Job Posting: Director of Community Research

Youthprise is a resource for youth-serving organizations and systems throughout Minnesota. Youthprise’s mission is to increase equity with and for MN’s low-income, indigenous, and racially diverse youth by mobilizing and investing resources, investing knowledge, and advocating for change. Our priority areas are learning and leadership, economic opportunity, health, ownership, wealth, and power.

To apply, send resumes and cover letters to:
https://mra.applytojob.com/apply/z1t2APif17/Director-Of-Community-Research

Job Summary:
The Director of Community Research reports to the Senior Innovation Officer and will be responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the research efforts at Youthprise. This includes developing programs and initiatives utilizing research to achieve racial equity and youth empowerment.

The Director of Community Research works closely with the Director of Innovation on external projects and the Youth Innovation Team
• Four core areas of the Director of Community Research work include:
o Securing earned-income opportunities to progressively increase revenue through consulting, training, and facilitation
o Build a local and regional network of Youth Participatory Action Research practitioners
o Developing policy briefs to increase youth voice in the legislative process and to promote racial equity
o Building regional and national relationships through organizing, attending, and presenting at conferences

Job Responsibilities:
• Ensures Youthprise meets its strategic goals in research as articulated in the mission and strategic framework
• Conduct applied research
• Trains youth researchers and adult partners in YPAR methods and practices
• Collects data, and other documentation of internal and external YPAR projects and
creates reports for the board of directors, funders, and other partners
• Participates as a staff Youth Innovation Team member and represents Youthprise in collaborative activities and projects, including public events, workshops, and training
• Co-leads research teams, including interns, fellows, and community partner groups of young people
• Establishes and retains a variety of research partnerships with external agencies
• Manages multiple contracts at once for research projects, including earned income and fees for service agreements, grants, and other research partnership-related contracts
• Creates and builds on the YPAR training curriculum and toolkit –based on best practices in research, youth engagement, and intergenerational partnerships
• Ability to maintain partnerships with a variety of constituents, including funders, nonprofit leadership, community members, and young people
• Responsible for recruiting research participants, conducting interviews, focus groups, and surveys
• Assists in proposal writing, fund development, and developing an internal project evaluation structure
• Supervise and hire Youth Innovation Associate/research youth fellows and interns as needed

** This position currently has both a remote and limited in-office component**

Schedule: Full-time, regular employee

Compensation and Benefits:
This is an exempt role with a pay range of $90,000-$105,000, depending on qualifications. Youthprise offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Youthprise pays 100% of the premiums for employee high deductible health plans; family dental coverage; employee life,
short-term, and long-term disability insurance. Other benefits include vision and voluntary life insurance; health and retirement savings accounts; paid time off.

Education, Experience & Skills:
• Ph.D. in Social Sciences or related field, preferred
• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences or related field and/or 5+ years of proven experience in community-based research and/or applied research will be considered
• Strong experience in mixed research methods, data analysis, and report writing
• At least 3 years of experience working with youth
• Strong research experience/Knowledgeable about Youth Participatory Action Research
• Knowledgeable and/or willing to learn about indigenous studies, feminist studies, critical race scholarship, queer theory, community action, and indigenous research
• Excellent organization and time management skills, including the ability to set priorities, work independently and as part of a team and perform well under pressure
• High-level relationship building, excellent problem-solving, negotiation, interpersonal, listening, and communication skills

Closing Date: - Immediate opening – Interviewing will occur during the posting process.

If you have questions about the role, please reach out to youthinnovation@youthprise.org
Youthprise is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer