Regional Educational Laboratory Southeast Director

FHI 360•US-REMOTE-NC, NC

3d•$160,000 - $190,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.