Research Manager (Research Associate 1) - University of Connecticut (UConn)

JOB SUMMARY



The University of Connecticut School of Social Work seeks qualified applicants for a Research Manager (Research Associate 1).



We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Research Manager to join our team dedicated to the continuous quality improvement (CQI) of children's services. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in supporting and evaluating efforts to implement evidence-based models that have been designed by Innovations Institute, which is housed within the School of Social Work. Responsibilities may include analyzing performance data, conducting fidelity assessments, and generating insightful reports to inform training and development initiatives. The Research Manager will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify improvement opportunities and support the alignment of policies and procedures with best practices. Strong analytical skills, experience in data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to improving children’s services are essential. As a part of the School of Social Work, the Innovations Institute advances research-based, inclusive, culturally responsive, and transformative solutions for child-, youth-, and family-serving public systems through implementation support, workforce development, evaluation, and CQI. Positions with the Innovations Institute are fully remote, with expected travel to UConn’s Hartford Campus annually at the employee’s expense. A VISA sponsorship is not possible for this position.



The successful candidate will coordinate all CQI activities related to multiple practice models, including Wraparound (intensive care coordination), FOCUS (intermediate care coordination), Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), and Parent Peer Support. The Research Manager will also collaborate with local, state, and federal government agencies and other stakeholder groups supported by the Innovations Institute. Under the supervision of the Innovations research faculty, the person selected for this role will supervise a team of research assistants tasked with compiling and analyzing data and presenting findings to various stakeholders to guide systems and provider organizations. Our work focuses on translating evidence-based practices (EBPs) to the field, and promoting high-quality implementation of interventions designed to facilitate positive outcomes for children, youth, and families. Additionally, the Research Manager will support internal dissemination of CQI findings, ensuring effective communication of insights across teams to foster informed decision-making and continuous process development. This role involves developing and refining CQI processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in implementing EBPs. Join us in making a meaningful impact through data informed dissemination and decision-making on behalf of children, youth, and their families.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES





+ Under the supervision of research faculty, the Research Manager will supervise a team of staff dedicated to fulfilling the mission of the CQI unit.



+ Work closely with cross-functional teams, including social workers, educators, healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify CQI needs.



+ Develop CQI plans and processes, including study design, measurement, data collection, and data analysis.



+ Incorporate innovative approaches to data gathering/reporting and problem-solving.



+ Foster strong relationships with stakeholders to facilitate data sharing and collaborative problem-solving.



+ Provide technical assistance to service providers and public agencies in developing data collection procedures, building data collection instruments, regularly reviewing data, and providing feedback to resolve data quality and implementation issues.



+ Manage data sets, such as merging, recoding, and cleaning data using statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, STATA).



+ Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses that will provide actionable insights.



+ Oversee the development of data visualization templates and summaries to facilitate insights from the data collected for internal and external stakeholders.



+ Oversee report preparation by other research staff, including reviewing reports for quality and accuracy, and ensuring that reporting deadlines are met.



+ Present data and findings to various stakeholders, including academic audiences, policymakers, community partners, and organizational leadership.



+ Tailor presentations and reports to suit different audiences, making complex data accessible and understandable.



+ Translate data into practical applications and strategies that can be implemented within child-serving systems.



+ Use data to recommend program enhancements and support continuous improvement.



+ Utilize implementation science frameworks to guide the translation of lessons learned from CQI efforts into practice.



+ Work with policymakers and organizational leaders to integrate data and findings into policy and practice.



+ Stay updated on emerging research methodologies and integrate them into ongoing CQI projects.



+ Develop resources and tools to support the ongoing use of data in practice.



+ Provide evidence-based recommendations for policy changes and program development.



+ Monitor and evaluate the impact of data-informed policies and practices on child-serving systems.



+ Collaborate with researchers and evaluators from Innovations to integrate lessons learned from CQI, evaluation, and research projects.



+ Contribute to and manage work plans.



+ Perform other related duties as assigned.





Opportunities May Include





+ Co-author academic manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.



+ Contribute to the development and writing of federal, state, and private grant proposals.



+ Serve as a subject matter expert related to CQI efforts and quantitative data analysis.



+ Mentor other members of the research team, develop training, and provide continued guidance on data collection, analysis, and storage.



+ Serve as an expert resource to others internally and externally.





MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS





+ A PhD in social sciences, social work, human development, education, public policy, information management, or a related field; or a Master’s degree in one of these fields with at least 8 years of post-degree experience.



+ Demonstrated experience establishing and running CQI processes for multiple interventions and practice models.



+ Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relevant subject matter knowledge related to early childhood, child welfare, child behavioral health, and juvenile justice systems.



+ Experience performing literature reviews and presenting results.



+ Knowledge of design of research studies and data collection procedures.



+ Ability to understand and utilize scientific terminology and research theory.



+ Knowledge about regulations and ability to maintain the confidentiality of subjects and information obtained.



+ Experience with creating data visualizations and communicating data-based findings with diverse audiences.



+ Evidence of skill in statistical programming, data/statistical analysis, and interpreting findings using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, STATA) as well as spreadsheet applications.



+ Evidence of strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects at once, respond to tight timelines, pay attention to detail, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.





PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS





+ Experience developing and maintaining effective working relationships with partners, including funders, internal colleagues, and other stakeholders.



+ Experience partnering with diverse stakeholders to develop research agendas related to outcomes, feedback, and evaluations.



+ Demonstrated skill in using measurable and verifiable information for making decisions and judgments.



+ Knowledge of implementation science.



+ Experience merging, cleaning, and analyzing administrative databases.



+ Experience supervising other research staff including drafting CQI plans.



+ Ability to convey complex information in writing and orally so that it is easily understood by stakeholders and organizations.



+ Willing to learn how to effectively use technology.





APPOINTMENT TERMS



This is a full-time, end-date position subject to renewal based on funding and satisfactory performance. Positions with Innovations Institute are fully remote, in accordance with UConn's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy, with expected travel to UConn’s Hartford Campus annually at the employee’s expense. A VISA sponsorship is not possible for this position. Compensation will be based on experience and will range from $90,000 to $105,000 annually (full-time equivalent). A generous benefits package is provided that includes health, retirement, paid time off, and other benefits. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.



TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT



Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.



TO APPLY



Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498534 to upload a resume, cover letter, writing sample and contact information for three (3) professional references.



This job posting is open until filled.



All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.



All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.



The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.



The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.