Managing Director, Research & Evaluation - Syracuse University : Job Details

The Managing Director of Research & Evaluation at Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is a senior leadership role responsible for guiding the Institute's strategic direction. This position leads a multi-disciplinary team of social and behavioral scientists, program evaluators, analysts, consultants, and students. The Managing Director oversees a broad portfolio of sponsored research programs, evaluation initiatives, and technical assistance programs with various partners. They are responsible for shaping and advancing the Institute's research and evaluation agenda, ensuring alignment with IVMF's operational objectives, and fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making, performance, and innovation. The role involves collaboration with Syracuse University's schools, colleges, and faculty, as well as external partners, to support the Institute's mission of service, support, and scholarly insight for veterans, servicemembers, and their families.

Education and Experience

* Master's degree in the social sciences, public policy and administration, business management, public health, human studies, social work, or related fields required.

* Preference to those with a Ph.D. or related master's degree and a combination of academic and professional experience equivalent to the attainment of a doctoral or professional terminal degree.

* Preference to those with a multi-disciplinary educational background spanning STEM fields and the social or behavioral sciences, and prior experience building and leading multi-disciplinary teams.

* Ten (10) plus years of progressive management experience leading project-based teams in the public, private, or social sectors.

* Five (5) plus years of supervisory experience leading applied research and data analytics initiatives in a higher education or think tank setting.

* Three (3) plus years of experience with assessment, evidence-based decision support, analytics, data curation, and/or related consulting experience.

Skills and Knowledge

* Exemplifies a balance of effective senior leadership and technical competencies, communication skills, perspective, and character that instill trust and confidence in internal and external clients, partners, and stakeholders.

* Established track record of strong leadership, strategy development, business acumen, and change management skills to effectively lead and supervise a multi-disciplinary team that is responsive to changing social needs.

* Can effectively initiate and communicate a compelling vision and need for change that maintains enthusiasm and commitment to the process.

* Demonstrates the ability and desire to mobilize the tools of higher education to achieve public good, in the context of advancing the social, economic, and wellness concerns of the nation's veterans and their families.

* Established ability to collaborate and build trust, and to manage conflict constructively, both within the organization, on a university campus, and with public and private sector organizations across the country to achieve common and collective goals

* Demonstrates the ability and desire to bridge research, policy, and practice, by translating academic scholarship and programmatic insights to inform and empower action by the public and private sectors to advance the lives of the nation's veterans and their families.

Responsibilities

* Create and implement a research agenda that aligns with the IVMF's mission, goals, and objectives, as well as those of its partners and stakeholders. This agenda should address the needs of the military-connected community and incorporate feedback from IVMF team members, key stakeholders, University faculty, fellows, and research partners.

* Identify and pursue research opportunities, collaboratively seek funding, develop project ideas, support planning, and collect data.

* Lead the creation and submission of high-impact grant and contract proposals that align with IVMF's strategic objectives.

* Provide guidance and oversight to research staff and students to ensure high-quality analysis, report generation, dissemination, and presentation of IVMF research activities.

* Author reports and publications, present at conferences, and promote IVMF's research.

* Lead events with national thought leaders to generate, translate, and disseminate research.

* Curate and publish knowledge through special volumes, summaries, and newsletters.

* Build and maintain research relationships within Syracuse University's research community, including the IRB, the Office of Sponsored Programs, and Office of Research, ensuring compliance and fostering collaboration.

* Develop and execute an evaluation strategy that supports IVMF's mission and aligns with organizational goals, addressing both internal program quality and external evaluation services.

* Cultivate new evaluation opportunities, pursue partnerships with government agencies, private sector organizations, and philanthropic entities, and address emerging trends through innovative solutions.

* Manage IVMF's external evaluation, analytics, and capacity services, ensuring high standards for deliverables with government agencies, non-profits, and other service providers.

* Lead efforts to advance best practices in program evaluation, using data and evidence to inform service delivery, and engage in technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives

* Establish and maintain key relationships within Syracuse University and beyond, including academic partners, research centers, and evaluation-focused organizations, to build collaboration and expand IVMF's evaluation portfolio.

* Contribute to IVMF's management, operations, and strategic direction as part of the executive leadership team.

* Lead and manage the research and evaluation team, ensuring mission continuity and supporting professional development.

* Oversee the Research and Evaluation budget, aligning resources with key funding priorities.

* Assist operations staff with financial and administrative tasks for projects, ensuring timely reporting.

* Provide research data and analysis for sponsored programs, accounting, and administrative needs.

* Collaborate with the executive leadership team to set and assess strategic goals, including fundraising.

* Develop and maintain strategic relationships to advance veteran and military family programs and policies.

* Support leadership in driving a data strategy and business solutions that leverage data for business and social value, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making.

* Identify opportunities for operational improvement, adopt best practices, and foster innovation by exploring new program needs and testing promising approaches.

* Assist in developing policy proposals and advocating for changes that address the needs of veterans and military families.

* Inform policy changes at the national, state, and local levels through commissioned research studies, publications, public testimony, and participation in public forums, convenings, and media engagements.

* Leverage the expertise and outputs of the research and evaluation team to support and drive effective advocacy approaches.

* Develop strategies that translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations, providing stakeholders with a clear understanding of how proposed policies can improve the lives of veterans and military families.

* Other Duties As Assigned.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.