Director of Applied Research

The OrganizationWoodstock Institute is a leading nonprofit research and policy organization in the areas of fair lending, wealthcreation, and financial systems reform. Woodstock Institute works locally and nationally to create a financialsystem in which lower-wealth persons and communities of color can safely borrow, save, and build wealth sothat they can achieve economic security and community prosperity. Our key tools include: applied research;policy development; coalition building; and technical assistance. Woodstock Institute has been a recognizedeconomic justice leader and bridge-builder between communities and policymakers since it was founded in1973 near Woodstock, Illinois. Now based in Chicago, we work with community and philanthropic groups,financial institutions, and policymakers. Funded by foundation grants, consulting fees, and charitabledonations, we conduct research on financial products and practices, promote effective local, state, and federalpolicies, convene a coalition of community investment stakeholders working to improve access to credit, andhelp people use our work to understand the issues and develop and implement solutions.The PositionThe Director of Applied Research designs and conducts applied research projects to:Examine the relationships between economic and demographic characteristics and disparities inaccess to economic opportunity,Support Woodstock Institute’s policy advocacy, which gives qualified research professionals anunusually good opportunity to see how the results of their research have an impact in policy changes,andExpand and maintain Woodstock’s Community Lending Data Portals and Mapping Tools tofacilitate access to mortgage and business lending data for community groups, advocates, policymakers, and other stakeholders.Key Organizational RelationshipsThe Director is a member of the senior management team and reports to the President and CEO. TheDirector supervises the research staff, including the Research Analyst, Associate and/or Assistant, interns,and independent contractors. The Director collaborates with local and national colleagues on researchprojects, and works in close collaboration with the policy, communications, development, and administrativestaff.Duties and ResponsibilitiesDesign and conduct applied research projects in support of Woodstock Institute’s missionProduce and publish reports, fact sheets, and presentationsRepresent Woodstock Institute through participation or speaking engagements at meetings, conferences, and through various media channelsSupervise research team, including updates of online Community Lending Data Portals and Mapping Tools and operation of Technical Assistance ProgramPlay a major role in the formation of foundation and corporate grants and contracts including providing detailed information for narratives, goals, outcomes, evaluation and budgets for grant proposals and reports, as well as implementing research contractsStay abreast of developments in the field and participate in professional development activitiesParticipate in communications, media, and advocacy outreach as appropriateCollaborate with local and national colleagues on research and coalition workLead Woodstock’s Research Committee of the Board of Directors and manage the network of Senior Research FellowsOther duties, as assigned and justified.QualificationsRequiredExperienced researcher with a graduate degree in economics, urban planning, policy, or related field, with strong quantitative research and analysis skillsAt least 5 years’ experience in research and policy advocacy in areas of fair lending, wealth creation, community development and/or financial systems reform, including work with HMDA, CRA, small business lending data, consumer lending data, and public data at the local levelExcellent English language writing, public speaking, and presentation skills; demonstrated ability to write, edit, and publish research reports and related policy recommendationsDemonstrated commitment to social and economic justice issues as evidenced by professional or personal workWarm and collaborative interpersonal skills; comfortable with diverse groups, including community groups, nonprofit advocates, funders, policymakers, regulators, and academicsAbility to work independently and meet deadlines while juggling multiple tasks requiring attention to detailAt least 2 years’ experience in hiring, training, and supervising junior staff and/or internsWilling and able to travel within the state and across the countryWork in the downtown Chicago office at least 3 days per week.PreferredPh.D. in a related fieldFundraising and grant writing/reporting experience, as well as soliciting research contractsSpanish language skills would be a plusSalary and BenefitsSalary depends on experience and qualifications. Starting range for a person with a master’s degree andminimum required experience begins at $75,000 per year. Benefits include medical, dental, vision andretirement.How to ApplyTo apply, send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of three professional references to the researchinbox at research@woodstockinst.org. Deadline to apply is midnight Central Time on June 14, 2024.Woodstock Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
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