Senior Researcher (Academic Program Professional 2), Stanford Center on Early Childhood

The Stanford Center on Early Childhood seeks a full time Senior Researcher to join our team. The Senior Researcher will work under the general direction of the Director of Learning and Evaluation to develop, implement, and administer the vision, strategy, and goals of the CIRCLE team. The Senior Researcher will participate in program strategy development, long-range planning, and partnership development and revenue generation.

Note: This position is a 1-year fixed term appointment that may be renewed based on performance and funding. This position is eligible for a remote work agreement and limited travel may be required for convenings and events. Interested applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter describing why they are interested in this position at this stage of their career. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ABOUT US

The Stanford Center on Early Childhood (SCEC) leverages the current moment of revolutionary science and fosters deep omnidirectional collaboration across sectors, seeking to change the way that research in early childhood is conducted, communicated, and utilized, with the overarching goal that each and every child thrives from the start.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position contributes senior research knowledge and skills to the work and direction of the CIRCLE team at SCEC, the technical assistance and evaluation arm of SCEC. The Senior Researcher reports to the CIRCLE Director and works under the general strategic direction of both the CIRCLE Director and the SCEC leadership team. The Senior Researcher makes recommendations to the CIRCLE Director for improvements and key project and/or strategy decisions. The Senior Researcher and CIRCLE Director will collaboratively bring recommendations to SCEC leadership around CIRCLE work. 

Principal responsibilities for this role are as follows:

Research project development and management. Develop and manage research programs by conducting research activities, including outreach to varied stakeholders within the program, assigning resources and making program improvement recommendations that impact policies and programs. This will include collaborating with the CIRCLE Director to design the research approach of a project and/or integrate results of the entire project, as well as working closely with Learning and Evaluation Associates to implement project plans successfully. 

Deliverable production. The Senior Researcher will lead the production of key deliverables for CIRCLE projects, which will involve writing and/or editing complex content for external-facing deliverables in long and brief formats, and also proposals, research grants, and peer-reviewed publications. In producing deliverables, the Senior Researcher will be mindful of audience, ensuring that deliverables produced are responsive and accessible to key audiences.

Partnership management. The Senior Researcher will lead key project partnerships to be determined by the CIRCLE Director. This partnership stewarding will involve being the lead day-to-day contact for key projects, presenting findings to external audiences, and staying in close communication with the CIRCLE Director about the project and partnership.

Fundraising/partnership development. In collaboration with the CIRCLE Director, the Senior Researcher will assist in identifying, recommending and implementing opportunities for new research and work. This will involve attending and/or leading pitch meetings and developing and writing proposals at the direction of the CIRCLE Director.

Mentorship and coaching. The Senior Researcher will contribute to coaching and mentoring staff around the implementation of research, project plans and their professional growth and development in close collaboration with the CIRCLE Director or their supervisor.

Research infrastructure. The Senior Researcher will assist in building out research infrastructure for the CIRCLE team, including template protocols, analysis plans, and recommended staffing structure for these tasks.

Strategic planning. In collaboration with the CIRCLE Director, the Senior Researcher will contribute to and inform on strategic planning, including strategic process improvements and funding and financial sustainability planning.

This position is eligible for a remote work agreement. 20-25% travel time is required for convening, conferences, partnership meetings, and other key events.

We are a mission-driven team that holds itself to high standards of quality, thoughtfulness, and follow-through. Successful team members take ownership of their work, bring a proactive and detail-oriented approach, and are energized by meaningful responsibility. This role is best suited for someone who sets high standards for themselves, takes pride in the outcomes they produce, and consistently delivers strong, thoughtful results within a culture of shared accountability and continuous improvement.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Develop and manage research programs by conducting research activities, including outreach to varied stakeholders within the program, assigning resources and making program improvement recommendations that impact policies and programs.

• Identify, recommend and implement opportunities for new research.

• Source, collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program or function.

• Write and/or edit complex content for proposals, research grants , peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities.

• Contribute to and inform on strategic program/entity planning and related funding and financial sustainability.

• May advise students and/or coach/mentor clients.

• Develop or contribute to outreach strategy related to program communications, development, partnerships, and fundraising/funding.

• Coach and mentor program staff.