Senior Director, Opt-In Program

Who We Are

Think of Us (TOU) is a Research + Design lab on a mission to fundamentally re-architect the foster care system as we know it, powered by the data, leadership and insights of people with lived experience. The most challenging social problems we face – homelessness, mental illness, incarceration, and human trafficking – share a common intersection point: foster care. That’s why we are sparking, driving, and co-creating a nimble, responsive foster care system that will ensure every person has the conditions from which to heal, develop, and thrive. We partner with leading organizations driving change across the national ecosystem – from the White House to local providers and agencies – to identify leverage points and build solutions.

Think of Us is driving nationwide, catalytic change via multiple coordinated channels, including:

• Mobilizing and leveraging the collective voice of 38,000 former foster youth into over $400M in Federal pandemic relief funds
• Collaborating with three consecutive presidential administrations to improve Federal policy, participating in 26 engagements with the White House in the last year alone
• Inspiring 22 states to commit to eliminating group homes within 72 hours of releasing our groundbreaking Away from Home report, and partnering with six jurisdictions to make this commitment a reality
• Creating a new model for frontline support, TOU’s Virtual Support Services (VSS) connects individuals impacted by foster care with vital resources. Successfully operating in California, Georgia, and Boston, VSS boasts an <8 hour response time and 95+% of help seekers needs being met.

Our team members share a commitment to driving systems change through creative problem-solving, obsessive curiosity, and a love of quickly driving innovative, measurable, and impactful results.

At this time, Think of Us does not sponsor visas for candidates, and unfortunately cannot accept candidates in the US on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

 

 

The Role

Think of Us is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director to lead a critical research initiative aimed at understanding the needs of families screened-out from child welfare agency hotlines. This role will provide strategic direction and project management for a dedicated team, ensuring the successful execution of a comprehensive survey project. The Senior Director will also engage with national partners, including the Doris Duke Foundation, and manage project budgets and reporting.

• Application Deadline: December 20, 2024
• Reports to: Chief Program Officer
• Direct Reports: This role operates within a matrix organization, providing leadership and guidance to ~5 indirect contributors without direct supervisory responsibilities.
• Location: Remote with extensive travel to Washington D.C., Kentucky, South Carolina, and Oregon
• Category: Full-Time; Exempt, 2-Year Contract

 

Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to a multidisciplinary team conducting research on families screened-out from child welfare hotlines.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive project plan, ensuring alignment with Think of Us’ mission and goals.

Research and Survey Management

• Oversee the design and execution of surveys to assess the experiences and needs of families, focusing on economic and concrete support requirements.
• Ensure data collection methodologies are robust, ethical, and culturally sensitive.

Project Management

• Manage all aspects of the project lifecycle, including planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of project milestones.

National Engagement

• Represent Think of Us at national convenings with the Doris Duke Foundation and other technical assistance providers.
• Foster partnerships and collaborations that enhance the impact of the project.

Reporting and Budget Management

• Draft comprehensive reports detailing project findings, insights, and recommendations.
• Manage the project budget, ensuring financial accountability and transparency.

 

Requirements

About You

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, set clear goals, and align projects with organizational mission and objectives.