Research Associate/Director of Community Data Initiatives

Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Research Associate/Director of Community Data Initiatives is a leadership role within the Center on Poverty and Community Development. This position will strategically guide, design, and manage community-responsive research projects with an emphasis on data related to the built environment, real property, and neighborhood conditions. The incumbent will support strategic planning, foster external partnerships, coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive the long-term growth and sustainability of the Center’s data infrastructure. This role requires a high degree of independence and a strong ability to represent the Center externally.

The Center on Poverty and Community Development engages with community partners, aiming to understand and address poverty by delving into its human, social and economic implications, as experienced at the levels of the family and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Lead community-facing data strategy (25%)
   Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with community agencies to inform and direct the Center’s research initiatives and public tools. Represent the Center at public events, conferences, and in meetings with key stakeholders.
2. Manage community data platforms and tools (20%)
   Oversee development and management of neighborhood indicator systems and online data tools to ensure they are timely, user-friendly, and responsive to community needs. Guide the intake, processing, and documentation of property-related and other community-level data.
3. Lead research project design and execution (20%)
   Serve as PI or key researcher on funded projects; co-develop proposals and fulfill IRB, grant reporting, and deliverable obligations. Coordinate internal project teams and ensure alignment with funder and community expectations.
4. Supervise staff and student teams (15%)
   Provide mentorship and day-to-day support for research staff and students, ensuring high-quality work and professional development. Coordinate the work of remote teams and subcontractors as necessary.
5. Facilitate cross-project alignment and strategy (10%)
   Act as liaison across project teams within the Center, ensuring effective communication, shared vision, and timely execution of deliverables. Support the Co-Directors in strategic decision-making related to project portfolio and growth.
6. Develop knowledge outputs and public communications (10%)
   Write technical reports, community briefs, and scholarly articles. Collaborate on public-facing communications and tool content related to community analytics.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Support marketing and outreach related to Center initiatives (<1% of time) and outreach related to Center initiatives.
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1% of time)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent coordination with Co-Directors, research staff, and students on project planning and execution.

University: Moderate collaboration with IRB, administrative offices, and other university partners.

External: Frequent contact with external partners to develop and manage community partnerships, present findings to public stakeholders, negotiate data sharing.

Students: Frequent contact with undergraduate and graduate research assistants and interns to supervise their work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervise graduate research assistants, undergraduate students, and subcontracted analysts as

WORKING CONDITIONS

Office-based work with flexibility for hybrid arrangements. Occasional travel is required for community meetings or conferences. May require attendance at evening/weekend events on occasion.

 

Qualifications

Experience:
Minimum 10 years of experience in applied social science, public policy, or community development research settings. Required experience includes project design and management, data governance, statistical/spatial analysis, and public-facing communication. Knowledge of and analytical experience with Cuyahoga County property data systems and collaborating with community-based organizations is essential.

Education/Licensing:
Master’s degree in social science, public policy, urban studies, or related field required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Strong data system strategic planning and project management abilities
2. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
3. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collabo