REL Southeast Director

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, education, and economic development, and is committed to evidence-based practices and partnerships that enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The REL Southeast Director will lead a multi-state educational research center based in FHI 360’s headquarters in Durham, North Carolina. This role involves providing strategic, technical, operational, and managerial leadership for the center, ensuring that it delivers high-quality, scientifically rigorous services that support evidence-informed decision-making across the Southeast region. The Director will engage with state and local education agencies, schools, postsecondary institutions, educators, families, and policymakers to improve student outcomes from early childhood through adulthood. The position requires overseeing all research activities, including applied research, training, coaching, technical support, dissemination, and partnership development, while ensuring alignment with partner-identified needs and IES standards for rigor and quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director's key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership & Partnership Management: Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the research center; develop and maintain partnerships with SEAs, LEAs, and other stakeholders; serve as the primary liaison to the funder and federal leadership; establish and engage the Governing Board; ensure alignment with regional priorities and partner-defined outcomes; foster collaboration with other federal technical assistance providers.
• Technical Oversight: Oversee the design, implementation, and quality assurance of all center-led research activities, ensuring adherence to rigorous research standards and evidence-based practices; guide the development of partnership logic models and annual work plans.
• Management & Operations: Supervise senior staff and subcontractors; ensure timely delivery of contract deliverables; manage budgets and resource allocation; lead risk management and compliance efforts.
• Communication & Representation: Represent FHI 360 at national and regional meetings; communicate with senior education leaders and policymakers; support dissemination of findings to diverse audiences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (EdD or equivalent; PhD preferred) in education, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, statistics, or a related field. A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in education research, technical assistance, or education systems strengthening is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience leading large, complex federally funded education projects, translating research into actionable guidance, and engaging with SEAs and LEAs. Strong understanding of education research methods and evidence standards is essential, along with demonstrated management and supervisory experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams. Excellent written, facilitation, and verbal communication skills are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree, preferably a PhD, in a relevant field such as education, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, or statistics. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education research and policy-making.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to education research, technical assistance, or education systems strengthening. This experience should include leading large, federally funded education projects and engaging with state education agencies and local education authorities.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication and documentation purposes. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in the United States, specifically in Durham, North Carolina. The expected salary range for this role is between USD 160,000 and 190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. FHI 360 offers a competitive benefits package, including a 7% contribution to a pension plan, 18 days of paid vacation, 12 sick days, and 11 holidays per year for full-time employees. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace.