Senior Research Manager, Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS)

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Associate Director, Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS), the Senior Research Manager is responsible for the direction, oversight, and administration of revenue-generating evaluation and applied research projects within CREEHS. This role includes project, research, and people management responsibilities to ensure the successful execution of multiple concurrent K-12 and higher education projects. This position is hybrid, with occasional travel to Montclair State University and around NJ for work related activities, though that is subject to change.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Management:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of several simultaneous revenue-generating applied research and evaluation projects from design to completion.
• Contribute to preparing and managing contracts and budgets for evaluation and applied research projects.
• Ensure quality of all work products and compliance with contracted scopes of work.
• Monitor project timelines, milestones, and resource allocation to ensure project completion.

Research Management:

• Oversee and guide team members in conducting literature reviews, instrument development, data collection, and both quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Write, review, edit, and ensure the quality of evaluation and applied research deliverables.
• Stay current with best practices in educational evaluation and applied research methodologies.

People Management:

• Manage staff and tasks to ensure successful completion of planned activities.
• Supervise a diverse team of 3-7 staff members, including Evaluation Associates, Data Analysts, Research Assistants, and graduate students.
• Foster a collaborative team environment that promotes high-quality practices and continuous learning.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain productive and responsive relationships with stakeholders, including clients, program staff, program beneficiaries, funders, partners, policymakers, and educational practitioners.
• Present findings to various audiences and translate data into accessible, actionable recommendations and deliverables.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client relationship management and project communication, facilitating effective communication throughout all phases of the work.

Organizational Leadership:

• Provide overall direction and vision for education-related evaluation and applied research projects, ensuring alignment with Center goals and client needs.
• Contribute to designing and securing funding for evaluation and applied research projects through competitive grants and contracts.
• Contribute to the continuous growth and success of the Center through responsive management and strategic planning.
• Support Center initiatives and knowledge sharing across teams.
• Represent the Center at professional meetings or conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned by senior leadership.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in research/evaluation, public health, education, or a related social science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience providing evaluation and/or applied research services to clients or partners, including managing projects, collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to inform programming, communicating project findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience supervising personnel, including junior staff and graduate students.
• Experience writing grants/proposals and procuring projects.
• Experience managing budgets, including planning and reconciliation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED:

• Experience conducting evaluations or applied research in educational settings.
• Experience working with State and municipal agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, nonprofits and foundations.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods.
• Experience working collaboratively and effectively in a team and with diverse populations, including individuals representing funders and implementers (e.g., state agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, foundations) as well as key stakeholders participating in the programs we support.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing multiple projects and tasks while maintaining high quality standards.
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, task, and time management skills.
• Flexible, and willing to learn new ideas, tools, and skills.

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.