Regional Educational Laboratory Southeast Director

REL Southeast Director 

Position Summary 

FHI 360 is searching for an experienced education research leader to serve as the Director of a multi-state educational research center being run out of FHI 360’s headquarters in Durham, North Carolina. The Director will provide overall strategic, technical, operational, and managerial leadership for the research center, serve as the primary liaison to the funder, lead engagement with a regional Governing Board and stakeholders, and ensure the teams delivers high-quality, responsive, and scientifically rigorous services that support evidence-informed decision-making across the Southeast region. The work will support state and local education agencies, schools, postsecondary institutions, educators, families, and policymakers in using data, evidence, and applied research to improve student outcomes from early childhood through adulthood. 
 

The Director oversees all of the center’s research activities, including applied research, training/coaching/technical support (TCTS), dissemination, partnership development, and coordination with other federally funded technical assistance providers, including the Regional Comprehensive Centers (RCCs) and National Comprehensive Center (NCC). The Director ensures activities are aligned with partner-identified needs, state learning agendas, and IES standards for rigor, quality, relevance, accessibility, and impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Partnership Management 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the research center.  

• Lead development and maintenance of partnerships with SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other regional stakeholders across the Southeast region.  

• Serve as primary liaison to funder COR and federal leadership.  

• Lead establishment and ongoing engagement of the Governing Board.  

• Ensure the work of the center aligns with regional priorities, state learning agendas, and partner-defined outcomes.  

• Foster collaboration with RCCs, NCC, RELs and other federal technical assistance providers to ensure coordination and avoid duplication.  

Technical Oversight 

• Oversee the design, implementation, and quality assurance of all center-led research activities under:  

- Applied Research  

-Training, Coaching, and Technical Support (TCTS)  

-Dissemination  

• Ensure all products and services reflect rigorous research standards and evidence-based practices.  

• Guide