Research Center Senior Director

JOB SUMMARY

The Center Senior Director leads the Research Center within the Strategy and Resource Mobilization team, shaping its strategic vision and operational activities. Central to this role is driving the Research Center’s efforts to address global challenges, influence markets, and capitalize on business opportunities in alignment with FHI 360’s strategy. The Senior Director spearheads the development of long-term operational plans vital for achieving impact in the designated Big Global Challenge (BGC) and overall organizational strategy. Working alongside innovative teams, they execute Center plans, curate evidence to enhance impact, amplify global influence through thought leadership and learning initiatives, foster strategic partnerships, and nurture high-functioning Communities of Practice. As a top expert and advisor, the Senior Director guides critical issues, utilizing extensive knowledge to shape ideas and principles. They address program success and future concepts, decide on solutions impacting strategic goals, build networks, and are recognized as a thought leader. Collaborating both within and outside Global Operations is crucial for achieving organizational objectives.

Candidates outside the United States based in countries where FHI360 is registered, are strongly encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

Complexity & Problem Solving :

Navigate complex issues within the international development landscape.

Leverage expertise to define and address challenges unique to the Center’s focus area.

Translate overarching organizational strategy into actionable plans for the Center.

Guide the implementation of initiatives that advance FHI 360’s influence and impact.

Draw on market analysis and FHI 360’s strengths to identify priority areas for growth.

Drive the adoption of evidence-based practices.

Provide guidance and apply professional concepts to resolve critical issues.

Apply extensive knowledge of theories, practices, and design matters.

Lead the application of existing principles and guide the development of new ideas.

Expertise & Influence :

Make decisions that significantly impact the Center’s ability to achieve its objectives and contribute to the organization’s mission.

Shape the Center’s positioning as a thought leader and market influencer.

Drive innovation and foster strategic partnerships to enhance FHI 360’s global footprint.

Serve as an internal and external high-visibility expert and spokesperson for FHI 360’s portfolio on specified technical areas addressing BGCs.

Align the 3-Year Resource Mobilization Plan for BGC with the Center’s 3-year Operational Plan to ensure strategic integration and impactful outcomes.

Collaboration & Interaction :

Engage with senior management, executives, and key stakeholders.

Cultivate partnerships crucial to the Center’s success.

Navigate diverse perspectives and stakeholder interests to foster collaboration and drive impactful outcomes.

Identify and establish new collaborative partnerships with funders, government entities, and key stakeholders.

Build FHI 360’s reputation and credibility through outreach and market reputation enhancement.

Create formal networks with key decision-makers.

Serve as an external spokesperson for the organization.

Task Management & Efficiency :

Provide direction and guidance to a multidisciplinary team.

Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Ensure the Center remains at the forefront of thought leadership and technical expertise in its focus area.

Supervise two senior staff members.

Direct team activities, capacity strengthening efforts, and the implementation of annual work plans.

Embrace other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s multifaceted and evolving responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge & Skills :

Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement strategic plans and objectives for the Center.

Leverage expertise to drive operational effectiveness and organizational impact.

Possess strong leadership and communication skills.

Ensure effective dissemination of divisional strategies and alignment of Center activities with broader organizational goals.

Have a broad understanding of Big Global Challenges (BGCs) and their impacts on the development sector.

Substantial experience in leading strategic goals and managing projects funded by various sources.

Provide guidance and apply professional concepts to resolve critical issues.

Apply extensive knowledge of theories, practices, and design matters.

Lead the application of existing principles and guide the development of new ideas.

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in Knowledge / Information Services, Communications, Education, Environment, Health, Behavioral, Life / Social Sciences, International Development, Human Development, or a related field.

Minimum of 15 years related experience, managing nonprofit programs and technical delivery in international development settings; 12 years and a master’s degree; 9 years and a PhD; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience to perform job responsibilities effectively.

Certifications :

Certification requirements may differ depending on the specific focus area of the Center.

Preferred Qualifications :

Master’s degree or its International Equivalent in a related field.

We welcome candidates with relevant certifications or their international equivalents, underscoring their dedication to excellence in nonprofit international development and related fields such as international development, strategic management, or related areas.

TRAVEL

Travel requirements may vary but could involve up to 40%, depending on project needs and global engagement requirements, encompassing both international and domestic travel.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical office environment. Constantly uses a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

TECHNOLOGY

Computer / Laptop, Microsoft applications (, Office 365, SharePoint, Skype / Zoom / Teams), cell phone / mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

The expected US Based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to : relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget.

Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 7% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours / week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.

US Based Hiring Salary Range : USD 160,000 - 190,000 annual

• International hiring ranges will differ based on location

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding : FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and / or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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