Heartland Forward · 1 day ago
Vice President Research
Bentonville, AR
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expHeartland Forward is a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank that turns ideas into action for states and local communities. The Vice President of Research will lead the organization's research agenda, driving impactful insights that inform policy and foster economic growth across the heartland.
EducationNon ProfitSharing EconomyTraining
Responsibilities
Drive Research Excellence – Develop and lead Heartland Forward’s research agenda and strategy, ensuring it advances the mission and delivers measurable impact across our strategic priorities
Build and Inspire a High-Performing Team – Recruit, retain, manage and mentor outstanding researchers and cultivate strong collaborations with external research partners
Deliver Actionable Insights – Design and oversee studies that produce rigorous, data-driven analysis on economic and community development in the heartland, translating findings into practical policy solutions and/or positive impact
Communicate with Influence – Transform complex research into accessible, compelling reports, briefs, op-eds and presentations that resonate with a wide range of audiences
Integrate Research Across the Organization – Partner with program, communications events and advocacy teams to ensure research informs and strengthens every Heartland Forward initiative
Lead in the Public Arena – Serve as a visible thought leader and trusted resource - presenting research to media, policymakers and stakeholders - representing Heartland Forward at high-profile convenings and meetings
Forge Strategic Partnerships – Identify and cultivate innovative research collaborations with academic institutions, civic leaders, private sector organizations and Heartland Forward partners
Shape Organizational Strategy – Serve on the Heartland Forward leadership team - contributing to strategic planning, performance measurement and the overall direction of Heartland Forward
Collaborate with EVP of partnerships to align fundraising strategies and grant proposals with programmatic priorities
Uphold Research Integrity – Maintain the highest standards of data quality, ethics and transparency in all research activities
Budget Management - Lead and manage the research budget and reporting requirements, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency and alignment with organizational priorities
Qualification
Required
Proven Leadership Experience – Minimum of 10 years leading complex, high-impact research initiatives in economics, advocacy, regional development or a closely related field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
Track Record of Impact – Demonstrated success translating research into real-world change, community initiatives or strategic decision-making at state, regional or national levels
Team-Building Excellence – Experience recruiting, managing and mentoring high-performing research teams, including oversight of external consultants and academic partners
Exceptional Communication Skills – Ability to synthesize complex findings into clear, compelling narratives for policymakers, media, funders and the public
Strategic Vision – Expertise in developing and executing long-term research strategies that align with organizational goals and drive measurable outcomes
Partnership Development – Proven ability to cultivate and sustain high-value relationships with leaders in government, academia, philanthropy and the private sector
Analytical and Methodological Expertise – Mastery of quantitative and qualitative research methods, economic and policy analysis and data interpretation
Commitment to Integrity – Deep dedication to research ethics, methodological rigor and transparent reporting
Preferred
PhD in economics, public policy, regional studies or related field (or equivalent experience demonstrating academic and professional rigor)
Experience working in a think-tank, policy institute or other applied research environment with a “think-and-do” model
Media experience as a recognized thought leader, including public speaking, op-eds, and participation in high-profile convenings
Familiarity with the economic and social dynamics of the American heartland
Experience securing research funding or managing grants
Company
Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a nonpartisan, nonprofit “think and do tank” focused on improving economic performance.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Kauffman Foundation
2022-07-11Grant
Leadership Team
Angie Cooper
President & COO
Recent News
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