Director of Research and Policy
Location:
Youth Research, Inc. (YRI)
25 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
Appointment Type:
Full-time, Hybrid Position
Starting Salary: $85,000-$90,000 annually
Position contingent on anticipated funding approval
Duties:
Under the supervision of the Vice President of Strategy, Equity, and Advancement, the Director of Research and Policy will play a hands-on role in the creation of the Center for Excellence (CfE) for Evidence-Based Practice Implementation. The CfE will support implementation of evidence-based programs (EBPs) and promote the success of New York’s Family First Prevention Services Act, Prevention Plan. The Director of Research & Policy will be responsible for overseeing the roll-out, implementation and sustainability of EBPs including fidelity monitoring and evaluation across New York. Housed within the Strategy, Equity and Advancement (SEA) department, the Director will work closely with other key department and CfE staff. They will also supervise Family First Implementation Specialists and Data Analysts.
To successfully manage these responsibilities, the Director of Research and Policy must possess skills that would enable them to effectively complete the following duties:
Oversee the roll-out, implementation, and sustainability of EBPs, including developing application processes and readiness assessments, working collaboratively with experts on implementation schedules, and managing the development and oversight of fidelity monitoring and coaching activities
Conduct research, including literature reviews, develop logic models, construct and administer surveys, and develop focus group protocols
Analyze research from both qualitative and quantitative sources, and discover trends
Create data visualizations and make strategic recommendations based on data interpretation
Write reports using data and other findings to inform various stakeholders of CfE progress and success
Identify and develop solutions to barriers to EBP roll-out, implementation, and sustainability
Serve as a content expert for projects involving child and family well-being, including child care and emerging best practices. Participate in statewide initiatives that support networking with other partnering agencies in the field
Supervise staff and work closely with subject matter experts, contractors, purveyors, etc
Support team initiatives by conducting background research, finding and presenting relevant data sources, and serving as a resource for others by developing research protocols, analyzing data, and using data for fidelity monitoring and continuous quality improvement (CQI)
Maintain consistent and effective communication internally among members of Middle and Senior Management, as well as external stakeholders and partners
Work vertically and horizontally across the organization and with external stakeholders and partners to help ensure coordination and alignment on strategic project goals and objectives
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Education, Nonprofit Management, Public Policy, Public Administration, or closely related field and 6 years of demonstrably progressive research experience OR
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field noted above and 4 years demonstrably progressive research experience OR
Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field noted above with 2 years demonstrably progressive research experience
Experience in interdisciplinary communication and collaboration across areas of expertise
Knowledge of child welfare/child and family well-being systems, the Family First Prevention Services Act, and implementation and/or evaluation of evidence-based programs
Well-developed analytical skills with an ability to synthesize complex information and apply it to strategic recommendations
Excellent leadership skills
Proficiency working with SPSS or similar software used for data analytics, interpretation, outcome analysis, and statistically driven recommendations
Demonstrated ability to manage large scale projects and significant amounts of data
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Excellent and demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships
Proven ability to manage project outcomes
Commitment to teamwork and proactively fostering a collegial work environment
A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with experience working with diverse groups and populations
Intermediate-level computer skills required – including high proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and project management software
Additional Information:
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. YRI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. YRI is committed to ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and workplace diversity. It is the policy of YRI to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position for which they are applying or for which they are employed. YRI does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under title I of the ADA.