Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) transforms lives by helping people move out of poverty and provides other organizations with the tools to do the same. As a leading nonprofit innovator that combines program delivery, independent research, and public advocacy, we offer a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. EMPath is committed to recruiting, hiring, and sustaining a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexuality, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply. We are an EEO/AA/ADA/ADEA employer based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Cover letter is required. Applications without one will not be considered.

Salary: $95,000 - $115,000 annually.

Hours: 40 / Full Time

Position Title: Assistant Vice President, Research and Evaluation (R&E)

Supervisor: Vice President of Research and Evaluation

General Summary of Duties: The Assistant Vice President of Research will work closely with the Vice President and the R&E team to manage multiple projects, advance the research components of our expansion initiatives, build collaborative research partnerships, support fidelity to model, conduct research studies with practical applications, and strengthen EMPath’s position as a thought-leader in what works in economic mobility coaching.

Responsibilities:

Project Management Leadership

• Support VP of R&E with strategic planning for external projects and partnerships
• Manage multiple projects with our external partners and Learning Exchange Member organizations; Serve as research project lead on current and future pilot projects and learning cohorts
• Oversee new strategic initiatives; advise on budgets, timelines, and research support for our growth and scaling efforts
• Utilize project management systems to keep projects and teams organized and on track to meet deadlines
• Systematically document consultations, deliverables, allocation of time, lessons learned, etc. to support project learnings and the planning of future projects
• Create structured processes and best-practice guidelines for the provision of research and data support on external projects/programs
• Manage the process and structure of Mobility Mentoring® Certification
• Organize and lead team meetings; supervise & mentor staff

Research & Knowledge Capture Leadership

• Strengthen knowledge capture across EMPath and our Economic Mobility Exchange
• Provide technical assistance, training, consultation, and ongoing support to organizations in the process of implementing a Mobility Mentoring® informed approach
• Support partner organizations in collecting, processing, and reporting on their own data, and enhancing their own data culture and capacity
• Determine how to best compile and report on (quantitative and qualitative) data from member organizations across the nation
• Design projects to capture learnings from Exchange member organizations; Advise on study design and methods for program evaluations
• Keep up-to-date with relevant research/literature (poverty disruption, behavioral economics, housing, workforce development, etc.) with an eye towards translating research into practice
• Conceptualize and conduct independent research regarding what works in economic mobility coaching, offering practical ways to improve our work and the field
• Manage, analyze, and interpret data
• Consolidate, document, and disseminate project learnings to academic research communities and lay audiences
• Write research reports, articles, briefs
• Build research partnerships

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., behavioral economics, behavioral sciences, psychology, sociology, public health, etc.)

• 3-5+ years mid- to senior-level experience at a research or thought-leadership think tank (or equivalent)

• Outstanding project management skills; Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills; Ability to influence at a variety of professional levels
• Strong background in research methods, program evaluation, and study design

• Record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting at conferences

• Commitment to EMPath’s mission and social justice, with a passion for working with (&/or on issues facing) families with low incomes
• Content knowledge in economic mobility, structural inequality, social determinants, poverty, housing, workforce development, early care and education, coaching practices, etc.
• Experience working at—and providing technical assistance, consultation and/or trainings to—nonprofit organizations

• Experience compiling data from a variety of sources
• Great attention to (and documentation of) detail

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; comfort in public presentations
• Demonstrated ability to establish and build strong, trusting partnerships with colleagues; Excellent team building and collaboration skills
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work on a diverse set of business and organizational opportunities and challenges
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices for helping individuals and families achieve upward economic mobility
• Experience in a fast-paced innovative environment; ability to prioritize and manage competing priorities to complete work accurately and efficiently
• Flexibility, comfort with ambiguity, enthusiasm, creativity, curiosity, kindness, and sense of humor
• Cultural humility and respect for others’ cultures, identities, and lived experiences
• Multi-lingual candidates and candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply

Bonus Qualifications:

• IT expertise; experience developing IT systems to collect/share data
• Project Management certification
• Experience with certification/accreditation, and evaluating model fidelity
• Experience using Apricot, ETO, or other client management databases

Working Conditions:

• Prolonged period of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Work is currently a hybrid model: at least one day/week on site at EMPath’s Downtown Boston office, a semi-open-concept office environment
• Standard COVID safety protocols (e.g., vaccinations, masks) are in place. Due to the ongoing changes in the pandemic, hybrid work policy and safety protocols are subject to change

If you are hired, we will require you to prove that you have received the COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.

All offers of employment at EMPath are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.