Research and Program Manager

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY: 

Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating disparities within the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. Our primary focus areas are Education, Public Health, Economic Empowerment, and the Environment. Applicants may visit the website at www.cbcfinc.org, to view more information on CBCF programs and initiatives. 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Research Program Manager under the direction of the Vice President of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR), will play a key role in the management of CPAR research and program initiatives and be primarily responsible for reviewing and editing department research deliverables. Currently, CPAR initiatives include Voter Engagement, Tech Equity, and Health Equity; NREI initiatives include Criminal Justice, Economic Equity, Education, and Health Equity. The ideal candidate will have experience with peer-reviewing research-related pieces (e.g., fact sheets, policy briefs, case studies, reports, op-eds, etc.) and crafting content for programmatic activities (e.g., private and public conferences, workshops, brain trusts, webinars, summits, etc.), an exceptional ability to write and carry out original research with guidance from senior staff, and superior communication skills. Candidates with interest in and/or experience with developing impactful policy programming, as well as research on key and intersecting issues facing the global Black community are preferred. They report to the VP, CPAR. 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: 

1. Reports to: VP, CPAR 
2. Directly Supervises: Research and Program Coordinator, CPAR 
3. Indirectly Supervises: Vendors providing professional services or deliverables. 
4. Type of Supervision Received: Minimal supervision. 
5. Internal Relationships:  Close coordination with the President’s Office, Vice President of Strategic Events, NREI Director, and Operations Manager. Ideally, thrives in cross-functional setting to optimize and execute research initiatives and programmatic. 
6. External Relationships: CPAR Partners, Journal Contributors, Speakers and Facilitators   

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following: 

• Manages research on various public policy issues, conducts peer-review and fact-checking of research, and manages research rollout
• Monitors and communicates the process and progress of research assignments;
• Oversees the work of and collaborates with the research coordinator and vendors providing professional services or deliverables;
• Monitors and analyzes historical, current and proposed federal policies related to program priority areas;
• Oversee the layout, editing, and dissemination, of publications, not limited to but, including JCPAR;
• Serves as a Managing Editor for JCPAR, including supervise and oversee editorial production from idea generation to publication; collaborate with editor-in-chief and managing editors to plan journal issues and solicit articles from JCPAR contributors; and manage the dissemination of publication;
• In coordination with VP, develops in-person and online policy issue forums throughout the year and during CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) to include crafting content, producing event fact sheets, and directing briefing calls;
• Ensures efficient department operations, to include writing correspondence, maintaining quality data, and monitoring for latest research and policy activities specifically impacting the global Black community;
• Liaises between departments to produce relevant documents or needs to facilitate objectives; 
• Acts as a thought partner to CPAR department leads;
• Attend research trainings and act as a resource for CPAR team on knowledge obtained during trainings;
• Other administrative and research tasks as needed 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY/ACCOUNTABILITY: 

The Incumbent must communicate with stakeholders on a national and local level to positively influence the effectiveness of CBCF in achieving its objectives. The Research and Program Manager must follow and adhere to federal, state and local ethics laws, as well as CBCF policies governing conduct, in addition to performing his/her duties in an ethical, professional and objective manner. Failure to comply may result in penalties for CBCF and the Research and Program Manager. 

SPECIFICATIONS: 

Knowledge: An advanced degree in social science, public policy, economic or community development, communications, or a related field; academic training in public policy or economic/community development preferred.  At least four years of post-graduate, professional experience conducting research and/or policy analysis in a social policy research organization, academic institution, or governmental agency or office.  

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to develop aptitude in public policy areas beyond the candidate’s area of expertise  
• Superior writing and analytical skills 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines 
• In depth knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes 
• Excellent quantitative research skills and policy analysis skills; experience with qualitative research a plus 
• General working knowledge of SPSS and Microsoft Word, EXCEL, and PowerPoint; knowledge of Microsoft Access, Excel and qualitative data analysis software a plus 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; experience with authoring research/policy analysis publications and presenting findings preferred 
• Ability to synthesize information from different sources and present information in a variety of formats for different audiences  
• Ability to work well under pressure and with minimal supervision, strong attention to detail, manage multiple tasks and prioritize assignments  
• Ability to communicate effectively with different audiences on a broad range of issues  
• Ability to work well independently or as a team player within and across departments  

Computer and Technical Proficiencies: Highly proficient skills in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and overall aptitude for technology and cloud-based software are required.

Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines, ability to work evening and weekend events and/or off-hours responses as necessary. Some light travel may be required. Must work well under pressure and be able to manage simultaneous priorities and deliverables.  

CBCF is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation and sick time. Qualified applicants only must forward a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three professional references using CBCF’s online employment portal only.  Incomplete submissions will not be considered.  Position is open until filled.  No phone calls accepted.