Posting Date: May 2025
Title: Research Associate/Director of Community Data Initiatives
Department: Center on Poverty and Community Development
Supervisor: Dr. Robert Fischer, Professor and Center Director
School: The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University
Location: Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Community Studies Center, 11402 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Research Associate/Director of Community Data Initiatives is a leadership role within the Center on Poverty and Community Development. This position will strategically guide, design, and manage community-responsive research projects with an emphasis on data related to the built environment, real property, and neighborhood conditions. The incumbent will support strategic planning, foster external partnerships, coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive the long-term growth and sustainability of the Center鈥檚 data infrastructure. This role requires a high degree of independence and a strong ability to represent the Center externally.
The Center on Poverty and Community Development engages with community partners, aiming to understand and address poverty by delving into its human, social and economic implications, as experienced at the levels of the family and the community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Lead community-facing data strategy (25%)
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with community agencies to inform and direct the Center鈥檚 research initiatives and public tools. Represent the Center at public events, conferences, and in meetings with key stakeholders.
2. Manage community data platforms and tools (20%)
Oversee development and management of neighborhood indicator systems and online data tools to ensure they are timely, user-friendly, and responsive to community needs. Guide the intake, processing, and documentation of property-related and other community-level data.
3. Lead research project design and execution (20%)
Serve as PI or key researcher on funded projects; co-develop proposals and fulfill IRB, grant reporting, and deliverable obligations. Coordinate internal project teams and ensure alignment with funder and community expectations.
4. Supervise staff and student teams (15%)
Provide mentorship and day-to-day support for research staff and students, ensuring high-quality work and professional development. Coordinate the work of remote teams and subcontractors as necessary.
5. Facilitate cross-project alignment and strategy (10%)
Act as liaison across project teams within the Center, ensuring effective communication, shared vision, and timely execution of deliverables. Support the Co-Directors in strategic decision-making related to project portfolio and growth.
6. Develop knowledge outputs and public communications (10%)
Write technical reports, community briefs, and scholarly articles. Collaborate on public-facing communications and tool content related to community analytics.
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Support marketing and outreach related to Center initiatives (<1% of time) and outreach related to Center initiatives.
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1% of time)
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent coordination with Co-Directors, research staff, and students on project planning and execution.
University: Moderate collaboration with IRB, administrative offices, and other university partners.
External: Frequent contact with external partners to develop and manage community partnerships, present findings to public stakeholders, negotiate data sharing.
Students: Frequent contact with undergraduate and graduate research assistants and interns to supervise their work.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly supervise graduate research assistants, undergraduate students, and subcontracted analysts as needed. Participate in hiring, training, evaluation, and work planning processes.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
Minimum 10 years of experience in applied social science, public policy, or community development research settings. Required experience includes project design and management, data governance, statistical/spatial analysis, and public-facing communication. Knowledge of and analytical experience with Cuyahoga County property data systems and collaborating with community-based organizations is essential.
Education/Licensing:
Master鈥檚 degree in social science, public policy, urban studies, or related field required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Strong data system strategic planning and project management abilities
2. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
3. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
4. Fluency with data analysis and GIS tools (e.g., R, ArcGIS, STATA, SAS, or similar)
5. Experience managing large administrative or property-related datasets
6. Knowledge of real property laws, housing policy, or urban planning frameworks
7. Ability to represent research work to non-academic and policy audiences
8. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, collaborative platforms, and web-based data tools
9. Ability to work collaboratively and independently and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
10. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
11. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office-based work with flexibility for hybrid arrangements. Occasional travel is required for community meetings or conferences. May require attendance at evening/weekend events on occasion.
For consideration, please forward CV/resume and cover letter to CPCD Coordinator,
Erin Pophal at [email protected]
EEO statement
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Reasonable Accommodation
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at [email protected]. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.