Research Associate/Director of Community Data Initiatives

Research Associate/Director of Community Data Initiatives

Posted May 22, 2025

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's 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's 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 (