Senior Director - Research

 

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith. 

 

 

Job Description

 

The Senior Director, Research leads the organization in research and evaluation data collection and management, data analysis, report preparation and research-related administrative tasks. Reporting to the Vice President -- Client and Community Impact, the Senior Director will work on both quantitative and qualitative projects in varied areas, including families and children, seniors and housing, basic needs assistance, case management services, domestic violence, immigrant services, organizational capacity building and general implementation research. The Senior Director will build relationships with academic partners and work collaboratively with them on research projects that support CCAC's mission and vision. This position will eventually supervise research staff as the department grows in scope and reach.

 

 

Role-Specific Responsibilities

 

Research and Evaluation Projects

• Manage the design, execution and reporting of community-based research and evaluation projects, responsibilities include: conducting literature reviews; designing and implementing surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups; conducting data collection, integration and analysis; completing dissemination activities; and meeting reporting deadlines; 

• Develop and maintain qualitative and quantitative data collection materials, research protocols, procedural manuals, and database(s); 

• Manage ongoing research project monitoring, quality assurance and evaluation activities, including quantitative and qualitative data analysis and retention in longitudinal projects;

• Utilize statistical software for data entry, monitoring and analysis.

 

Knowledge and Innovation

• Familiarize and stay current with the latest social science research in CCAC's three core areas of research investment: strengthening families and equipping mothers, addressing immediate needs, and creating connections that promote senior well-being;

• Work with select program leaders to identify and test opportunities for program innovation, including new implementation of emergent best practices;

• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; and participating in professional organizations.

 

Dissemination

• Produce written, tabular and visual materials for research reports and presentations of research and evaluation findings to multiple audiences;

• Present findings to internal and external stakeholders with varied levels of research and data literacy;

• Represent CCAC at local, state, and national conferences and meetings.

 

Internal and External Collaboration 

• Foster and build partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and peer non-profits to enhance CCAC's research capabilities -- this includes poverty research teams at key universities and peer research teams across the national Catholic Charities network;

• Collaborate cross-departmentally to complete assigned tasks and to achieve study and project goals;

• Coordinate with project staff on data collection and reporting; 

• Support development of a culture of learning and continuous improvement;

• Attend, contribute to and/or oversee regular research project meetings.

 

Team Leadership

• Hire, train, mentor, and supervise assigned staff and consultants; assist in the recruitment and selection of department staff and consultants; create scheduling and job assignments; manage performance and complete and communicate perform