Research Project Manager
YouthBuild USA, United States
Job Description
About the Organization
With love and respect, YouthBuild partners with opportunity youth to build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood, and leadership. At more than 275 YouthBuild programs across the United States and around the world, students reclaim their education, gain job skills, and become leaders in their communities. To date, YouthBuild has partnered with more than 180,000 young people to dedicate over 50 million hours of service benefitting urban, rural, and tribal communities. YouthBuild strives to create a world where all young people are seen for their potential, and power to transform themselves and their communities.
YouthBuild USA, located in Roxbury, MA, is the support center for the YouthBuild movement. It strengthens YouthBuild programs through technical assistance, leadership development, innovative program enhancements, and advocacy. YouthBuild programs located outside of the United States are supported by YouthBuild USA’s international division, YouthBuild International. For more information about the YouthBuild movement, YouthBuild USA, and YouthBuild International, visit YouthBuild.org.
Job Summary
The Project Manager will oversee the implementation of YouthBuild USA’s Templeton Foundation-funded study, Character First: Harnessing the Power of Love in Promoting Character Development in YouthBuild Programs. This 3-year study will examine 1) what specific attitudes, behaviors, and practices of adult leaders contribute to an environment that promotes love, respect, belonging, and high expectations and 2) how a community of practice (CoP) of youth-serving program leaders from diverse contexts can build a shared understanding of culturally- and contextually-appropriate ways to create a culture of love, respect, belonging, and high expectations that promote the character development of opportunity youth. The Project Manager position is a one-year full-time contract position, with the option to renew for up to 2 additional years, that oversees the implementation of the research team’s efforts to identify key behaviors, attitudes, and practices of staff who effectively promote a strong program culture in YouthBuild programs across the country and globe.
Under the direction and supervision of the Vice President of Impact amp; Learning and in collaboration with the Boston University School of Social Work research team, the Project Coordinator will manage all aspects of the study, including coordinating data collection activities and management of the Community of Practice (CoP).
Requirements
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of study implementation
- Oversee budget, and track expenses, including site payments and participant incentives
- Prepare progress reports for the funder
- Supervise research assistants
- Coordinate and facilitate a community of practice for the project activities, which involves management of relationships with multiple stakeholders including YouthBuild program staff and alumni
- Coordinate and participate in the implementation of data collection and analyses, including qualitative interviews, observations, and surveys with YouthBuild staff and program participants
- Develop and manage project materials on a project website and/or shared drive
- Manage participant data in Excel and Qualtrics
Other Duties/Responsibilities
Perform various administrative duties related to the project (e.g., ordering supplies, scheduling meetings and interviews, responding to project-related emails, etc.).
Education amp; Experience Required
A graduate-level degree in social work, psychology, public health, human development, or a related field. PhD preferred but not required.
At least 2 years of experience in qualitative, mixed research methods, or program evaluation research as demonstrated through any of the following:
- Experience conducting focus groups, surveys, interviews, and/or other community-based participatory research.
- Familiarity with virtual data collection platforms (e.g., Qualtrics).
- Data set modeling and preparation.
- Project management of complex community-based projects.
- A record of scholarly publication and presentation in these areas.
Skills amp; Knowledge Required
- Good organizational skills and strong attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team within a diverse community.
- Excellent writing, communications, social media, and documentation skills
- Cultural humility and c