Director, Research

National University; United States; Remote; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Director of Research to oversee and execute a comprehensive research agenda. This role involves managing grants, evaluating programs, and collaborating with educational units to translate research into practice. Candidates should have a doctoral degree, extensive research experience, and strong analytical skills. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility while contributing significantly to advancing educational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Requires a doctoral degree and at least three years of experience.
• Five years of leading research projects preferred.
• Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute research agendas focused on implementation fidelity and social-emotional growth.
• Secure and manage research grants and conduct program evaluations.
• Supervise grant specialists and research assistants.

Skills

Project management

Mixed-methods research

Grant writing

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Education

Doctoral degree in education, psychology, or research methodology

Job description

The Director, Research is a key leadership role reporting directly to the Associate Vice President (AVP), Center for Whole Human Education and Research, Harmony Academy. Leads research efforts with functional area oversight across research, grants/RFPs, & policy, supporting product development, innovation, and content. Responsible for deepening and executing a research agenda across Harmony Academy in collaboration with senior leadership and the Cause Research Institute at National University.

The Research Director serves on the senior leadership team and leads research initiatives, including impact evaluations, mixed methods studies, pilot/case studies, and research-practice partnerships. This role helps translate research to practice, ensuring content and products are evidence-based. Assists in defining organizational goals, securing grants, and overseeing graduate and undergraduate research assistants.

Essential Functions

The primary responsibilities include:

1. Developing and executing a research agenda focused on implementation fidelity, outcomes, and social-emotional growth.
2. Partnering with staff and students to create research participation structures.
3. Securing and managing research grants and proposals.
4. Evaluating programs using qualitative and quantitative methods.
5. Producing research briefs, white papers, and tools.
6. Collaborating with internal units like NU Cause Research Institute and Sanford School of Education.

Additional duties involve collaboration, project management, data analysis, reporting, grant writing, content review, conference participation, and other tasks as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervising grant specialists, research assistants, and data analysts (3-5 reports).

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Doctoral degree in education, psychology, research methodology, or related field, with at least three years of experience.
• Five years of leading research projects.
• Experience in project management, mixed-methods research, partnership building, grant writing, and evaluation in community settings is preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Location: Remote, USA

Travel: Approximately 20% (4-5 days/month)

Candidate offers will be based on experience, with a comprehensive benefits package. National University values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

About Us

National University is committed to innovation in education and creating a supportive environment for its community, serving over 45,000 students with programs both online and on-campus.