results/delegates authority – Proven track record of project management moving teams toward end results.
- Continuously improves – Seeks process improvements and provides a POV to drive change and new, innovative methods for accomplishing our goals.
Required Technical Competencies and Experience:
- Excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically as part of a team and within broad coalitions.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications required.
- Proficiency in statistical software (e.g. SPSS) and/or data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau) preferred.
- 10% - 25% travel required.
How to Apply:
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Oct 27 2019
Active Until:
Nov 27 2019
Hiring Organization:
Feeding America
industry:
Nonprofit