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Child Trends · 2 weeks ago

Program Area Director - Education Research

United States

Full-time

Remote

Director/Executive

$165K/yr - $187K/yr

10+ years exp

Child Trends is a nationally recognized nonprofit research center dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth. They are seeking a Program Area Director to lead their Education program, focusing on research and technical assistance that influences education policy and practice. The role involves overseeing research projects, developing funding proposals, and leading a team of education professionals.

ChildrenNon ProfitSocial

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Leading current projects, overseeing all aspects of major research, evaluation, or technical assistance initiatives

Developing and securing funding for new projects through funder cultivation, proposal development, and partnership building

Program leadership, strategy, and team development, including talent development, operational oversight, and continuous improvement

Qualification

Education research leadershipMixed methods expertiseQuantitative fluencyTeam developmentGrant writingResearch translationU.S. education policyTechnical assistanceCoachingPublic speakingParticipatory approachesAI in educationField thought leadershipPhDEquivalentRelationship building

Required

Entrepreneurial, service-oriented leader

Track record of shaping, securing support for, and leading education research, evaluation and technical assistance efforts that influence policy, practice, and systems improvement

Strong mixed methods methodological expertise, particularly quantitative fluency (or deep working knowledge)

Values participatory approaches that elevate student, educator, and community perspectives in research, technical assistance, and decision making

Leads by coaching, developing, and empowering teams and fostering shared accountability

On-the-ground experience improving schools, districts, agencies, or education systems

Excited by innovation, including the potential of AI in research and schools

Seeks ownership and empowerment, not a predefined playbook

Demonstrated ability to deliver results in education systems, including influencing policy, practice, or implementation decisions

Demonstrated ability to effectively lead teams

Extensive experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, including researchers, analysts, and technical assistance providers

Deep research and evaluation expertise, with substantial experience designing and overseeing rigorous mixed-methods studies and applied evaluations

Success originating, developing, and securing multi-year, multi-million-dollar grants and contracts from philanthropic organizations, the federal government, and state agencies

Experience with federal and state contracting, including compliance, deliverables, and partner coordination

Demonstrated field thought leadership in content or methodological area

Strong understanding of the U.S. education system and policy landscape across federal, state, and local levels

Demonstrated strength in research translation and strategic communication with a track record of producing products that make evidence accessible and actionable for decision makers

Strong or growing visibility in the education policy or education research with a strong professional network of researchers and public officials and frequent opportunities for public speaking in research and policy forums

PhD or equivalent expertise gained through professional experience

10+ years of progressively responsible experience in education research, evaluation, technical assistance, or closely related fields