Introduction

The National Women’s Business Council is a non-partisan federal advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of impact and importance to women entrepreneurs. As the government’s only independent voice for women entrepreneurs, the Council’s mission is two-fold: to support and conduct groundbreaking research that provides insight into women business enterprises from startup to success, and to share the findings to ultimately incite constructive action and policies. For more information, please visit www.nwbc.gov.

 

Job Duties

The Director of Research is responsible for: 1) developing the Council’s robust and relevant research agenda – including internal and contracted projects; 2) managing the related research contracts and consultants to execute the projects within the research portfolio; and 3) creating and producing related products to support the distribution of the research and inform policy and program recommendations. This position is critical to the mission of the Council, as the research will be leveraged to develop & propose insightful, actionable policy and program recommendations. This position reports directly to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities include:

  • Facilitating the development of a compelling and forward-thinking research agenda, in collaboration with the Executive Director, Chair, Council Members, and staff;
  • Providing regular updates on Council and other related research, as well as pending and passed related legislation from Congress, news and policy debates, and progress made on previous recommendations of the Council;
  • Directing and managing all research and data collection processes, including determining the focus of studies, deadlines, and reports;
  • Serving as the designated Contracting Officer Representative (COR) on research contracts, directing and managing all vendors subcontracted for research and data collection;
  • Serving as the point of contact for any entity interested in partnering with NWBC on a study, research project, or data collection effort;
  • Presenting research at appropriate events & conferences;
  • Working with Director of Communications to develop and support the marketing and communications strategy for Council research – for both internal and external audiences; and
  • Preparing research-related materials for internal and external distribution, including, but not limited to research summaries, press releases, blogs, toolkits, fact sheets, and talking points.

Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree, at a minimum, in a related field;
  • A minimum of 5 years of related experience, including: research design and development, data analysis, project management, research presentation, and outreach and engagement;
  • Previous experience managing staff and/or consultants, as well as projects;
  • Demonstrated proficiency on issues related to entrepreneurship and business ownership;
  • Proven and highly effective written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to multitask and shift priorities; aptitude for working on deadline in a fast- paced environment; and
  • Strong organizational and critical thinking skills, as well as attention to detail; and
  • Commitment to the Council’s mission.

**This position requires the Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR); the NWBC will schedule and pay for this certification upon hiring

A successful candidate will:

  • Have a graduate degree in a related field and/or academic experience;
  • Have an ability to effectively communicate complex materials, including economic issues, legislation, and data;
  • Have excellent presentation skills, notably with complex material and diverse audiences;
  • Have demonstrated research design expertise;
  • Have experience with government procurement, writing and managing contracts
  • Exhibit strong relationship and project management skills;
  • Exhibit strong writing, proofing, and editing skills;
  • Be capable of planning, prioritizing, and organizing;
  • Be creative, innovative, and forward thinking – ability to propose new strategies & ideas to advance the Council’s priorities and then drive to move them forward;
  • Have relationships with like-minded organizations, policy advocates, and research institutions;
  • Display a high level of interpersonal skills and judgment, exhibiting poise, tact, and diplomacy; and
  • Work well with others and bring a positive & constructive attitude to the workplace and the Council.

Compensation: Salary negotiable based on qualifications and experience. Full government benefits are included.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter, resume and references to amanda.brown@nwbc.gov with “Director of Research” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they come in; the position will be filled as soon as possible.

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