Applied Research Director and Assistant Vice President Community Development and Engagement

Company

Federal Reserve Bank of MinneapolisThe Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis seeks a seasoned applied researcher to lead a talented team of economists, data scientists, and research assistants focused on understanding how low- and moderate-income individuals, households, and communities—across the 9th District and Indian Country—are faring economically. This leadership position within our Community Development and Engagement (CDE) division leads their own work and shapes the work of our applied research team to inform public policy discussions through applied research, analysis, and convenings. Our work is currently focused on three areas: housing and homeownership, labor market policies, and Native economies through the Center for Indian Country Development (CICD). CICD is a national research and policy institute advancing our understanding of Indian Country economies through actionable data and research.

The research team in CDE is responsible for shaping the research aspects of these focus areas by conducting our own applied research and analysis. The team partners with our division’s policy and engagement functions to shed light on community conditions and contribute issue-specific expertise to inform the strategies of our initiatives. This partnership brings research and practice to informed audiences of practitioners, policy makers and other community leaders.

In this role as a senior member of the leadership team, you would:
•serve as a thought leader and shape the development of the division’s research agenda,
•manage the work of the research team and conduct your own research in alignment with our focus areas,
•contribute to the overall strategic direction of the division,
•inform senior bank leadership on economic and community development issues,
•and build external networks and partnerships with researchers and other community members.

We are looking for a big-picture thinker with the ability to advance their own aligned research and oversee quantitative, policy-relevant social science research focused on low- and moderate-income communities. Experience with original data collection—from both research design and operational perspectives—is a strong plus.

Research Direction, Agenda-Setting, Review and Communication: Leading a team of data scientists and economists and set a research agenda that advances division objectives. Work with CDE leaders and team members to select and shepherd rigorous research in a way that maximizes potential utilization of findings that inform policy discussions and practice, promoting economic growth and stability for lower-income individuals. Provide methodological review to research and manage the overall research process, ensuring it is rigorous, objective, and consistent with econometric practices. As part of this management, ensure that CDE research output is rooted in the larger body of evidence on a given topic.

Promote a process for clearly communicating research findings in a variety of formats. Partner with Public Affairs and CDE communications teams to maximize research impact. Effectively represent the division’s research to senior leaders both internally and externally, safeguarding the accuracy and credibility of the research, particularly in communication with non-researcher audiences including the media.

Strategic Vision and Thought Leadership: Participate in the development of division focus areas and associated goals, as well as division management policies. With other CDE leaders, support the effectiveness of division operations by overseeing some administrative operations.

Provide regular briefings to senior Bank leadership on emerging issues and current policy discussions pertinent to lower-income communities. Develop broad-based knowledge pertaining to our focus areas and environmental factors affecting them to be able to inform the above strategic work.

Division/Team Management and Development: Effectively leverage the broad set of knowledge and skills across the team when identifying projects and roles. Support creative ideas and risk-taking that promote division objectives. Provide supervision and constructive feedback to help team members achieve their potential, identify growth opportunities, and create development plans. Help staff solve research and technical problems that arise in their work and connect them with experts inside and outside the Federal Reserve System who can improve their projects.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Foster strong collaboration across the division, the Bank, and the Federal Reserve System. Identify and develop relationships and/or partnerships to spur change or to take on research questions related to how we collectively understand and respond to issues faced by low-income populations—particularly through analytical work. Passion for connecting research findings to the informed public is key.

Qualifications:

*Doctorate in economics, public policy, or a related field

*8-10 years of experience; and prior supervisory or management experience is preferred.

*Track record producing and managing quantitative research related to lower-income individuals or communities. Demonstrated experience managing research leading to changes in policy and/or programs. Familiarity with research on housing and labor markets and/or Native economies preferred.

*Proven leadership and strategic vision, including a forward-thinking orientation, an ability to work productively on a multi-disciplinary team, supporting and motivating professional staff, and influencing positive outcomes aligned with an organization’s vision, values, and goals.

*Demonstrated ability to present research findings in an array of accessible formats to reach a broad audience of stakeholders from experts to the informed public. Experience supporting a communications strategy (publications, website, social media) preferred.

*Demonstrated ability to foster a creative and innovative environment. Excellent skills developing and motivating team members. Ability to support staff with innovation in a larger division and institution. 

*Demonstrated ability to foster a team-oriented and collaborative approach. Demonstrated ability to build research partnerships across organizations and a broad network is preferred.

The salary range is $158,500-286,500. Salary and position offer will be based on qualifications/experience of the candidate, alignment with market data, the needs of the position, our total compensation package, and internal equity.  

Our total rewards program offers benefits that are the best fit for you at every stage of your career: 

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision) 

• 401(k) match, and a fully funded pension plan 

• Paid time off and holidays 

• Free public transportation passes 

• Annual educational assistance 

• On-site fitness facility

• Professional development programs, training and conferences 

• And more… 

This position requires a regular on-site presence.

The Minneapolis Fed is committed to fostering an environment where all employees are respected and valued. We provide equal employment opportunity to all persons and we work together to pursue an economy that works for all of us. 

Full Time / Part Time

Full time

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Job Exempt (Yes / No)

Yes

Job Category

Work Shift

First (United States of America)

The Federal Reserve Banks are committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and job applicants in compliance with applicable law and to an environment where employees are valued for their differences.

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