AERDF - Deputy Chief, R&D

About AERDF

AERDF (Advanced Education Research & Development Fund) is a national nonprofit organization launched in 2021. We advance scientific discovery and create innovative solutions that celebrate learners’ brilliance and transform their PreK-12 educational futures. Our ambitious three-to-five-year initiatives (programs), supported by budgets up to $25 million, tackle critical challenges in teaching and learning that have historically been overlooked for Black and Latino learners and students experiencing poverty in the United States.

Learn more about AERDF and our work at aerdf.org.

Role Summary

The Deputy Chief, R&D, is a pivotal leadership role at AERDF. This leader will architect, enhance and manage the organization’s cutting-edge advanced, inclusive research and development infrastructure and build systems and strategies in service of student success and the breakthrough goals of AERDF programs.  The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, bringing experience in R&D infrastructure development, advanced inclusive research and development methodologies, a proven ability to navigate ambiguity, and exceptional skills in relationship-building to unite cross-functional teams and external partners around a shared vision.

This role directly supports the execution of large-scale, multi-year advanced R&D programs, works directly with program staff to design, structure, and advance R and D projects, and requires comfort working in an intentionally evolving and iterative programmatic landscape.  

The successful candidate will embody the following qualities:

• Mission-Driven: A deep belief in the transformative power of advanced inclusive R&D to address and disrupt educational inequity.
• Adaptable and Iterative: Thrives in the iterative nature of R&D and can find clarity and connection amidst ambiguity., 
• Clear and Empathetic Communicator: Builds strong collaboration across teams through respectful, consistent, and transparent communication.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Demonstrates a proactive drive to achieve ambitious goals in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional Analytical and Organizational Skills: Exhibits meticulous attention to detail and efficiency in planning and execution.

Key Responsibilities

R&D Expertise and Infrastructure Development

• Lead the design and implementation of AERDF’s advanced R&D capabilities and capacities.
• Lead the improvement and execution of AERDF’s advanced R&D contracting  and procurement processes from design through assessment.  
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies to enhance AERDF’s R&D capabilities, conducting thorough due diligence and impact assessments.

Strategic Program Management and Innovation

• Develop strategic processes to accelerate the R&D processes, building a hub and spoke model and infrastructure. 
• Automate repetitive tasks, eliminate bottlenecks, and uphold rigorous ethics and privacy standards to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Implement a robust strategic design framework for high-stakes R&D projects, proactively addressing challenges and de-risking high risk, high reward innovation.
• Monitor progress against KPIs using advanced analytics and provide actionable insights through custom dashboards and regular reporting to senior leadership.

Operational Excellence and Process Design and Optimization

• Establish and optimize department workflows that align with strategic goals while maximizing organizational impact and efficiency.
• Develop and lead sophisticated contract management processes with external vendors, research institutions, and technology providers.
• Support program leaders in crafting RFPs, negotiating terms, and ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.

Team Leadership and Program Engagement

• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering an innovative and growth-oriented culture where everyone has a sense of belonging..
• Build trusting and collaborative relationships with program team members to align R&D design, infrastructure and workflows with program objectives. 
• Work with program team members to encourage and enable high risk, high reward opportunities for innovation.
• Identify talent needs and plan for future hires, including a Director of R&D Infrastructure and two additional roles focused on contract management, to enhance team capacity and drive strategic initiatives.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with stakeholders, vendors, and external organizations to ensure alignment and shared accountability.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and program managers, providing gu