Job Title:       Sr. Director – F.D. Patterson Research Institute             

Department:          Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute       

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer                                            

JOB DESCRIPTION 

The Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI) is responsible for the research agenda of UNCF, the execution of numerous methods that support the agenda, and is central in the development of the organization’s stance on advocating for HBCUs. 

The Senior Director oversees the overall operations of the Institute, establishes the Institute’s goals, and helps to plan, develop, and direct research programs and initiatives that support the Institute’s mission.

The Senior Director will be responsible for creating research initiatives and opportunities to enhance the Institute’s presence, image, and visibility with policymakers in the local, regional, and national cultural landscape.  This official maintains a visible presence in the educational and nonprofit community by presenting the Institute’s research and initiatives and working with UNCF Communications division to establish a system for dissemination and information exchange with like institutions.  

Fiscal responsibilities will include securing funding for the organization and rigorously managing its finances.  While the Institute’s endowment provides a core operating budget, it will become important to expand and diversify the organization’s funding base.  The Senior Director will have demonstrated experience in securing grants and will possess the ability to innovatively develop the Institute’s financial platform.    

ABOUT UNCF  

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

Develop the strategic direction of the Institute, establish the budget and write fundraising proposals to support the strategic plan.

Direct and manage the implementation of the research agenda with a particular emphasis on the research on HBCUs. 

Work in close collaboration with the Institute for Capacity Building and support their efforts to gather and use data on the core areas of their work, including designing and managing the process for issuing and deciding on RFPs for research and evaluation projects associated with ICB projects.

Oversee the implementation of the Annual Statistical Report including ensuring that the survey instrument is built to yield the data needed for ongoing knowledge-building about HBCUs.

Oversee the management of the projects that support Scholarship and Student Services.

Ensure that the daily work of the Institute is managed, including prompt responses to queries from the field and various stakeholders.

Develop research projects and proposals for funding.

Respond to all directives from the President and CEO and the Senior Vice President of Research and Member Engagement.

Manage all administrative and fiscal aspects of the Patterson Institute. 

Lead and manage the staff professionally and efficiently in a manner that is consistent with UNCF’s mission, vision, and values.

Ensure that existing projects and products remain on track for successful completion.

Review and revise the Institute’s current five-year plan and research agenda.

Identify new opportunities to enhance current activities as well as identify new collaborative partnerships.

Create partnerships with national education organizations engaged in research that aligns with the Institute’s agenda and advances its mission and visibility. 

Continue to raise the profile of the organization by producing and broadly disseminating reports.

Build relationships and plan convenings with Institutional Researchers at UNCF member institutions to inform research activities with and on behalf of their institutions.

Broaden the funding base, develop new diverse streams of funding, ensure the efficient use of available resources, and provide leadership and direction in fiscal matters as they pertain to Institute and its mission.

Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May supervise a staff of up to 10 employees; reviews the administrative policies and practices with a goal of developing “best practices” for the Institute and the broader UNCF organization on matters that involve research and evaluation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

A terminal degree from an accredited university in the field of education or a related and a minimum of ten years of related experience in Higher Education, Educational Policy, or Educational Research experience preferred.

Demonstrated experience expanding organizations and institutions.

Strong quantitative and qualitative skills designing research studies with an applied focus.

Significant experience authoring, managing, and publishing research studies and reports.

Able to plan, direct, and manage the operations, programs, and staff of a complex and dynamic organization.

Proven self-starter and quick study who can work independently with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Experience developing and managing budgets.

Able to inspire and elicit support and cooperation from diverse constituencies.

Strategic thinker who is flexible and has sound judgment.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Experience with qualitative and quantitative research or program evaluation is required. 

Ability to apply evaluation tools and techniques in diverse situations and scenarios.

Experience providing technical advice and assistance.

Demonstrated skill in prioritizing and balancing multiple competing tasks, projects, and deadlines.

Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Demonstrated skill in working collaboratively and effectively.

Highly proficient in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, and

PowerPoint) and able to learn and use new databases proficiently.

Superior analytic, writing, and editing skills.  Experience in writing program reports and best practices guides is ideal.

Commitment to education.

The Individual must be a self-starter, who is able to problem-solver and take on a wide range of tasks to deliver results; collegial and professional manner; excellent communication and interpersonal skills.