**Job Title: **Associate Director of Research

**Department: **Social Impact

**Location: **Remote/Virtual within the Continental US

**Reports to: **Senior Director of Applied Research

**Classification: **Exempt

**Position type: **Full-Time Employee

**Pay Band: **$79,632 - $119,448

Blue Star FamiliesBlue Star Families is a growing non-profit (Military Service Organization (MSO)) with a history of delivering innovative solutions. We're the team that senior DoD leaders seek out when they want ground truth on issues facing our military families. Our team members are motivated individuals that help each other do remarkable things for military families to bridge the civilian-military divide every day. We deliver first-class solutions that transform the military experience for military family members. We operate in an agile arena where great minds come together to make life better for military members and their families. We focus on data-driven insights while understanding the value of spirited storytelling. And we do all this in a highly flexible, virtual environment with great benefits! Our diverse and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging among our team resulting in innovative and creative decision-making.

Are you ready to make a difference for the families of those who serve our great nation? We are the ideal match for the innovator, the out-of-the-box, strategic thinker who understands the value of social impact.

General DescriptionThe Associate Director of Research is responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of Blue Star Families’ primary research initiative, the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey and other targeted research projects. They identify organizational opportunities to apply research findings and recommendations to meet the greatest needs facing military families and collaborate on both strategic and tactical levels with the other departments of Blue Star Families to execute initiatives.

Key Job Functions

Design and oversee rigorous, impactful and efficient mixed-method research, for the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey, topical Pulse Checks, and other short-term and long-term research projects.
Provide input on proposed project and scope of work
Collaborate with the Government Affairs team, conduct informational interviews, and maintain awareness of policies impacting military and Veteran families to inform topic development for research.
Oversee the design of survey questionnaires and interview protocols
Oversee the design of rigorous sampling plans for both quantitative and qualitative data collection
Oversee fielding, coordinating with internal BSF teams.
Use Tableau to develop data insights for research findings or as needed, including formatting data for use by other members of the research team for analysis.
Interpret appropriate quantitative and qualitative research analyses and draft research findings
Provide oversight and quality assurance for research and data collection
Review and approve reports and findings
Coordinate policy recommendations with Government Affairs team
Identify and elevate barriers to project completion, provide recommendations for solutions to SD
Ensure assigned research projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with ethical best research practices
Provide after-action reviews for each project phase as it closes.
Develop relationships and collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders, existing and potential research partners, and subject matter experts
Partner with leaders across the Impact function for community outreach for survey design and participation
Manage and expand BSF’s current issues portfolio by developing other opportunities for research in the area of military family issues
Prepare and participate in key presentations and/or media interviews grounded in aMFLS and other research findings to advance Blue Star Families’ mission and the Applied Research team’s thought leadership.
Support proposal development as needed and interface with key funders upon request
Lead, train, support, and develop qualified personnel, consultants and Fellows
Maintain a professional climate that attracts, retains, and develops top quality personnel, both paid and volunteer
Perform other duties as assigned

Required Experience, Skills, Background

Advanced degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Education, or a related field
5+ years experience in analytical research (quantitative and qualitative) including the ability to design research instruments and manage research teams
Demonstrated experience in mixed-methods research design, including complex survey research, program evaluation, longitudinal research
Demonstrated administrative, strategic, and leadership skills
Tableau Data Analyst certification or the ability to complete this certification within the first 6 months of employment
Proven skill and comfort in managing and prioritizing multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent writing and editing skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively and constructively across disciplines and with partners
An ability to work independently and deliver a high-quality work product in a fast-paced environment
Out-of-town, overnight travel may be required
May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to carry out key job functions

Desired Experience, Skills & Background

Experience with membership-driven organizations
Familiarity with the military and/or Veteran community

More About Blue Star FamiliesBlue Star Families empowers military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors — both people and organizations — to create strong communities of mutual support. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another.

Our groundbreaking research is raising the nation's awareness of the unique challenges of military family life. With the help of neighbors across the country, Blue Star Families is overcoming the isolation and alienation of frequent moves, deployments, and reduced support from the government. Our innovative programs are solving specific challenges for military families, including fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming, and providing critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.

Blue Star Families is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EEO PolicyBlue Star Families is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why Blue Star Families?

Virtual/remote nonprofit organization that moves with you (position specific)
Career growth opportunities
Excellent benefits (403(b) with matching, Flexible Spending, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Communications Allowance, and more)
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active Duty Military Spouses
On-the-job professional development training
Front-line opportunity to positively impact the military experience
Competitive salaries
Workplace flexibility