Research Director, Center for Research in Educational Policy

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

The Center for Research in Educational Policy (CREP) is seeking an innovative, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Research Director. The Research Director provides leadership and overall administrative oversight of the Center. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Education, the position is responsible for the leadership, management, and the overall administrative and financial operation of the Center.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Doctoral degree in Educational Research or Policy, Psychology, Education, or related social science fields
• 3 years of relevant work experience
• Proven record of successfully securing and managing state, foundation and/or federal contracts and grants
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

DESIRED:

• Demonstrated effective leadership/administration skills
• Experience working with K-12 and higher education research, public policy, and/or relevant government entities
• Knowledge of advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, including the ability
  to review others’ effort to conduct high-quality data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex ideas and findings in oral and written
  communication
• A strong commitment to promoting diversity and multicultural competence in an educational, research, and work environment Commitment to the Center for Research in Education Policy’s mission and goals

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Education, the Research Director is responsible for

• Providing leadership in administrative and financial operations, including supervising, developing, and supporting research faculty and staff
• Leading strategic planning for the Center of Research in Educational Policy (CREP) to ensure that the Center’s goals and objectives are communicated and aligned with the university’s mission and vision
• Identifying, vetting, and obtaining grant and contract opportunities and fielding inquiries from internal and external sources
• Leading staff to develop and implement proposals/project plans and timelines to ensure that project deliverables are high-quality and completed in a timely manner
• Representing the interests of the Center with college and university senior administration
• Enhancing and strengthening the national and statewide reputation of the Center
• Cultivating and maintaining positive and productive relationships with stakeholders, internal departments/programs, and external partner agencies
• Developing and facilitating a communication and marketing strategy
• Managing the space needs of the Center’s in collaboration with appropriate university offices and staff
• Serving on the Dean’s Leadership Team
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to initiate and engage in creative approaches to advancing policy
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to lead and work as part of a team
• Ability to use editing and publishing tools effectively; and produce high-quality scholarly work
• Familiarity with database management and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Qualtrics,)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Zoom, and other web-based tools

SETTING

The College of Education is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and innovation and prepares students for careers as educators, practitioners, researchers, and leaders in their respective areas. We benefit from strong partnerships with four university-affiliated lab schools—The UofM Early Learning & Research Center, Campus School, and University Middle which collectively serve over 500 children from pre-K to 8th grade. [https://www.memphis.edu/education/index.php]. The University of Memphis is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as one of two public research universities and boasts 25 Chairs of Excellence and five state-approved Centers of Excellence. It has eight colleges and five professional schools serving a diverse population of over 21,000 students, including 5000 graduate students. The University is strongly committed to its urban mission and outreach programs and recognizes the diverse and integrated role played by each faculty and administration in fulfilling a comprehensive mission of research, education, and community outreach [https://memphis.edu].

SALARY& BEGINNING DATE

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position is a 12-month appointment. The anticipated date of employment is August 1, 2023. The University offers an excellent benefits package, including healthcare and retirement.

This is a grant-funded position. This appointment is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funds and may be terminated at any time without cause or prior written notice. There is no expectation of continued employment beyond the expiration date of the grant. This appointment is made subject to the laws of the State of Tennessee and the policies and requirements of the University of Memphis.

APPLICATION

Screening will begin February 17, 2023 and may continue until the position is filled. Applications are to be submitted electronically at https://workforum.memphis.edu. Applicants are required to submit (1) a detailed letter of application documenting qualifications for the position; (2) a current curriculum vitae; and (3) at least three names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of academic/professional references. For questions or nominations, please contact search committee chair, Dr. Leigh Williams (leigh.williams@memphis.edu). Applicants will receive a confirmation number when all application materials are submitted in Workforum. Letters of reference and an official transcript will be requested upon interview. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

The University of Memphis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

We urge all qualified applicants to apply for this position. Appointment will be based on qualifications as they relate to position requirements without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, handicap or veteran status. The successful candidate must meet guidelines of the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.”