Vice President of Data, Research & Professional Education

IYI is looking to add a Vice President (VP) of Data, Research & Professional Education to our team who:

• Is passionate about improving the lives of all Indiana youth.
• Believes that accessible data and high-quality professional education are vital tools to strengthen youth-serving professionals and organizations.
• Has demonstrated expertise in research design, data analysis, and translating findings into meaningful insights for policy and practice.
• Thrives in both high-level strategic thinking and detail-oriented implementation.
• Has the leadership ability to inspire and manage multidisciplinary teams while fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Is committed to ensuring that all young people in Indiana, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to thrive.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President (VP) of Data, Research & Professional Education will be responsible for overseeing IYI’s research, data, and professional learning teams. This leader will ensure the integrity, relevance, and impact of IYI’s signature data products (e.g., KIDS COUNT® Data Book), research initiatives, and professional education programs that build the capacity of youth-serving professionals and organizations across Indiana.

Core Responsibilities Will Include:

• Lead the strategic development, and execution of IYI’s research, data, and professional learning initiatives, aligning them with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
• Serve as the organization’s senior expert on youth data and research, ensuring quality, accuracy, and policy relevance of all publications and insights.
• Direct and oversee the production of the KIDS COUNT® Data Book, issue briefs, and timely data releases, ensuring they are accessible, understandable, and actionable.
• Supervise the design and delivery of professional education programming, including webinars, conferences, learning communities, and tailored convenings.
• Build on IYI’s long-standing reputation for delivering Indiana’s most widely attended and respected gatherings for youth-serving professionals, including the signature KIDS COUNT® Conference, to continue setting the standard for content quality, thought leadership, and professional development.
• Lead strategic evolution and expansion of local trainings and convenings, ensuring they remain a trusted and accessible resource for front-line youth workers across Indiana.
• Ensure that all programs and services are designed to meet the needs of Indiana’s multiple communities and reflect statewide priorities.
• Develop and manage departmental goals, ensuring measurable outcomes and continuous improvement across both research and professional education functions.
• Collaborate with the Advancement team to develop data-informed funding proposals, fulfill grant requirements, and provide evaluation data and reporting for funders.
• Partner with the Finance team to develop and manage budgets for the division, ensuring sound fiscal stewardship.
• Represent IYI at public forums, briefings, and in strategic partnerships to advance the organization’s thought leadership in youth well-being.
• Coach, mentor, and supervise a cross-functional team of data analysts, researchers, and education professionals to maximize team performance, growth, and innovation.
• Foster collaboration with other IYI departments to ensure that data and research insights inform all aspects of the organization’s work.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A Master’s degree in public policy, education, social sciences, data science, or a related field.
• At least 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in data analysis, applied research, or professional education—preferably in youth development, education, health, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of direct management experience with demonstrated success in team leadership and project execution.
• Expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods and a track record of translating data into accessible, impactful insights.
• Familiarity with key issues impacting youth well-being across sectors such as education, health, child welfare, and juvenile justice.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex data for varied audiences.
• Strong organizational, time, and project management skills, with a focus on accountability and results.
• A collaborative spirit, strategic mindset, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of Indiana’s children and youth.

Travel, Compensation, and Location

Travel: This role requires comfort with significant travel (up to 30%), largely within the state of Indiana.

Compensation: Salary range for this position is $105,000 - $130,000 with a strong benefits package.

Location: As a member of IYI’s leadership team, the VP will attend weekly in-person meetings in Indianapolis along with in-person meetings as needed to fulfill the goals of this role.

Submission Requirements

Prospective candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume no later than June 19, 2025. All inquiries, nominations, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.