PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Center for Antiracist Research

Tracking Code22500556470311Job Description

The vision of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research is to create novel and practical ways to understand, explain, and solve seemingly intractable problems of racial inequity and injustice. We convene varied researchers and practitioners to foster exhaustive racial data collection, research-based policy innovation, solutions-focused narrative change initiatives, and practical advocacy campaigns. Together, these efforts power real-world antiracist change and impact.

The BU Center for Antiracist Research was founded in 2020 by Dr. Ibram Kendi. The Center is rapidly growing and looking for passionate individuals to join their dedicated staff.

The Program Director will oversee the Antiracist Campaign Tracker. This position will be responsible for developing and refining the research methodology for the Antiracist Campaign Tracker, ongoing data collection, and creating and implementing a plan to get the tracker to scale. The position will lead the pilot phase of data collection for the campaign tracker, working closely with the Associate Director of Advocacy and student interns. As the project grows, this individual will work to identify research goals, prioritize the scope and focus of the tracker, manage a team of staff and interns on data collection, provide supervision to interns on data analysis, and distill all of the data into a user-friendly database.

The Program Director will also be responsible for developing case studies and other research products to disseminate the findings from the tracker. The individual will work closely with other staff in the Advocacy Office, across the Center, and with external partners to ensure that the tracker is informed by a variety of different stakeholders. As we work to build out the Center’s advocacy team, this individual will also be involved in other advocacy-related research projects on an as needed basis.

Responsibilities

• Develop the research methodology for the Antiracist Campaign Tracker, adjusting over time as needed;
• Lead data collection for the pilot phase of the Antiracist Campaign Tracker and support data collection as the tracker expands;
• Oversee data analysis and develop accompanying research products to share the findings from the tracker;
• Create and implement a plan to scale the Antiracist Campaign Tracker after the pilot phase is complete;
• Supervise student interns and eventually staff;
• Ensure that the direction of the tracker is aligned with the strategic vision of the Advocacy Office;
• Build relationships with organizations that are leading antiracist campaigns to ensure that the tracker is informed and reflective of local antiracist organizing efforts;
• Support with pursuing and writing grants, and other Advocacy Office initiatives as needed;
• Manage other projects in the Office of Advocacy on an as needed basis;
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Mixed methods research training and leadership experience
• Fluency creating data sets and managing large, complex research projects
• Experience supervising a team and working across disciplines
• Demonstrated research focus on social movements and/or activism
• Ability to translate complex data into easy to digest products that are accessible to the public

Education and Training

• PhD in an applicable field;
• 1-3 years of experience.

This position is for a two-year appointment term, with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon funding. This position is eligible for Boston University's generous benefits package including health, dental, life insurance, tuition remission, paid time off, and so much more.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty, will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption (instructions). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the Back2BU site.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Job LocationBOSTON, Massachusetts, United StatesPosition TypeFull-Time/Regular