Director of Research - Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership

TITLE

Director of Research - JNIWL

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Research for JNIWL leads the strategic planning, development, and execution of research initiatives at JNIWL. This role ensures that the Institute’s research efforts align with the programs of JNIWL’s four Centers, its overarching mission and objectives, and the broader strategic goals of the university. The Director oversees the creation and management of impactful research projects and ensures that the research output is of the highest quality—innovative, relevant, and timely—while also advancing the Center’s contribution to the field. Work is performed under general supervision and performance evaluation is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: JNIWL Executive Director & Chief Officer with a dotted line to Vice Provost of Research, Innovation, and Corporate Engagement

Supervises: Graduate/Student Assistants

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

· Strategically engage with internal and external stakeholders to identify emerging trends in women’s leadership.

· Seek out research collaborations and partnerships that influence decision-making across government, business, and the nonprofit sector.

· Apply a deep understanding of the social dynamics related to advancing women’s leadership in business, government, and entrepreneurship.

· Drive and advocate for a comprehensive and impactful women’s leadership research agenda.

· Enhance the Center’s visibility and impact by representing the organization at conferences, seminars, and other academic and professional forums.

· Lead strategic and operational planning for research activities, overseeing the development and implementation of the JNIWL research portfolio.

· Manage the organization of a database tracking women’s leadership resources and support initiatives to develop, publicize, and expand projects focused on understanding trends in women’s local elected leadership.

· Develop and manage granting programs and identify, pursue, and implement new research priorities aligned with JNIWL’s goals and objectives.

· Working with the JNIWL Director of Development, cultivate philanthropic partnerships and build relationships with external stakeholders, including foundations, individual funders, peer institutions, and partner researchers, to advance research opportunities.

· Build and sustain research networks that connect JNIWL and TWU to researchers across multiple sectors, both regionally and nationally.

· Communicate publicly about JNIWL research projects to elevate the Institute’s profile, support knowledge transfer, and promote engagement within the women’s leadership research community.

· Facilitate internal collaboration and communication, fostering a productive research environment, and provide guidance and support to JNIWL-associated researchers at TWU.

· Proactively connect with key internal and external focus groups and peers to strengthen research initiatives and partnerships.

· Continuously evaluate and improve the efficiency and impact of research tools and outputs, integrating new technologies to enhance efficiency and user satisfaction.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

· Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

· Master's degree in a related field with exceptional research experience and demonstrated track record of successful grant funding required. Ph.D. in Public Policy, Political Science, Organizational Leadership, Social Sciences, or related disciplines preferred.

EXPERIENCE

· Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in research leadership and administration, grant writing and management, project/program management, and stakeholder engagement

· Demonstrated success in securing and managing research grants

· Experience building and maintaining research partnerships across sectors

· Track record of publishing or producing research outputs

· Experience with research database management

· Proven ability to lead and mentor research teams

· Experience presenting at academic or professional conferences

· Experience in women's leadership research or related fields

· Prior experience in an academic research center or institute

· Experience managing multiple stakeholder relationships

REQUIREMENT

Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AN