Regional Educational Laboratory Director

REL Director Position Summary FHI 360 is searching for an experienced education research leader to serve as the Director of a multi-state educational research center being run out of FHI 360's headquarters in Durham, North Carolina. The Director will provide overall strategic, technical, operational, and managerial leadership for the research center, serve as the primary liaison to the funder, lead engagement with a regional Governing Board and stakeholders, and ensure the teams delivers high-quality, responsive, and scientifically rigorous services that support evidence-informed decision-making across the Southeast region. The work will support state and local education agencies, schools, postsecondary institutions, educators, families, and policymakers in using data, evidence, and applied research to improve student outcomes from early childhood through adulthood. The Director oversees all of the center's research activities, including applied research, training/coaching/technical support (TCTS), dissemination, partnership development, and coordination with other federally funded technical assistance providers, including the Regional Comprehensive Centers (RCCs) and National Comprehensive Center (NCC). The Director ensures activities are aligned with partner-identified needs, state learning agendas, and IES standards for rigor, quality, relevance, accessibility, and impact. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Partnership Management Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the research center. Lead development and maintenance of partnerships with SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other regional stakeholders across the Southeast region. Serve as primary liaison to funder COR and federal leadership. Lead establishment and ongoing engagement of the Governing Board. Ensure the work of the center aligns with regional priorities, state learning agendas, and partner-defined outcomes. Foster collaboration with RCCs, NCC, RELs and other federal technical assistance providers to ensure coordination and avoid duplication. Technical Oversight Oversee the design, implementation, and quality assurance of all center-led research activities under: - Applied Research -Training, Coaching, and Technical Support (TCTS) -Dissemination Ensure all products and services reflect rigorous research standards and evidence-based practices. Guide development of partnership logic models, measurement plans, and annual work plans. Management & Operations Supervise senior staff and subcontractors. Ensure timely delivery of all contract deliverables, reports, and milestones. Oversee budget management and resource allocation under a hybrid FFP/cost-reimbursable contract structure. Lead risk management, quality control, and performance monitoring efforts. Ensure compliance with IES, ED, privacy, security, accessibility, and records management requirements. Communication & Representation Represent FHI 360 and the research center in national and regional meetings, conferences, and convenings. Lead communication with senior education leaders and policymakers across the Southeast region. Support dissemination of findings and lessons learned to diverse audiences. Minimum Qualifications Advanced degree (EdD, or equivalent) (PhD preferred) in education, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, statistics, or related field. Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible experience in education research, technical assistance, education systems strengthening, or related field. Demonstrated experience leading large, complex federally funded education projects or contracts. Demonstrated expertise translating research into actionable guidance for education practitioners and policymakers. Experience engaging with SEAs, LEAs, and state education leadership. Strong understanding of education research methods, evidence standards, and continuous improvement approaches. Demonstrated management and supervisory experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams. Excellent written, facilitation, and verbal communication skills. The expected US Based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. Candidates 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 annually 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 never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org. FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself. Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal. FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives. To learn more, visit fhi360.org. 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. FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org. FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance.