Fractional Research Director

Reports to: CEO & COO

Supervises: Research Managers, Associates, and Project Teams

Type: Fractional; 1 year contract

Working Hours: Between 9-5 pm EST

Location: Hybrid (Weekly meetings required at the Sl office in Atlanta, GA)

Anticipated Start date: March 30 - April 15, 2026

Compensation: Commensurate with experience ($125/hour, estimated 45-60 hours/month)

Overview

Social Insights Research (SI) is an Atlanta-based, Research and Evaluation firm that partners with institutions, grassroots organizations, and movements to support transformation and further advancement through mixed method research and evaluation.

Position Summary

We are actively seeking a Research Director to supervise the implementation of the firm’s Research and Evaluation portfolio. This position will oversee project quality, manage a team of research staff, and ensure all deliverables and processes are intellectually and professionally rigorous, methodologically sound, and aligned with Liberatory Research principles. The Research Director bridges strategic and technical leadership, supporting both client satisfaction and the development of a strong, learning-oriented research culture.

Primary Responsibilities

Research Leadership (50%)

• Guide the design and implementation of research projects aligned with the firm’s mission and client goals.
• Ensure methodological rigor and ethical integrity across all projects.
• Supervise research managers and project leads, providing mentorship and oversight.
• Develop frameworks and standards for quality assurance and consistency.

Team Development and Culture (20%)

• Leading Management Roundtables
• Supporting knowledge management across teams.
• Ensure project teams have clear roles, timelines, and deliverables.
• Support staff growth through coaching, supervision, and skill-building opportunities.
• Nurture staff inquiry, reflection, and shared learning.
• Collaborate with the COO to align staffing and workload with organizational capacity.

Partnerships and Representation (10%)

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, funders, and collaborators.
• Support business development by contributing to proposals, scoping, and pricing.

Knowledge Production and Dissemination (10%)

• Promote accessibility and impact of research through innovative dissemination formats.

Reporting and Communication (10%)

• Provide regular updates to the CEO and COO on project progress, forecasted delays, and client/staff challenges and successes.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s with equivalent experience) in Social Sciences
• 8+ years leading applied or community-based research.
• 8+ years of experience supervising research staff.
• 5+ years of experience with foundations and large nonprofits.
• 5+ years of experience leading multi-year, multi-site projects.
• Exemplary supervisory and mentorship skills.
• Expertise in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity-driven and participatory approaches.

To Apply:

Please upload your resume/CV and cover letter (optional) to www.ThePublicHealthNetwork.com no later than February 17, 2026. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply prior to the submission deadline as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Following a pre-screening conversation, select applicants will be invited to participate in the formal, SI interview process which will include in-person and group interviews as well as a writing exercise. Well-qualified and aligned applicants will be required to submit a writing sample (reports, grey literature, or academic publications within the last 5 years).

SI has contracted with The Public Health Network to lead the recruitment for this position. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status.

The Public Health Network is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to complete this application, please email a request to: HR@ThePublicHealthNetwork.com.

Additional Information: SI provides generous incentives to include support for office and technology needs as well as a $600 wellness and $2,000 professional development stipend.