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Boston University · 5 days ago

DIRECTOR, POLICY-ALIGNED RESEARCH AGENDA, Wheelock College of Education and Human

Boston, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

5+ years exp

Boston University is seeking an entrepreneurial, research-minded policymaker to serve as the founding director of the Policy-Aligned Research Agenda Building Lab (PARABL) at the Wheelock Educational Policy Center. This role involves launching a new initiative that bridges the research-policy divide in education, overseeing the development of systems and processes to support strategic research agendas aligned with large-scale systems change.

College RecruitingHigher EducationUniversities

Responsibilities

Design, document, and continuously refine standardized processes, tools, protocols, and templates for policy-aligned research agenda development; adapt model components to serve diverse client contexts and create scalable resources for future growth

Develop quality assurance mechanisms and metrics to evaluate PARABL's effectiveness and impact; build internal knowledge management systems to capture learnings and best practices

Establish systems for matching client needs with appropriate researchers and research entities

Develop and manage revenue systems, fee-for-service structures, and PARABL operational budget with authority to allocate resources, approve expenditures, forecast revenue, and ensure financial sustainability

Serve as lead facilitator and strategic advisor to education leaders developing policy-aligned research agendas; develop vetting process for client fit and conduct needs assessments

Design and facilitate convenings that bridge policy and research communities; assess feasibility, data availability, and resource requirements for proposed research approaches

Lead cross-functional collaboration with BU faculty, WEPC research staff, and external research partners; manage project timelines, deliverables, and client relationships to ensure high-quality outcomes

Exercise independent judgment in complex, ambiguous situations including determining client fit and engagement scope, navigating competing stakeholder priorities, adapting methodology when standard approaches don't apply, and making strategic pivots based on incomplete information

Build capacity to scale PARABL by recruiting, training, and supervising additional facilitators and project staff; manage performance and professional development of direct reports

Cultivate relationships with education systems leaders, state chiefs, governors' offices, funders, and nonprofit leaders; develop and execute strategic engagement plan to build pipeline of prospective clients

Represent PARABL at national conferences, convenings, and forums to build visibility and credibility

Build and maintain partnerships with research institutions, individual scholars, and evaluation firms; identify opportunities to innovate and expand PARABL's approach in an evolving research ecosystem

Collaborate with WEPC Executive Director to identify and develop funding opportunities; take lead responsibility for articulating PARABL's value proposition through communications materials, case examples, and thought leadership content

Qualification

Policy-making experienceData-driven decision-makingFacilitation skillsProject managementEntrepreneurial mindsetResearch methodologiesCommunication skillsChange managementStrategic planningGrant writing

Required

Minimum 5 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in a policy-making role in education or related public sector domain with demonstrated responsibility for systems-level decisions and strategy

Proven facilitation and project management skills, including ability to convene diverse stakeholders, navigate complex conversations, build consensus, and manage timelines, budgets, and multiple workstreams simultaneously

Strong track record of using data and research to inform decision-making, with ability to translate research findings into actionable policy insights

Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences

Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity, including experience building new programs, processes, or initiatives

Preferred

Senior leadership experience in a state education agency, governor's office, or large education-focused nonprofit (e.g., deputy commissioner, chief of staff, policy director)

Direct experience commissioning, overseeing, or partnering with researchers to conduct evaluation or policy research; familiarity with research methodologies (especially quasi-experimental methods) and ability to assess research design quality

Experience in multiple policy contexts or states; knowledge of current education policy landscape, including major reform efforts, funding mechanisms, and key national organizations

National networks and relationships with education leaders, researchers, or intermediary organizations; experience presenting at national conferences or writing for publication

Background in change management or strategic planning in complex organizational environments; grant writing or fundraising experience

Company

Boston University

Glassdoor4.3

Boston University is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the world.

Founded in 2012

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

5001-10000 employees