Benefits:

401(k)

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Early Care and Learning Council seeks an experienced Director of Research and Evaluation. The Senior Director of Research and Evaluation will lead research activities across ECLC’s program areas. The Senior Director of Research and Evaluation will enhance alignment of research efforts in areas ranging from child care price, supply, quality and availability to child care financing, equitable access to healthy, high-quality child care, best practices in child care systems-building approaches, and internal evaluation of program initiatives. This position is ideal for a candidate with a successful track record of overseeing quantitative and qualitative research projects, leveraging research to enhance policy development and advocacy, and establishing research strategies to support broad policy goals and outcomes.

Early Care and Learning Council (ECLC) is a statewide, not-for-profit membership organization that represents the 35 Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) programs across New York State. The CCR&Rs are on the front lines, providing direct assistance and support to parents, child care providers, and employers in their communities.

Responsibilities:  Design a research agenda that maximally strengthens ECLC’s strategic priorities and positioning to advance our vision.  Direct the organization’s research agenda, including anticipating research needs; defining a methodology for meeting these needs; and laying out a timeline for completing the work and driving it forward.  Research, write, and edit reports, analyses, fact sheets, columns, and other materials on a wide range of topics relating to child care, including ECLC’s Business Navigator Guide, and programmatic work.  Supervise and direct a team of Data and Research analysts / coordinators.  Establish standards and processes to ensure that the organization’s research projects are executed to the highest standard, including managing and expanding the use of datasets in its research.  Support the establishment of external research partnerships.

 Oversee the organization’s fact-checking process, including monitoring workload and providing consultation and quality assurance.  Remain up to date on standards and best practices in policy research and cutting-edge analysis techniques.  Represent ECLC in various settings, including meetings with academics, researchers, advocates, media, conferences, and panel discussions.  Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:  Master's degree required, PhD preferred, in child development, education, public policy, or related field.  At least ten years of experience working in research and supervision.  Proven experience coordinating data collection, processing complex survey data, and conducting qualitative and quantitative data analysis, Advanced quantitative skills, including the ability to oversee others’ research proposals, methodological design, and data analysis.  Demonstrated proficiency in translating data and findings for public audiences with a focus on driving policy or best practices.  Excellent writing and analytical skills and significant body of written work; nationally produced or recognized reports a plus.  Proven experience identifying and applying for funding to support a research portfolio.  Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.  Strength in prioritizing, multitasking, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.  Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team. Experience managing staff.  Knowledge of legislative and administrative policymaking processes. Ability to initiate and engage in creative approaches to advancing policy recommendations.  Experience analyzing federal and state government data.  Commitment to the ECLC mission.

Flexible work from home options available.