Director of Research and Learning Location: Washington, DC
Summary: Internews® Network is an international media development organization based in Arcata, CA and Washington, DC whose mission is to empower local media worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard.
We are creating a new Internews Center for Innovation & Learning to harness the potential of digital technologies and innovative approaches to better meet the information needs of communities around the world. The Center also serves as a hub to inform and engage others in the fields of media, information technology and development. The Center has an interest in using iterative, design-thinking approach to solve complex problems from a user-centered perspective as well as deploying appropriate technology and social media tools.
The newly created position of Director of Research and Learning is a critical part of the plan to enable us to reach our goal. Reporting to the Executive Director of the Center, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of the Center. You will have a shared direct report and a shared admin to assist you in your efforts.
We will look to you to design and manage all research implementation in the Center, from planning stages to final presentation/publication. As Director of Research and Learning, you will play an integral part in promoting innovative learning within Internews and the development and research community at large. In this position, you will remotely manage dispersed research teams throughout Asia, Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. We are looking for a confident candidate with previous international experience who is also proficient with new media and communications technologies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES: In this role, you will:
• Work with the Executive Director, design the overall research agenda for the organization, to include applied research in support of field teams, as well as occasional academic research
• Work with field teams and consultant researchers to develop proposals for research on existing programs, as well as new initiatives for pilot projects
• Manage consultant researchers/writers and the scope of individual projects
• Employ iterative end-user centric approaches to problem-solving
• Oversee and prepare documents for publication.
• Identify other organizations/institutions involved in parallel research:
o Maintain contact with their work
o Develop relationships for future collaboration where appropriate
• Oversee collection of information on innovative field programs, particularly those using new tools, or in conjunction with new adjustments in the media development space
• Identify and prepare proposals for new research opportunities
• Represent Internews at panels, conferences and other venues
• Write and present reports for primary donors
• Maintain an external blog on ongoing innovation and research.
• Work in conjunction with the Outreach and Development department, to implement public relations strategies on program activities and accomplishments.
• Ensure the sharing of other innovative practices within the organization through web-based programs such as wiki's, blogs, etc.
QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires the following:
Mandatory
• Previous significant international experience
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Strong analytic writing and editing skills using concise, well-structured style
• Proficiency in a range of research methods and tools, both quantitative and qualitative
• Strong project planning and implementation abilities
• Strong team management experience
• Highly-organized, self-directed and works well under pressure
• Strong interest in new media and information technologies
• Openness to creative thinking and pushing the boundaries of research to encompass innovative approaches.
• Masters degree in social sciences; evidence of strong analytical and research capacities
• Must be legally permitted to work in United States
Desired
• Proficiency in at least one major language other than English (French or Spanish, in particular)
• Proficiency in knowledge and project management tools
• Knowledge of the news media, the enabling environment for the news media (policies, laws and regulations) and understanding of basic media development issues ranging from media business models to ethics and legal frameworks
• Strong visual presentation skills – ability to make research accessible and interesting to layperson audiences, using video, graphics, bulletins, the web, and other creative presentation approaches
• Remote, international, team management experience
• Ability to thrive in a multicultural working environment and juggle multiple responsibilities under deadlines
• Positive, productive attitude, with a focus on team-building
• Ability to productively dialogue with the Center’s Executive Director regarding research agendas and implementation strategies This position is open for an immediate start date.
TO APPLY: Please visit http://innovationcenter.wufoo.com/forms/director-of-research-learning/ to apply for this position. You will be asked to provide a current CV and asked to answer a few questions regarding your experience and job skills. Please allow time to answer the questions, as your answers will be considered closely and serve as your pre-screening interview. No cover letter required. EOE M/F/D/V
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