National Child Welfare Association

Current Job Opening: Director of Research (PhD)

Apply for this Job

Email, mail, or fax resume to:

Carmen Farmer Email

5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97239

POSITION:  Director of Research (PhD)
SALARY RANGE: $63,000-$75,000—Level III
CLASSIFICATION: Management, professional, regular, permanent, exempt
SUPERVISOR: Senior Program Director

Responsibilities

The Director of Research for the National Indian Child Welfare Association acts as principle investigator for NICWA research and evaluation projects and is responsible for guiding research design, methodology, data analysis, and reporting for NICWA research and evaluation activities.  This position has overall responsibility for the management, control, and delivery of all aspects of this program and must carry out the following specific responsibilities:

Research

Ensures that all contracted and NICWA performed research activities are 1) developed according to methods that are academically rigorous and conducted in an ethical and professional manner, including protocols related to IRB approval; 2) include academically rigorous and culturally appropriate evaluation designs for NICWA projects and contracted services; 3) staffed with qualified researchers whether it’s NICWA staff or contracted researchers; and 4) conducted so that all NICWA partners understand NICWA’s expectations for the respective research project and how this impacts the development and implementation of the project 5) inclusive of community based participation.

Ensures that NICWA keeps abreast of emerging research that best supports existing work or development of new projects.

Management

Ensures sound management of the program’s services and administrative duties, including implementation of all contracted and NICWA performed research activities in accordance with organizational goals and objectives, grants and contracts requirements, financial issues, and interagency planning and relationships.

Supervision

Directly supervises personnel activities for research program staff.

Duties

  1. Assists the Executive Director, Senior Program Director and research staff in establishing research priorities
  2. Develops timelines and deliverables for NICWA research and evaluation projects in coordination with NICWA program directors, partner agencies, funders and researchers
  3. Schedules meetings, develops agendas and other information needed to conduct effective work meetings with NICWA staff, researchers, funders and partner agencies
  4. Develops and manages research project budgets, reviews expenditures at least monthly, and reports variances to the senior program director.
  5. Manages and plans for the effective use of NICWA and contracted research staff, including support to NICWA researchers in their efforts to conduct research projects, such as helping them with questions about research methodology, clarification on NICWA expectations, addressing barriers to the successful completion of NICWA research projects, and guiding them in designing and implementing research projects that reflect NICWA priorities and expectations
  6. Maintains effective and timely communication with NICWA staff, partner agencies, funders and researchers regarding NICWA research activities
  7. Prepares reports and other written information as required by any contract or grant
  8. Coordinates the dissemination of information on NICWA research projects to tribal leaders, Indian programs, policymakers, federal and state agencies, partner agencies, funders, NICWA staff, NICWA Board of Directors and other individuals or entities in a timely manner
  9. Identifies key individuals and entities that can assist NICWA research activities and coordinates their involvement when appropriate
  10. Maintains professional working relationships with NICWA researchers, partner agencies, consultants, funders and other groups, such as professionals in the child welfare field and tribal leadership and program staff
  11. Assists in the tracking of national trends in research related to NICWA research priorities and funding opportunities to be continuously apprised of the most current and relevant information on research that impacts Indian children and families
  12. Works with the Executive Director, Senior Program Director, Development Manager and research staff to develop funding proposals to support NICWA research activities
  13. Adheres to NICWA policy regarding ownership of data, respect for tribal sovereignty and community participation in research and evaluation activities.
  14. Performs other duties as assigned, such as representing NICWA on various external and internal teams and committees, and participates in development activities

Qualifications

  1. Has a doctorate degree in social work or related human services field
  2. Has demonstrated skills and knowledge of advanced research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative
  3. Has extensive experience in conducting research in American Indian human services settings
  4. Has extensive knowledge of Indian culture, social service systems, including child welfare, mental health and juvenile justice
  5. Has ability to meet with, solicit cooperation of and deal effectively with people at various levels, e.g., tribal representatives, funders, program directors, state and federal officials, consultants, etc.
  6. Has demonstrated skills in performing technical writing, including funding proposals and reports on research findings
  7. Has advanced knowledge and experience with research software
  8. Has demonstrated use of analytical, planning and project management skills
  9. Has ability to work in a team environment, both in leadership and peer relationships
  10. Have strong organizational skills
  11. Has demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing in an effective, professional and timely manner
  12. Can capably operate a variety of office equipment, such as computer, photocopier, printer, etc.
  13. Able to travel up to 25% of work year