Director, Research

Position description

DataKind is seeking a visionary Director, Research to lead our groundbreaking research initiatives in the higher education data science space. This is a unique opportunity to shape industry conversations and establish DataKind as a thought leader addressing critical system integration challenges in university data and technology systems.

Location

Remote position available anywhere in the U.S. with working hours primarily between 8am-6pm Eastern Time.

Salary Range

The salary range is $150,000 – $170,000

This salary range reflects DataKind’s standardized compensation bands for technical, director level positions. Our compensation structure is designed to ensure internal equity and competitive market alignment regardless of geographic location within the U.S. The final salary offer within this range will be determined based on relevant experience, expertise, and qualifications as they relate to the role requirements.

Core Responsibilities

As our Director, Research, you’ll conduct cutting-edge research that drives strategic insights, collaborate with our project team and external stakeholders, and develop thought-provoking content that influences the field. Your work will directly contribute to improving student graduation outcomes at scale across higher education institutions nationwide. This role will report directly to the Senior Director, Research and will be responsible for the following in addition to any other project assigned by the manager:

Independent Contribution (50% of time)

• Lead Landscape Analysis: Spearhead comprehensive research that identifies critical integration needs and opportunities in higher education data systems
• Drive Thought Leadership: Publish authoritative white papers, journal articles, and thought pieces that frame the problem space and position DataKind’s approach
• Design Experimentation Frameworks: Apply research insights to prototype testing, feature iteration, and market readiness assessments
• Develop Measurement Strategies: Establish KPIs to assess impact and inform strategic decision-making
• Represent DataKind: Share insights at conferences, policy forums, and industry events to foster engagement with thought leaders

Team Management and Partnerships (50% of time)

• Build Strategic Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with academic leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to support system integration initiatives
• Lead a Research Team: Hire, manage, and mentor a Research Scientist and Research Coordinator to scale impact and ensure project success
• Translate Complex Findings: Transform technical research into compelling narratives that engage stakeholders, funders, and product teams

Qualifications

• Alignment with DataKind’s mission and values, including our commitment to anti-racism
• PhD in Education, Data Science, Information Systems, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in research education leadership roles, preferably in higher education technology and 3+ years experience managing teams of researchers.
• Established portfolio of published research and speaking engagements
• Proven success leading multi-stakeholder research initiatives
• Deep understanding of higher education data systems and student success initiatives
• Exceptional writing skills with ability to produce high-quality publications under deadline pressure
• Demonstrated success overseeing a research team in order to meet deadlines and objectives
• Strong network within higher education and/or education technology sectors

About DataKind

DataKind is a global nonprofit dedicated to harnessing the power of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in the service of humanity. DataKind matches skilled volunteers from academia and industry with visionary changemakers, collaboratively designing innovative solutions to tough social challenges.

People are at the center of our process: DataKind follows human-centered design principles that focus on questions such as “why?”, “for whom?” and “should we?” before we get going on the “what?”. We’ll continue our work until all people and all communities can use digital technology for the outcomes they want to see, with an emphasis on including those who have historically been excluded from the technology sector or will be impacted by the intervention.

Why Work with DataKind

At DataKind, we believe that people are the most important asset to delivering on our mission. As a people-first remote organization, we offer the following for all our employees:

• Flexibility and time off. Enjoy genuine flexibility that goes beyond adjustable hours. We build in shared time off, company-wide recharge days, bi-weekly meeting-free days, and flexible PTO (with a minimum of 20 vacation days encouraged annually).
• Comprehensive Wellness Support. We care for your total wellbeing with 100% employer-paid medical, vision, and dental benefits for employees (72% for dependents), a wellness reimbursement program for the activities and purchases that matter to you, and 12 weeks paid parental leave when you need it most.
• A Culture of Growth. Every team member receives professional development funding each year, alongside mentorship and advancement opportunities. We invest in your future with a 401(k) plan with 5% employer matching.
• Meaningful Connection. Despite being distributed across time zones, we value being able to come together in person for conferences, strategic planning, and at our annual staff retreat.
• Living our Values. DataKind is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment in our day-to-day work and via special initiatives driven by our DEI Steering Committee.

 

Application instructions

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