Grant Project Director - Researcher

Position Overview

This position will serve as the Project Director, gender equality expert, and lead quantitative analyst for the Education Out Loud (EOL) project. As the project director, this role will co-design and monitor the creation of different tools and platforms for data collection and analysis. This is a grant-funded, .45 FTE researcher appointment with a two-year commitment. Extension beyond the two years available depending on grant funding and extensions.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Collaboration & Leadership (30%)

• Leading the inception phase meetings with EOL partner, including:
  • Initial document review of available grantee/partner reports & previously gatherer data,
  • Identifying grantees/partners with whom the grant will work in future online learning engagements.
• Serving as a Gender Equality Expert/Lead Quantitative senior researcher.
• Leading the writing of the research brief.
• Serving as the key contact for EOL grantees participating in the online learning engagements.
• Attending workshops and meetings with EOL staff and other Global Learning Partners (virtually and traveling to attend in-person meetings).
• Leading the grant's collaborative development and design efforts.
• Managing the project's budget
• Serving as primary point-of-contact for communicating with EOL staff and grantees/partners. Including:
  • Facilitating clear and timely communication among the University of Minnesota (UMN) team,
  • EOL global learning partners, and the funder (e.g., EOL staff).
• Leading and overseeing preparations of all reports (e.g., quarterly and annual reports, annual work plan and budget plan submissions) as requested by the funder.

Data-Driven Deliverables (70%)

• Co-designing the Facilitated Reflexivity and Multimodal Exchange (FRAME) platform.
• Drawing on past research experiences and gender equality work/publications to conduct secondary analyses of existing grantee/partner data focused on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI).
• Conducting sophisticated quantitative data analyses toward project outcomes (e.g., factor analyses, linear, logistic, and multiple regression, etc.).
• Partnering with other researchers to conduct sophisticated qualitative data analysis.
• Co-developing tools and three, synchronous online learning engagements with EOL partners/grantees using the FRAME approach. This includes:
  • conducting additional data analysis as needed and researching global best practices related to using multimodal data for GESI policy advocacy.
  • leading the co-creation of three online workshops to discuss findings from the research brief,
  • teaching grantees how to collect multimodal forms of data related to GESI,
  • facilitating the reflection on how to gather, analyze, and use multimodal data for grantees'/partners' present and future advocacy work.
• Co-monitoring the online learning platform used for the professional learning community involved in the FRAME approach, including:
  • reviewing and analyzing grantee multimodal data and facilitating reflection on the FRAME approach,
  • responding/adapting to changing conditions based on grantee/partner responses and engagement.
• Co-creating the digital resource guide on GESI for advocacy and policy change, including:
  • lessons learned from the online learning engagements and,
  • professional learning community of EOL grantees/partners.
• Presenting findings of the study to EOL staff and grantees/partners, and the wider professional community (nationally and internationally) by presenting at conferences (e.g., CIES) and publishing in peer-reviewed journals and books.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree with substantial research and publication record.
• Expertise in multimodal methods (e.g., film, photovoice, digital storytelling, video-cued multivocal ethnography).
• Ability to work independently & autonomously.
• Evidence of a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through research, teaching, and/or service/outreach.

Preferred Qualifications

• An earned PhD in comparative and international development education and at least 10 years of experience coordinating and conducting international development research focused on gender equality
• At least 10 years of experience in conducting complex, multimodal, mixed methods data analysis and report writing, including expertise in quantitative (e.g., SPSS) and qualitative (e.g., NVivo) software
• Substantial research and publication record (including peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and international conference presentations)
• Substantial experience leading projects with government entities (USAID, DFID/FCDO, AusAID), UN agencies (UNICEF, UNESCO, UNGEI) and in partnership with civil society organizations to promote gender equality and social inclusion
• Experience supervising a team of researchers on complex, multi-country, multi-partner research and evaluation projects, including ability to handle personnel issues as they arise
• Experience facilitating, developing training materials, and organizing online workshops with diverse partners
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask to manage demands of multiple projects and partners
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to clearly summarize, synthesize, and communicate information effectively and in a timely manner
• Proficiency in English and Spanish
• Strong evidence of intercultural competency.

About the Department

Department Overview

At the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD), we are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, policymakers, and changemakers. Our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to provide an educational environment that fosters critical thinking, research, and collaboration. We firmly believe that understanding and addressing the complex challenges facing our society require a multifaceted approach, which is why our department offers a diverse range of programs and opportunities for students.

Whether you aspire to influence education policy, lead organizations towards success, or contribute to the advancement of society, OLPD has a program tailored for your goals. Our academic offerings span across areas such as education leadership, policy analysis, international development, and human resource development, empowering you to make a tangible impact on your community and the world.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading the documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume,
• Letter addressing both the required and preferred qualifications which may include evidence of related research,
• A copy of your transcripts or Diploma of highest degree earned.

Application review is expected to begin by September 5, 2024.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).