Director, Research & PROMISE Technical Assistance - Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), Silver Spring, MD
Posted: Friday, September 2, 2016
AUCD is seeking a Director of Research and PROMISE Technical Assistance, to oversee the day-to-day operations of the PROMISE Technical Assistance Center as well as document outcomes of the PROMISE model demonstration projects. The Director will also be responsible for assisting in the development of research and evaluation activities across AUCD projects and with developing new research and evaluation efforts, including supporting the AUCD network members in their research work and developing responses to research proposal request from federal, foundation, and private sources.
AUCD promotes and supports a national network of interdisciplinary centers on disabilities. Its member centers represent every US state and territory and include 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), 43 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Programs and 15 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC). Together, these organizations advance policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families and communities, in support of independence, productivity, and satisfying quality of life.
The AUCD office is located in downtown Silver Spring, MD, one block from the red line Silver Spring Metro station.
Job Responsibilities: The Director will work closely with the Associate Executive Director for Research and Policy, the PROMISE Technical Assistance (TA) team, the Senior Director for Technical Assistance and Network Engagement, and others to manage the following activities:
• Engage in research efforts to include:
o Development of research and evaluation efforts across AUCD projects.
o Assisting and sometimes leading grant applications related to research and evaluation projects.
o Conducting both quantitative and qualitative research, writing research reports, and participating in
the report review process.
o Educating stakeholders about research results, and implementation and evaluation of use of
research products.
• Support the organizational goals and mission statement of AUCD to include:
o Overseeing outreach efforts, including dissemination, and preparation of research products for
implementation.
o Conducting speaking engagements, handling press calls, participating in outside committees, and
representing AUCD programs at internal and external meetings.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of PROMISE TA center to include:
o Supervising the PROMISE program specialist and two graduate student interns.
o Ensuring the completion of deliverables for the PROMISE TA Center.
o Managing the budget for the PROMISE TA Grant.
o Planning, conducting, and directing work on programs and selected research projects.
o Providing leadership and mentoring employees to include training and professional development,
forming effective and diverse teams and cultivating a work environment that fosters teamwork.
o Interpreting and ensuring consistent application of organizational policies.
o Maintaining current and developing new relationships with prospective federal, foundation, and
private funders.
• Coordinate technical assistance to the six PROMISE Model Demonstration Projects (MDPs) to include:
o Developing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to document PROMISE Model
Demonstration Projects (MDPs) operations and outcomes.
o Coordinating, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration,
the quantitative and qualitative studies related to PROMISE MDP outcomes.
o Interacting with the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) project officer for monthly
meetings with OSEP, setting the agenda and leading those meetings.
o Attending monthly MDP partners meetings.
o Representing the PROMISE TA Center with other OSEP, U.S. Dept. of Education, and other state
and federal partners.
o Coordinating the collection of evaluation information regarding the PROMISE TA Center services.
o Writing the Annual Project Review for the PROMISE TA Center.
o Supporting the OSEP Project Officer in other negotiated activities.
o Maintaining communication and productive working relationships with PROMISE MDP leadership
and staff, OSEP staff, and other program partners. .
o Setting agenda and overseeing staff responsible for meeting and event arrangements.
o Overseeing quality assurance efforts.
Qualifications and skills:
• This position requires the ability to prioritize and multitask as well as recognize problems and
respond effectively and efficiently, use good judgment and make thoughtful decisions.
• Ph.D. in the behavioral and social sciences preferred; Masters level with extensive experience will
be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a role with program/project management responsibilities at a
nonprofit organization.
• Must have at least 7-10 years of experience using quantitative and qualitative research methods,
performing analyses of complex data, and writing research reports, articles, and briefs.
• Experience and interest in researching topics such as disability, race, ethnicity, education,
employment, health and wellness, assistive technology, and public policy.
• Experience in managing budgets and allocating resources.
• Experience supervising employees and mentoring others, such as interns or volunteers.
• Experience working with and supporting people with disabilities.
• Eye to and experience with supporting cultural and linguistic competence and diversity in the
workplace.
• Proficient with quantitative data analysis software (e.g., SPSS) and qualitative data analysis
software (e.g., NVivo), Microsoft Suite, and other computer and internet technologies.
• Strong communication, technical writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management with a strong aptitude to manage multiple projects/tasks
simultaneously.
• Maturity to handle confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner.
Benefits
Salary based on education and experience; generous health, dental, disability, life insurance and retirement benefits; and three weeks' vacation plus sick and personal days and paid holidays. Opportunity to exercise creativity and initiative in a national disability nonprofit organization.
Procedures
By email only, submit a 1) letter of interest, 2) resume of relevant experience, 3) names and contact information of three references, 4) writing sample, and 5) research project sample to: Michael Gamel-McCormick at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted and reviewed immediately. The position will remain open until filled.
Information on AUCD: www.aucd.org
AUCD is an equal opportunity employer.
Persons from diverse cultural backgrounds and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
