Non Profit Organization Looking for Director of Research Translation and Engagement at Sycamore, IL, United States of America Full Time

Primary Purpose of Department

The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute is the primary applied research and public service arm of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and it serves the 14-county area surrounding the City of Charlotte, the largest city in the Carolinas. The Institute seeks solutions to the complex social, economic, and environmental challenges facing our communities and engages expertise across a diverse set of disciplines and life experiences to curate data and conduct actionable research and policy analysis.

Primary Purpose of Position

The Director of Research Translation and Engagement translates the research and work of the Urban Institute and the Charlotte Regional Data Trust to multiple regional audiences. This includes translating internal Institute and broader University research content for multiple audiences; directing the Institute and Data Trust’s online presence; generating original content such as articles and podcasts that align with the Institute and Data Trust’s mission and create community interest and opportunities for collaboration; managing virtual and in-person research engagement activities; and enhancing the work that researchers do by helping them conceptualize, write and edit pieces for a general audience.

Summary of Position Responsibilities

Editor/director/content creator for the Institute and Data Trust’s online research & policy content; Research & policy translation including engagement activities; urban/regional research and policy analysis; translation of research for general public; public engagement strategy, general administration.

Minimum Education/Experience

A Master’s degree and at least 3-5 years of experience (or relevant undergraduate degree and 7-10 or more years of relevant experience) in one of the following fields: journalism, public policy, public administration, city & regional planning, architecture/urban design, or other, related urban policy field.

The person in this position must have the ability to express ideas clearly in writing; use data and research to tell stories for broad audiences; speak effectively in public; maintain good interpersonal relationships with diverse groups of people; and exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting policies and procedures. They must have past experience with online communications and in using social media to connect with potential readers of online content. They must have a track record of print and/or online content that demonstrates their ability to translate complex issues to general audiences.

The person in this position must demonstrate a commitment to teamwork and consensus-building, with a demonstrated ability to partner and lead through influence, within and across organizational lines.

This job involves a considerable amount of contact with other Institute professional staff, UNC Charlotte faculty and administrative staff, students, public and private sector agency staff, and the general public. The person in this job must have superb interpersonal skills (including oral and written communication) and be able to communicate with both technical and non-technical personnel. This job is highly visible to the University and the general public.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Peer respect within urban policy fields;

Familiarity with the Charlotte region and the Carolinas;

Familiarity and aptitude with email campaigns and online engagement tools (websites, social media, etc.), graphic design, and/or data visualization;

Grant proposal writing

Necessary Certifications/Licenses None

Preferred Certifications/Licenses None

Special Notes to Applicants Applicant must provide examples of work.

The finalist will be subject to a criminal background check.

Information about the university’s benefits package can be found.

Posting Open Date 12/19/2022

Posting Close Date 02/03/2023

Open Until Filled No

Proposed Hire Date 03/01/2023

If time-limited please indicate appointment end date

Contact Information

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1 How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

UNC Charlotte Website

HERC Job Board

Inside Higher Education

Circa (formerly known as Local JobNetwork)

Another Website

Agency Referral

Advertisement/Publication

Personal Referral

Other

2. Where did you learn about this posting?

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover Letter/Letter of Interest

3. Contact Information for References

4. Writing Sample