Director, Research

Director, Research

The Director, Research will serve as a senior leader on the Financial Health Network’s Research team, responsible for advancing FHN’s research agenda through research operations, data innovation, methodological excellence, business development, and team leadership. This Director will oversee the design, execution, and dissemination of high-impact research that contributes to FHN’s research strategy and overall mission, strengthens FHN’s leadership in financial health measurement, and connects data to the real-world issues that matter most for improving people’s financial lives.

The Director will lead major data collection and research initiatives on core and emerging topics while building the infrastructure, partnerships, and team capabilities needed to sustain a growing portfolio of survey, big data, and mixed-methods research that moves and guides financial services providers and employers, as well as core stakeholders in the nonprofit, philanthropic, regulatory, and policy sectors, to take action on financial health.

This role will report to the Vice President, Research & Insights, supervise other Research Team members (Managers and Associates), and work closely with the other Research Director to manage research strategy, execution, business development, and thought leadership across the organization. This role will also work cross-functionally with the Financial Services Solutions, Workplace Solutions, Membership, and Marketing & Communications teams to ensure high-quality research support for consulting projects and other enterprise-wide initiatives to support FHN’s commitment to financial health for all.

Bachelor’s degree in a social science, economics, data science, policy, or similar field required; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Chicago IL-preferred, Washington DC, or Remote (U.S. based)

$122,000- $134,000 (Annual). The skills and experience of qualified candidates will determine the exact compensation for which this job is filled.

• 10+ years of professional industry, nonprofit, and/or academic experience with demonstrated success leading research teams and overseeing research project portfolios, including managing large-scale complex primary research projects.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in financial health and well-being, or related topics.
• Demonstrated methodological expertise in one or more of the following areas: survey design and administration; applied quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods; or impact measurement or program evaluation.
• Preference for candidates with experience in data governance and comfort working with large datasets, especially administrative data (such as financial institution account, transactional, and/or credit data).
• Proficiency in at least one statistical or programming language;
  Stata or R preferred.
• Proven ability to translate data into insight, influence, and action, connecting research to strategy, policy, and practice through thought leadership, consulting, and other activities.
• Track record of strategic thinking, curiosity, methodological innovation, and problem-solving within and across teams.
• Strong people and project management skills, including experience managing research staff and fostering team learning and collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex findings for and motivate diverse audiences, both technical and non-technical.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion in research design, execution, and dissemination.
• Preference for candidates with successful track records in research fundraising, business development, and/or partnership cultivation (philanthropic, government, or industry), including familiarity with grant-writing and the contract proposal process.
• Ability to commit to up to 10% domestic travel.

• Partner with the VP of Research & Insights and the Research team to shape and implement FHN’s multiyear research strategy and agenda.
• Advancing FHN’s leadership in financial health measurement to shape industry practice, policy, and the…