Social Science Director

CHILD USA is not your typical nonprofit – we are a 'Think-And-Do-Tank' and we're on a mission to make the world a place where children are safe and happy. This is a collaborative group that both challenges and supports one another. We are a hands-on organization with opportunities to grow and thrive.

Join us! We are a small but mighty team of lawyers, social scientists, academics, and champions for survivors. We create the data-based reports used across the country and throughout the world in courtrooms and in capitals. We are committed to producing quality, groundbreaking research and writing peer-reviewed publications to educate and activate like-minded communities to rally and advance the civil rights of children with special focus on child sexual abuse, medical neglect and educational neglect.

CHILD USA has experienced significant growth since its inception and seeks to hire a mission-driven, energetic candidate with a Ph.D. and a minimum of 3-5 years of management experience to lead its Social Science Department.

CHILD USA is headquartered in University City, Philadelphia. This is a full-time, hybrid position with a minimum of 2 days in the office on Wednesday and Thursday.

Description:

The Social Science Director provides leadership to ensure that CHILD USA achieves its overall mission to promote children’s rights and prevent child abuse. The Social Science Director leads, manages, and supports all members of the Social Science Department, including Social Science Researchers, Coordinators, Visiting Scholars, and interns.

The Social Science Director will report to the Executive Director. The Social Science Director will act as a member of the Executive Team, which shapes the strategic growth of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead comprehensive social science research projects focused on child abuse, neglect, and protection.
• Author and publish peer-reviewed journal publications
• Lead the process of securing grant funding throughout, from pre- to post-award.
• Measure grant outcomes and impact
• Distribute responsibilities to members of the Social Science department
• Design and implement research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, quasi-experimental designs, surveys, case analysis, long-term follow-up intervention studies, among others.
• Analyze data and generate impactful reports and publications specific to their intended audience. This may be public-facing: for example, reports to inform policy and legislative efforts or for youth-serving organizations.
• Continuously analyze and improve workflows, creating documentation for procedures and processes.
• Collaborate with legal and advocacy teams to integrate research findings into actionable strategies.
• Supervise and mentor research staff and interns.
• Represent CHILD USA at conferences, workshops, and other public forums.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in social sciences, psychology, public health, sociology, or related field
• 5 years experience in conducting and managing social science research projects, including grant applications and publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated ability to secure research funding, preferably with experience in federal grants
• In-depth understanding of grant cycles
• Experience with Grant Management Software or relational databases
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in analytic software such as R, SPSS, Qualtrics, Dedoose, and/or related software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate research for a variety of audiences
• Well-organized with the capability to manage multiple projects
• Passion for child advocacy and protecting children’s rights
• Leadership experience with the ability to manage and inspire a team

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including healthcare coverage,
• Opportunity to work with a dedicated and mission-driven team.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.

Job Type: Full-time, M-F 9am-5pm

Job Location: Hybrid in Philadelphia, PA. Must be able to be in the office at least Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Hiring timeline: Applications due by October 1, 2024. Interviews will begin on a rolling basis as the candidate pool develops. Anticipated start date is November 4, 2024.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample (preferably a published paper in a peer-reviewed journal or an accepted grant application of which the candidate was the PI or one of the main investigators) as a single PDF to [email protected] with the subject line "Social Science Director Application."

CHILD USA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children. Strong applicants will still be considered if they meet most but not all preferred qualifications, so we encourage you to apply.