Assoc Project Dir

Department: IPR - Inst for Policy Res
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

The Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research & Science (CORNERS) at Northwestern University's Institute for Policy Research develops transformative research projects with community and civic partners aimed at improving health and safety for more equitable neighborhoods.

The Corners Associate Director of Research Programs provides essential research project leadership for the center's growing portfolio of research and evaluation projects focused on gun violence prevention. This includes strategic and operational research project direction, maintaining strong partnerships with project partners and other key stakeholders, cultivating new partnerships and projects, developing research project grants and proposals, overseeing the development of publications, reports, and other deliverables, and working with the center's executive and senior leadership team to develop and monitor strategic centerwide priorities. The program director will play a key role on Corners' growing leadership team.

This position is for an initial term ending on December 31, 2025. Opportunity for renewal will be based on performance and available funding.

Please note: Projects may require work on evenings and weekends, as dictated by center priorities, programs, donor prospect availability, and NU/community event schedules.

Specific Responsibilities:

Research Program Direction and Leadership

• Directs a research program consisting of 3-4 of the center's core social policy research and evaluation projects focused on gun violence prevention, public safety, and community violence intervention.
• Oversees the major research components of the program, including developing research project standards, guidelines, and benchmarks; overseeing data collection, analysis, and workflow; supervising the development of key program deliverables; and developing systems and infrastructure to guide and ensure consistent high-quality work across projects
• Maintains strong external partnerships with key stakeholders to support and advance the program, including serving as the lead representative and spokesperson for the projects within the program.
• Provides senior leadership for the center, including helping Corners' executive leadership team develop organizational priorities and advance its mission and core pillars.

Project and Partnership Development

• Initiates and develops new partnerships, projects, and proposals to advance the work of the center.
• Leads and collaborates with Corners' team members and external partners on the development of research project grants.
• Acts as a primary point of contact for stakeholders wishing to collaborate or partner with the center.
• Communication and Dissemination
• Serves as a lead representative and spokesperson for Corners' research.
• Leads the development of research findings for peer-reviewed journals, reports, and presentations. Oversees program team members in generating data and developing content, and finalizes publications and other communications materials and documents.
• Communicates and disseminates research findings across multiple audiences (e.g., partners, funders, and policymakers) and across multiple forums (e.g., at conferences, community events, and professional meetings).

Program Administration

• Ensures that all policies, regulations, rules, and requirements are met per foundation, federal, or other sponsor guidelines.
• Oversees budget and expenditures for the program, including performing monthly budget reviews and presenting financial information to Corners' leadership on the financial status of the program.
• Leads program team in developing job descriptions for new roles and recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new program staff.

Staff Supervision

• Supervises 3-5 full-time research project staff, including project managers, project coordinators, and data analysts.
• Provides direction on research project planning and management to ensure timely and high-quality execution of key project deliverables.
• Trains and supervises research project staff and students, providing mentorship and professional development.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master's degree in public policy, sociology, or other relevant social science or related field.
• At least two years of academic research project management experience in the area of gun violence prevention with demonstrated success and increasing responsibility.
• Three to five years of relevant experience in the field of violence prevention (e.g., direct service experience, programmatic experience, and/or relevant nonprofit or other non-academic research experience).
• At least two years of experience as a supervisor.
• Formal training or coursework in program evaluation, research methods, and/or policy analysis.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong project management skills and ability to train others in project management tools, techniques, and systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop effective relationships with diverse stakeholders including community partners, funders, policymakers, and other researchers.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to translate complex and technical research concepts into understandable ideas for diverse audiences.
• High level of attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research design and methods and community based participatory research approaches.
• Knowledge of Chicago neighborhoods and understanding of the impact of gun violence in Chicago communities.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least five years of relevant experience in the field of violence prevention (e.g., direct service experience, programmatic experience, and/or relevant nonprofit or other non-academic research experience).
• Experience developing publications, presentations, and trainings for diverse audiences across multiple channels of communication.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Proficient in relevant statistical software (e.g., R, Stata) and/or other web-based software/technology.
• Demonstrated experience with data collection, program evaluation, and human subjects research projects requiring Institutional Review Board approval.
• Knowledge of data visualization tools and techniques.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $85,000-$93,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

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