Research and Strategic Learning Manager

Furman University; South Carolina; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Furman University seeks a Research and Strategic Learning Manager to oversee applied research, program evaluation, and strategic learning initiatives within the Riley Institute. You will coordinate with staff, faculty, clients, districts, nonprofits, government agencies, and community partners to deliver on time, on budget, and per funder expectations.

This role blends project management, applied research, and organizational consulting to advance evidence-based solutions and strengthen community

Qualifications

• Master’s degree is required.
• Ph.D. preferred in evaluation, education, sociology, or related fields.
• Experience managing complex research, evaluation, and learning projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and research software.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-project management for applied research and evaluations.
• Design evaluation plans and data collection tools.
• Develop client relationships and manage contracts.
• Coordinate with Institute staff, partners, and funders.
• Prepare reports, briefs, and dissemination materials.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Client management

Research design

Facilitation

Education

Master’s degree

Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

PM software

Surveys & statistics

Job description

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Job Title:

Research and Strategic Learning Manager

Job Family:

Professionals

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full time

Pay Type:

Salary

Department:

Research Director

Job Summary:

The Research and Strategic Learning Project Manager is responsible for managing applied research, program evaluation, and strategic learning projects. Working collaboratively with other Institute staff, faculty, clients, school districts, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community partners, the Project Manager ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with Institute, University, and funder expectations. The position combines project management, applied research, organizational consulting, and strategic learning to support the Riley Institute’s mission of advancing evidence-based solutions to improve communities.

Job Description:

Responsibilities :

Project Management (30%)

• Serve as project manager for multiple applied research, evaluation, and strategic learning initiatives.
• Develop project scopes, work plans, implementation schedules, timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Coordinate project teams that may include other Riley Institute staff, faculty, consultants, student interns, and community partners.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and proactively resolve implementation challenges.
• Organize project meetings, document decisions, and monitor completion of action items.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule, within scope, and consistent with quality standards.
• Maintain project documentation and ensure compliance with university and sponsor requirements.
• Prepare funder reports and project updates.

Research and Evaluation (25%)

• Design and manage process, implementation, and impact evaluations.
• Develop evaluation plans and research protocols.
• Secure and maintain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval when appropriate.
• Design surveys, interview protocols, focus groups, observation tools, and other data collection instruments.
• Coordinate participant recruitment and data collection activities.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
• Prepare technical reports, executive summaries, presentations, manuscripts, and other dissemination products.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for clients and stakeholders.

Strategic Learning and Organizational Consulting (25%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for nonprofit, educational, governmental, and community partners.
• Develop scopes of work and contracts in collaboration with Institute leadership.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships throughout project implementation.
• Design and facilitate strategic learning processes that strengthen organizational capacity.
• Help develop customized learning materials, curricula, case studies, workbooks, self-assessments, and facilitation resources.
• Facilitate logic model development, theory of change development, strategic planning, and outcome measurement planning.
• Prepare client reports and presentations that support continuous improvement and organizational decision-making.

Institute Tasks and Development (20%)

• Assist with grant writing, proposal development, budgeting, and project acquisition efforts.
• Represent the Institute at community meetings with schools, nonprofit organizations, foundations, government agencies, and community partners.
• Co-supervise student research interns and project assistants.
• Attend all Institute staff meetings and flagship Institute events.
• Pursue professional development to keep pace with demands for services and information, including maintaining up to date information about the department and university.
• Complete performance review process with supervisor to understand job performance expectations and how they fit into the department and university goals.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of research and organizational data.
• Follow safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports to Riley Institute’s Director of Research and Strategic Learning :Works independently while collaborating closely with the Director and Assistant Directors of Research and Strategic Leaning. Exercises independent judgment in managing day-to-day project activities while consulting with the Director on major strategic, financial, and personnel decisions.

Education, Skills, and Abilities

Master’s degree required. Ph.D. preferred in one of a variety of disciplines, including evaluation, education, sociology, public health, psychology, political science, and other social science fields with completion of graduate course hours in research design, measurement, evaluation, and statistics.

Experience managing complex research, evaluation, and strategic learning projects.

• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of applied research and program evaluation methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong facilitation, relationship‑building, and client management skills.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to cultivate productive partnerships.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with research, survey, statistical, qualitative analysis, and project management software.

Work Conditions: Position requires simultaneous management of multiple complex projects involving diverse organizations, stakeholders, and data. Most work may be completed in a hybrid work environment; however, periodic travel throughout South Carolina for client meetings, workshops, research activities, and community engagement is expected. Occasional evening meetings may be required.

In order to be considered, applications must be received no later than Friday, October 9, 2026

Education Requirements:

Masters

Certification Requirements:

Job Posting End Date (if date is blank, posting is open ended):

Sat, October 10, 2026