The Director of Learning & Research will advance BoardSource’s transition to a more learning-focused organization by building new capabilities within the organization to improve data collection, research, and knowledge systems. They will create new research agendas, drive research efforts, optimize methodologies, ensure alignment with strategic goals, and synthesize and share learnings to strengthen BoardSource’s role in nonprofit governance.

Innovation

1. Embracing BoardSource’s shift towards becoming a listening and learning organization that marries its 35+ year experience in board governance, envision and create mechanisms to engage with the BoardSource community to capture data on the challenges, solutions, and opportunities to strengthen and enhance nonprofit governance across the sector.
2. Work closely with the BoardSource team to think creatively about the current and possible sources of information that come into the organization and streamline mechanisms to capture and synthesize that information to inform BoardSource’s programming and resources.

Learning & Knowledge Management

1. Continuously assess, and evaluate BoardSource’s ability to collect, organize, analyze, and use information and learnings from the sector.
2. Lead efforts to create and improve the structures, platforms, and processes across the organization that facilitate the collection, organization, analysis, and use of information and learnings from the sector.
3. Stay abreast of learning, information, and knowledge management trends, approaches, and technologies.

Research

1. Lead and enhance research initiatives, including but not limited to BoardSource’s Leading With Intent survey and report.
2. Identify new areas for research informed by and responsive to information and learnings from the sector.
3. With the Data Analyst, identify and implement improvements to BoardSource’s research methodologies to enhance data quality and relevance.
4. Oversee the collection, analysis, and dissemination of research findings to inform sector practices and BoardSource's strategic initiatives.
5. Review nonprofit sector research from other organizations and academic institutions and highlight relevant findings for our organization and community.
6. Connect with researchers in the nonprofit sector, including BoardSource’s Research Advisory Council, to learn from them and enhance BoardSource’s standing in the research community.

Collaboration and Team Management

1. Supervise and support the Data Analyst, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
2. Collaborate with other BoardSource teams to ensure research and learning initiatives align with organizational goals and priorities.
3. Collaborate with other program team members to share learnings and implement findings to create new and improved resources and supports.
4. Work closely with the Chief Program & Strategy Officer to develop and implement strategic plans for research, learning, and knowledge management.

Communication and Dissemination

1. Develop and deliver presentations, reports, and other communications to share research findings and learning outcomes with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Represent BoardSource at conferences, workshops, and other events to share insights and foster relationships with sector leaders.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

1. 5+ years of experience in research, learning, or related roles within the nonprofit sector.
2. Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Research, Social Sciences, Education) or equivalent experience.
3. Demonstrated experience in leading both qualitative and quantitative research projects and managing research teams.
4. Demonstrated experience conducting community-based participatory research projects, building trust with communities, and centering equity in how data is gathered and research participants groups convened.
5. Strong understanding of nonprofit governance and equity-focused practices.
6. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
7. Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
8. Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
9. Ability to be a creative and resourceful problem-solver who can deal with some level of ambiguity and strive to build consensus with the appropriate people to execute on projects.
10. Ability to work collegially and effectively with staff in a team-oriented environment, as well as independently on key projects and deliverables.
11. Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and with diplomacy.
12. Knowledge of and passion for the nonprofit sector and boards. Experience working with or serving on boards is highly desired.
13. Deep commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the role of governance as a lever for change.
14. Aligned with BoardSource’s values, with the ability to bring a lens of humility, listening, learning, and co-creation to all aspects of the role.
15. Deep knowledge of MS Office, SPSS, and Google Suite applications.
16. Demonstrated proficiency in statistical analyses such as T-Tests, ANOVA, and Chi Squares required.
17. Experience with statistical packages (i.e., SPSS, SAS, STATA, R) and Qualtrics survey platform and StatsIQ is desirable.

LOCATION, TRAVEL, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

BoardSource is located in Washington, D.C., and staff are expected to be in the office at least once a week, with senior leadership team members regularly coming in twice a week. The physical requirements for this role are customary to an office setting – seated or standing at a desk, using standard office equipment and technology. Reasonable accommodation will gladly be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Travel of up to 15-20% of your time is expected for this role.

BoardSource offers competitive wages and excellent benefits, including high-quality health insurance with dental and vision coverage, life insurance, a retirement plan with employer match, and other work/life benefits. This will be a full-time, exempt position. The hiring range for this position is between $119,000 - $148,000.

TO APPLY

To learn more, click here. More information about BoardSource may be found at: boardsource.org.

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