Research Leader Jobs

This part-time role will assist with the next stage of the Early Years Leadership Diversity Initiative (EYLDI), with responsibility for the oversight of all research projects and the development and communication of research findings. This role reports to the project Director.This position will start approximately July 1, 2023 and run through June 2024. There is a possibility that the work could continue longer into 2024.

The EYLDI’s Research Leader will have expertise in leadership diversity and/or leadership development, an interest in early care and education, a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and a strong base of research knowledge.We are seeking diverse candidates for this role, especially people of color.The Research Leader ensures the work reflects EYLDI’s core values of equity, inclusive community, accountability and humble inquiry.

About the Early Years Leadership Diversity Initiative:

This initiative seeks to catalyze conversations and actions about leadership development and leadership diversity in the early care and education (ECE) sector.Our goal is to advance leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences as a way to improve equitable access to quality early learning.

In 2020, EYLDI conducted a national research study to listen to what early childhood professionals and leaders were saying about leadership diversity and opportunity in this sector.Our research report, Diversify Early Childhood Leadership: It’s time to remove the barriers holding us back, was completed in late 2021.The ECE sector will flourish when all of its leaders -- regardless of background and experience -- are supported and positioned to have profound impact on the children and families they serve.EYLDI seeks to address the barriers that are impacting advancement for marginalized rising leaders through research and engagement with current leaders and partners.

The Early Years Leadership Diversity Initiative is a fiscally sponsored project under the Maryland Philanthropy Network, a 501c3 member organization whose mission is to maximize the impact of giving on community life through a growing network of diverse, informed and effective philanthropists.

Responsibilities

● Oversight of the research components of EYLDI’s strategy (as articulated in our theory of change and logic model), contributing to any reviews of the strategy as it relates to research.Manage all research outputs.

●Directly deliver research projects – carry out desk-based research, or commission and manage others in desk-based research.

● Recommend and manage primary research projects. Work with Director to determine research topics, questions and methods, and develop a research plan.Determine optimal approach for conducting the research, including identifying consultants or research organizations, and liaising with others in carrying out the research.

●Ensure research outputs are clear and concise, and will lead to actionable steps in line with EYLDI’s strategy. This will include contributing to articles and other outreach efforts to share findings with the ECE field, editing reports, developing short summaries of research outputs and drafting reports.

●Represent EYLDI externally on research findings. May include preparing formal and informal presentations such as education and training events, attending conferences, participating in regional workgroups, and other meetings, as necessary.

● Identify potential research partners and build partnerships with research organizations.

●Review and oversee research methods and protocols. Confer with external experts, as needed, for advice and perspective on EYLDI approaches. Provide knowledge to the team about research approaches and protocols. Ensure that all research supported by EYLDI is carried out in an ethical manner.

●Collaborate with the Project Manager on internal processes related to research, budget development and monitoring, evaluation and communications.

Qualifications

Knowledge:

●Postgraduate degree or equivalent, with a strong understanding of different social research concepts and approaches.

●Sound knowledge of leadership development, particularly in education, as well as diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).Preferred knowledge of sociology, psychology and/or organizational development.

●Preferred knowledge of the early care and education (ECE) sector.

●Sound project management skills and experience (eg., developing work plans and monitoring progress).

●Ability to carry out desk-based research.

●Understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods/approaches.

●Sound understanding of research ethics.

Experience:

●Carrying out either/both quantitative and qualitative research, preferably in early childhood education or general education, leadership development, workforce development, psychology. Experience handling confidential information with discretion.

●Desk-based research, including literature reviews and/or phone interviews.

●Research project management.

●Analyzing information, summarizing findings, and making recommendations.

●Conveying complex information clearly and concisely to a wide range of audiences.

●Working directly with different cultures and socioeconomic groups.

Skills & Personal Attributes:

●Commitment to DEIB.

●Values perspectives and contributions from all team members.

●Strong writing, editing, and spoken English skills. Ability to communicate persuasively in varied settings and to different audiences.

●Ability to work under pressure, prioritize, move multiple projects forward, honor commitments, and deliver on tight deadlines.

●Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a small start-up project team.

●Effective intercultural communicator, who can provide and receive direction, guidance, and feedback to strengthen knowledge and skills.

●Reflective and willing to learn from experience.