At this important moment in its history, Feeding America is seeking a Vice President, Research to lead the development and execution of the organization’s strategic research agenda focused on developing a deeper understanding of hunger, how to design effective programs for ending hunger in America today and tomorrow and how to measure and report progress against clearly defined outcomes. S/he shares knowledge across the network and with key external stakeholders. The Vice President works closely with the network engagement team to translate research and best practices around evaluation and measurement with our network food banks. S/he leads efforts to ensure that knowledge in the field and evidence from program and related evaluations inform and strengthen Feeding America’s efforts. As such, the Vice President works closely with the Chief Programs Officer and VP Innovation to inform program design to achieve intended outcomes. S/he also works with our Communications, Government Relations, and Fundraising teams to translate our research and evaluation for the public, policymakers, funders and partner food banks and to foster awareness of food insecurity as an issue of national relevance across domains (poverty, education, public health, behavioral economics, housing, employment, etc.).
Reporting to the Chief Network Officer with a dotted line reporting relationship to the Chief Operating Offer, the Vice President serves as a member of the Feeding America Executive Team.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Lead the design, development and implementation of the organization’s strategic research agenda related to food insecurity, health, nutrition, and related social and economic issues and policies with a focus on sharing insights and developing evaluation and measurement methodology that support the work of network food banks. Advise the Executive Team and network members on issues related to research, evaluation and measuring impact and outcomes.
- Provide leadership that enhances alignment of data needs across the organization. Support the organization in collecting data to inform success toward meeting organizational outcomes and targets. Develop and oversee multi‐million dollar projects to enhance the collection and application of data to rigorously inform our the work of the national organization and member food banks.
- Support resource development for research and evaluation and meet as needed with funders.
- In partnership with senior technical advisors, Feeding America leadership and the research team, support the translation and dissemination of research and evaluation insights to inform and shape organizational strategies and initiatives and develop new partnerships.
- Establish and nurture a network of relationships with key academic researchers/institutions, donors, government agencies and relevant nonprofit partners to further Feeding America’s mission and research agenda and to promote visibility of food insecurity and related hunger and nutrition issues in the public dialogue.
- Develop and oversee department budget; creates, implements and oversees departmental processes in consultation with departmental leadership, and supervises the execution of multiple large, grant‐funded research projects.
- Establish a high standard for data integrity and transparency of data methods used in research and evaluation projects and in external communications. Ensures the organization’s program evaluation activities reflect the highest standards. Identify barriers to effective research and evaluation and advise the Chief Program Officer and others on strategies for mitigating those challenges.
- Lead and mentor a team of experts and ensure a supportive environment that promotes employee professional and personal growth. Oversees project staff including external consultants and cross functional project contributors as needed.
- Represent Feeding America on hunger, health, and related issues among internal and external audiences including national forums, government briefings and media appearances.
- Integrate with internal Feeding America teams (e.g. public policy, member services, programs, fundraising, communications, etc.) to coordinate resources and research on issues of food insecurity, nutrition, health, public policy and related topics for various initiatives, publications and public education activity.
- Contribute to the design and maintenance of an effective knowledge management system that supports knowledge sharing across our network and national office staff.
- Foster a culture of research, innovation and learning with partners focused on deepening our understanding of hunger and the creation of new strategic opportunities to better serve our clients and advance the fight against hunger.
Skills/Experience:
Strategic Leadership
- The VP, Research will have a proven record of converting strategy into effective execution. S/he will have the ability to establish a clear strategic vision for the research function and a strategically aligned research agenda that engages key internal and external stakeholders. Able to leverage a technical background and deep experience in research and evaluation, the VP, Research will have a keen focus on sharing insights and developing evaluation and measurement methodology that supports the work of network food banks and the achievement of strategic outcomes. Committed to challenging the organization with new ideas and thinking based on evolving research, data and insights, s/he will build a culture and process of innovation and continuous learning.
Management Acumen
- The VP, Research will be skilled at building and leading a high-performing, diverse research team with the highest degree of professionalism and guiding team members’ growth and development. S/he will have the ability to set clear priorities, delegate, and support a productive work environment. S/he will foster a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and teamwork across the organization. The VP, Research will encourage and celebrate the talents of the team while also holding each accountable to mutually agreed-upon goals.
Experienced Researcher
- The VP, Research will bring experience conducting and supervising complex and large-scale research projects with a focus on driving impact through practical application. Familiar with multiple research designs (quantitative and qualitative, primary and secondary analysis, program evaluation and quality improvement, quasi-experimental, policy evaluation, etc.) s/he will demonstrate the ability to balance rigor with pragmatism. The VP, Research will be adept at applying program evaluations and assessments to program design, implementation and dissemination. With demonstrated knowledge of social science research, s/he will bring a strong understanding of the related economic and policy issues in the United States. S/he is a coach and leader, capable of teaching generalists about the importance of and application of research and evaluation concepts and methods.
Relationship Building and Collaboration
- The VP, Research will be skilled at building effective relationships at multiple levels within a complex environment, including internal and external Feeding America constituents. S/he will have the ability to cultivate vibrant and productive partnerships within and beyond the existing Feeding America ecosystem. The VP, Research will possess exceptional communication skills, including the ability to successfully communicate technical information to non-technical audiences and use facts, data and analysis to engage a broad range of audiences. This will be a strong presenter, with experience competing for and securing external grant funding or private donations to support research agendas. S/he will have a strong track record of building consensus and working collaboratively in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. The VP, Research will have a demonstrated ability to build and align a network of or partners and thought leaders to inform research strategy and execution and to support resource development.
How to Apply:
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Aug 30 2019
Active Until:
Oct 1 2019
Hiring Organization:
Feeding America
industry:
Nonprofit